M.S. in Biomedical Engineering

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Engineering is a research-focused program designed to help you build advanced expertise and make meaningful contributions to human health. You’ll develop skills in multiscale quantitative analysis and engineering design while working at the intersection of engineering and the life sciences.

The program prepares you for careers across industry, academia, and government, supported by both coursework and professional development opportunities. Compared to the Ph.D., the M.S. offers a more streamlined curriculum with fewer course requirements, allowing you to focus on your research and academic goals.

Research

As an M.S. student, you will gain hands-on experience conducting independent research. You’ll complete a master’s thesis under the guidance of a faculty advisor within the Cornell University Graduate Field of Biomedical Engineering, supported by a special committee. You’ll work in a highly collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, engaging with faculty across multiple colleges as well as partners at Weill Cornell Medicine and Cornell Tech. This structure gives you access to a wide range of expertise, facilities, and research opportunities.

Research Areas

Faculty span several core research areas, allowing you to explore and specialize in topics aligned with your interests while contributing to innovative, real-world biomedical solutions.

Special Committee

You select a special committee of faculty to supervise your academic progress. This committee helps you tailor the program to your interests, merging traditional disciplines. At a minimum, master’s students must select one faculty member to represent the chair of their committee and a second member to represent their minor subject. Master’s degree students must complete their special committee selection by the end of the second semester.

Visit the Cornell Graduate School page on nominating your chair and special committee for additional information.