M.S. in Aerospace Engineering
The M.S. in Aerospace Engineering at UCF is a 30-credit hour program, typically complet...
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering
Orlando, Florida
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Biomedical Engineering at UCF is structured to provide students with a deep understanding of modern biomedical engineering tools, relevant physiology and biology, and contemporary topics in medical technology. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options, requiring 30 graduate-level credit hours. Students can specialize through various tracks, including Biofluids, Biomechanics, and an accelerated B.S. to M.S. pathway. There's also a unique M.D./M.S.BME track for medical students seeking to integrate engineering expertise with clinical practice.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to instill professional skills essential for the biomedical engineering industry. Core courses typically include foundational topics such as Mechanics of Biostructures, Bioinstrumentation, and various Topics in Biomedical Engineering. Depending on the chosen track, students delve into specialized areas. For example, the Biofluids track emphasizes computational fluid dynamics for cardiovascular and lung cancer treatment planning, while the Biomechanics track focuses on areas like developmental dysplasia of the hip, cellular mechanics, image-guided surgery, and soft robotics. The program emphasizes advanced engineering studies, incorporating elements of research, analysis, design, and experimentation.
Research Focus: Research within the Biomedical Engineering program at UCF is highly interdisciplinary, often collaborating with the College of Medicine. Key research areas include translational research in multi-scale computational fluid dynamics for cardiovascular and lung cancer treatment planning, upper airway fluid mechanics, and bioacoustics for patient monitoring. In biomechanics, research extends to cellular mechanics, force-induced biochemical responses, image-guided surgery, surgical robotics, and biomechanics of movement rehabilitation. The department also focuses on areas like engineered tissue model systems, diagnostic bioimaging and sensor systems, and therapeutic and reparative neurotechnology, aiming to develop innovative medical technologies and advance clinical medicine.
Industry Engagement: The program actively prepares students for the growing biomedical engineering industry, particularly in Florida, which boasts a high employment rate for bioengineers. Graduates are instilled with the professional skills sought by manufacturing, healthcare, and scientific services sectors. While specific formal industry partnerships are not explicitly detailed for the MS program, the curriculum's emphasis on practical application, modern tools, and research areas directly aligns with industry needs. Faculty expertise often includes professionals with industry backgrounds, and the program aims to produce graduates ready for research and development roles.
Global Perspective: While not explicitly highlighted as a core theme, UCF's overall commitment to diversity and its broad international student body inherently contribute to a global perspective within its programs. The nature of biomedical engineering, addressing universal health challenges and leveraging global scientific advancements, naturally fosters a global outlook among its students. The university's general admission requirements for international students and support services indicate an inclusive environment that benefits from diverse perspectives. Graduates are prepared for careers in a multi-disciplinary, global industry, reflecting the worldwide impact of biomedical engineering innovations.
Location
Orlando, Florida
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 21603
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $31
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 80 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships aim to ease the financial burden and recognize the outstanding achievements and potential of students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UCF provides merit-based scholarships for international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships are highly competitive and can significantly reduce tuition costs. Some notable merit scholarships include the Global Knight Scholarship, which is awarded to high-achieving international freshmen based on GPA and standardized test scores.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While need-based financial aid is more limited for international students at UCF compared to domestic students, some resources may be available through external scholarship programs or private organizations. UCF encourages international students to explore scholarships offered by their home countries or international foundations.
College-Specific Scholarships: Several colleges within UCF offer scholarships tailored to students pursuing specific fields of study. For example, the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Business Administration have dedicated scholarships that international students can apply for based on merit, research potential, or career interests.
Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships: International graduate students at UCF have access to various funding options, including research assistantships, teaching assistantships, and graduate fellowships. These positions often provide tuition waivers and stipends, allowing students to gain valuable professional experience while funding their education.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Central Florida (UCF) prepares graduates for a diverse range of impactful careers within the rapidly evolving healthcare technology sector. With a strong emphasis on research, design, analysis, testing, and product development, UCF alumni are well-equipped to contribute to advancements that improve human health. Florida's growing biomedical industry further enhances career prospects for UCF graduates.
Biomedical Engineer (Research & Development): This is a core role, involving the design, development, and testing of new medical devices, equipment, and systems. This can range from artificial organs and prosthetics to advanced diagnostic imaging machines and surgical robotics. They often work in research labs, manufacturing companies, or academic institutions, pushing the boundaries of medical innovation.
Clinical Engineer: Operating within hospitals and healthcare facilities, clinical engineers bridge the gap between medical technology and patient care. They are responsible for the installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and training of medical staff on complex biomedical equipment, ensuring its safe and effective use.
Rehabilitation Engineer: Specializing in assistive and rehabilitative technologies, these engineers design and develop devices and systems to aid individuals with physical or cognitive impairments. This can include designing custom prosthetics, orthotics, wheelchairs, and other adaptive equipment to enhance quality of life.
Quality Engineer (Medical Devices): Ensuring the safety, effectiveness, and regulatory compliance of medical devices is crucial. Quality engineers develop and implement quality control systems, conduct inspections, and ensure products meet stringent industry standards and government regulations (e.g., FDA).
Biomaterials Engineer: Focusing on the development and application of materials used in medical devices and implants, biomaterials engineers research, test, and design biocompatible materials for products like artificial joints, tissue scaffolds, and drug delivery systems.
Product Development Engineer: In the medical device industry, these engineers are involved in the entire lifecycle of a product, from concept and design to manufacturing and launch. They consider functionality, usability, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
Medical Imaging Specialist/Engineer: With expertise in modalities like MRI, CT, and ultrasound, these professionals work on the development, optimization, and application of medical imaging systems. They may be involved in designing new imaging techniques or improving existing ones for better diagnosis.
Bioinstrumentation Engineer: These engineers focus on the design and development of instruments and sensors used for measuring, monitoring, and diagnosing biological and physiological parameters. This could include creating new biosensors, patient monitoring systems, or laboratory analysis equipment.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Given the highly regulated nature of the medical device industry, regulatory affairs specialists ensure that products comply with all national and international regulations. They prepare and submit regulatory documents, manage approvals, and provide guidance on compliance issues.
Research Scientist (Biomedical): For those passionate about fundamental scientific discovery, a research scientist role involves conducting in-depth studies in areas such as tissue engineering, cell mechanics, bioinformatics, and computational biology. They often work in university labs, government agencies, or biotechnology companies, contributing to the foundational knowledge that drives future innovations.
