Masters of Public Administration
Gannon University, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Publi...
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering
Erie, Pennsylvania
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
Gannon University, situated in Erie, Pennsylvania, USA, offers a Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Engineering (BME) through its College of Engineering and Business. This advanced program is designed to bridge traditional engineering expertise with applications in biology and medicine, ultimately enhancing healthcare and improving the quality of life for patients. The program provides a comprehensive education in this rapidly evolving field, preparing graduates to apply engineering product and process design strategies to complex medical problems. Gannon's BME program is particularly focused on increasing the functional capabilities of individuals with physical disabilities and the study of materials for biomedical applications.
STEM-designated: Yes, Gannon University's M.S. in Biomedical Engineering program is STEM-designated. This classification is advantageous, particularly for international students on F-1 visas, as it allows for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period of 36 months, significantly enhancing post-graduation work opportunities in the U.S. This designation reflects the program's rigorous analytical and technical nature, aligning with the growing demand for scientifically and technologically adept professionals in the biomedical sector.
Curriculum: The M.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Gannon is typically a 30-credit-hour program that can be completed in 1.5 to 2 years. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in core biomedical engineering principles and offers students the flexibility to specialize. Students can choose from two tracks: Biomechatronics or Biomaterials. Core coursework often includes advanced biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging and signal processing, tissue engineering, biomedical device design and manufacturing, and healthcare systems and regulatory affairs. The program also offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and medical devices, utilizing state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities. A culminating project or thesis allows students to apply their knowledge to a significant biomedical problem.
Research Focus: The Gannon M.S. in Biomedical Engineering program incorporates a strong research focus, encouraging students to engage in both basic and translational research to improve health outcomes through interdisciplinary scientific discovery. Students are trained to analyze data and apply critical thinking skills to identify biomedical problems, manage risk, and propose data-driven recommendations or solutions. Faculty members are actively involved in research across various themes, including biomaterials, additive and bio-manufacturing, bio-heat and mass transfer, biomechanics and motion-tracking, bio-robotics and biomimetics, rehabilitation engineering, and virtual reality. This active research environment provides ample opportunities for students to participate in projects, attend conferences, and contribute to scientific publications.
Industry Engagement: Gannon University's M.S. in Biomedical Engineering program demonstrates significant industry engagement. The program actively collaborates with healthcare institutions and industry partners, providing students with valuable opportunities for hands-on experience and professional networking. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the healthcare sector and medical industry, with a focus on identifying new medical product opportunities and conducting projects in collaboration with relevant partners. Gannon emphasizes experiential learning and internships, connecting students with leading organizations and potential employers in the biomedical field. The regional initiative to establish a "Bio Tech" corridor between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, which Gannon aims to include Erie in, further strengthens industry ties.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Biomedical Engineering program at Gannon University inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing universal challenges in health and medicine. Biomedical engineers work to enhance healthcare globally, developing solutions for conditions that affect people worldwide. The principles of designing prosthetic limbs, artificial organs, regenerating tissue, creating drug formulations, and developing pharmaceuticals are universally applicable. While the program does not explicitly feature international study components, Gannon's diverse student body, representing over 70 countries, enriches the learning environment with varied cultural insights and prepares graduates to collaborate effectively in international teams within the global healthcare and medical device industries. The ethical considerations of medical technology, a key aspect of the program, also carry global implications.
Location
Erie, Pennsylvania
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 19605
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
Gannon University offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students pursuing their studies in the United States. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and contributions to the campus community, making education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students at Gannon University are eligible for competitive merit-based scholarships that reward strong academic performance, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable based on maintaining academic standards.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based financial assistance may be available to international students demonstrating financial need. Applicants are encouraged to communicate their situation during the admission process for consideration.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Engineering (BME) from Gannon University is a robust, STEM-designated program that prepares graduates to innovate at the intersection of engineering and healthcare. With a curriculum spanning biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging, and device design, and emphasizing practical application, Gannon's BME graduates are well-equipped to address critical challenges in medicine and improve patient outcomes. The program's focus on increasing functional capabilities for individuals with disabilities and studying materials for biomedical applications further hones specialized skills.
Medical Device Design Engineer: This is a core role where graduates design, develop, and test new medical devices, instruments, and equipment. This can range from surgical tools and diagnostic machines to implantable devices and wearable health trackers. They work with prototypes, ensuring safety, efficacy, and regulatory compliance.
Biomaterials Engineer: Specializing in the development and application of materials for medical use, these engineers research, test, and develop biomaterials (e.g., polymers, ceramics, metals) for implants, prosthetics, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering scaffolds that are biocompatible and functional.
Clinical Engineer: These professionals work directly within healthcare settings (hospitals, clinics) to manage and optimize medical technology. They ensure the safe and effective use of medical equipment, troubleshoot issues, provide training to medical staff, and assist in purchasing and maintenance.
Rehabilitation Engineer: Focused on improving the quality of life for individuals with physical disabilities, rehabilitation engineers design and adapt assistive technologies, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and other equipment to enhance mobility, independence, and daily functioning.
Biomedical Research Scientist/Engineer: Graduates can pursue roles in academic institutions, pharmaceutical companies, or research organizations. They conduct experiments, analyze data, and contribute to the understanding of biological systems and the development of new treatments, often focusing on areas like tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, or drug discovery.
Quality Assurance (QA)/Regulatory Affairs Specialist: In the highly regulated medical device and pharmaceutical industries, these roles are crucial. QA specialists ensure products meet strict quality standards, while regulatory affairs specialists navigate complex government regulations (like FDA approvals in the U.S.) to bring new products to market.
Biomedical Manufacturing Engineer: These engineers oversee the production processes of medical devices and products. They optimize manufacturing lines, implement quality control measures, and ensure efficiency and compliance in the mass production of biomedical items.
Imaging Engineer/Medical Imaging Scientist: Specializing in medical imaging technologies (MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray), these professionals develop new imaging techniques, improve image quality, and create software to analyze and interpret medical images for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Bioinformatics Engineer: With the explosion of biological data, bioinformatics engineers develop computational tools and algorithms to analyze large biological datasets (genomic, proteomic, clinical data). They are crucial for drug discovery, personalized medicine, and understanding disease mechanisms.
Technical Sales/Marketing (Medical Devices/Pharma): For those with strong communication skills and technical knowledge, a BME M.S. can lead to roles in technical sales or marketing within the medical device or pharmaceutical industries. They explain complex products to healthcare professionals, identify market needs, and develop sales strategies.
