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M.S. in Biomedical Engineering
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: August
Program Overview
The M.S. in Biomedical Engineering at USD is structured to provide students with a deep understanding of how engineering and scientific methodologies can be applied to biological and physiological problems. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory investigation and original research under the direct guidance of faculty. Students can choose between a thesis and a non-thesis track, offering flexibility to align with individual career goals, whether that's pursuing a Ph.D. or directly entering industry. The program also offers an accelerated option for current USD undergraduate students and an optional specialization in Medical Product Development and Manufacturing, which is particularly focused on moving new discoveries into the marketplace with an understanding of regulatory pathways.
STEM-designated: Yes, the M.S. in Biomedical Engineering program at the University of South Dakota is STEM-designated. This classification is highly beneficial for international students, as it allows them to qualify for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) period in the U.S. after graduation, providing more opportunities for work experience in their specialized field.
Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to provide a strong foundation in biomedical engineering fundamentals while offering opportunities for specialization. Core subjects typically include advanced concepts in biomaterials, tissue engineering, cellular engineering, medical product development, scientific communications, and drug delivery. The program emphasizes a unique blend of theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of developing new healthcare technologies. It aims to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, enabling students to approach complex engineering challenges with confidence.
Research Focus: The Department of Biomedical Engineering at USD has a significant research focus, particularly benefiting from its location at the GEAR Center in the USD Discovery District, a hub for research and entrepreneurship. Faculty and students engage in cutting-edge research to develop solutions for medical problems. Current focus areas include biomaterials for drug delivery, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, cellular biomechanics, systems and data integration for predictive bioscience and biomedicine, and advanced cyberinfrastructure and bioinformatics workflow development. The department also boasts a cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) facility, complying with FDA regulations, where students can work alongside researchers and private businesses on developing pharmaceutical products and medical devices.
Industry Engagement: USD's Biomedical Engineering program places a strong emphasis on practical, real-world experience and maintains robust connections with the biomedical industry. Students at the GEAR Center work alongside companies that are actively developing the latest medical products and technologies, providing invaluable practical experience. The program stresses laboratory investigation and original research, often conducted in collaboration with industry partners, offering unique insights into current trends and needs within the biomedical field. Graduate assistantships, providing paid employment and discounted tuition, further enhance professional experience. Internships with local corporations and high post-graduate job placement rates highlight the program's strong industry alignment and commitment to student career success.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Biomedical Engineering at USD inherently fosters a global perspective through its focus on developing healthcare technologies and solving human health problems, which are universal challenges. The medical device and pharmaceutical industries operate on a global scale, and the program's emphasis on regulatory pathways and commercial markets prepares students for a globalized industry. While primarily focused on the U.S. context, the scientific principles and engineering methodologies taught are internationally recognized. The program's commitment to research and innovation contributes to a broader global effort to advance biomedical science and improve quality of life worldwide.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
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.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
A Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Engineering from the University of South Dakota (USD) equips graduates with a highly specialized and in-demand skillset, positioning them at the forefront of innovation in healthcare and medical technology. This advanced degree provides deep expertise in applying engineering principles to biological and medical problems, making graduates crucial contributors to research, development, and improvement of medical devices, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic solutions.
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer: Often found in medical device companies, pharmaceutical firms, or academic/government research institutions, these engineers lead the design, development, and testing of new medical technologies, devices, and drug delivery systems. USD's emphasis on original research and its cGMP facility provides excellent preparation for this role.
Clinical Engineer: These professionals work in hospitals and healthcare facilities, serving as the bridge between medical technology and patient care. They manage, maintain, and troubleshoot medical equipment, ensure its safe and effective operation, and often advise medical staff on new technologies.
Product Development Engineer (Medical Devices): Focusing on the full lifecycle of medical devices, these engineers design, prototype, test, and refine devices from concept to market. They ensure functionality, usability, and manufacturability, crucial for companies in the medical equipment and supplies sector.
Biomaterials Scientist/Engineer: Specializing in the design and development of materials for medical applications, these engineers create biocompatible materials for implants, prosthetics, tissue engineering, and drug delivery systems.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist: Essential in the medical device and pharmaceutical industries, these specialists ensure that new products comply with government regulations (like FDA in the U.S.) and industry standards, preparing documentation for regulatory submissions and liaising with agencies.
Biomanufacturing Specialist: These professionals oversee the production processes of biotechnological and medical products, such as implantable devices or pharmaceuticals. They ensure that manufacturing adheres to stringent quality and regulatory standards (e.g., cGMP compliance).
Data Scientist (Biomedical/Healthcare Focus): Leveraging their strong analytical and computational skills, these graduates analyze large datasets from clinical trials, patient records, or medical imaging to identify trends, develop predictive models, and provide insights for improving healthcare outcomes or product efficacy.
Tissue Engineer/Regenerative Medicine Researcher: With expertise in cellular and tissue engineering, these researchers focus on developing biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue and organ function, often working in academic research, biotech startups, or pharmaceutical companies.
Biomedical Imaging Engineer: These engineers work on the development, optimization, and application of various medical imaging technologies (e.g., MRI, CT, Ultrasound) for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including image processing and analysis.
Quality Assurance (QA) Engineer (Medical Devices): Ensuring the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of medical devices, QA engineers develop and implement quality control processes, conduct testing, and ensure products meet design specifications and regulatory requirements throughout the manufacturing lifecycle.
