Engineering graduate students at The University of Akron

Graduate Studies in Biomedical Engineering

Our engineering graduate programs prepare you for careers in industry, government or academia with unique applications in healthcare and medicine. Our faculty provide mentorship and engage with you in basic and translational research to improve health outcomes through interdisciplinary scientific discovery.

THE GRADUATE DEGREES

Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Engineering (Thesis option)

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Engineering degree offers you the opportunity to develop your biomedical engineering fundamentals through advanced applications and research.

Master of Science (M.S.) in Biomedical Engineering (Non-thesis option or Coursework Only)

These options allow individuals to take a multidisciplinary approach to their engineering graduate program. They are attractive options for working professionals interested in furthering their education.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering

Our interdisciplinary Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering allows you to have a specific research focus completely customized to your interest.

If you have undergraduate or graduate degrees in other engineering disciplines, you can apply directly to the doctoral degree program in engineering.

Students with backgrounds in other disciplines are encouraged to apply and to conduct research with BME faculty through the Integrated Biosciences Doctoral Program or they can take courses in engineering at the undergraduate level to bridge to the Ph.D. in Engineering.

View Thesis and Dissertation Guidelines.

Why UA?

Our Biomedical Engineering graduate program

  • Is flexible
  • Accommodates varied educational backgrounds
  • Provides options for research-based and coursework-based degrees

Our faculty members

  • Have strong research programs
  • Are active in research and clinical collaborations locally, within the region, and across the country
  • Hold joint appointments in other departments to support the research goals of their students

Opportunities for you

  • Access to the latest equipment and software that are used in companies and academia
  • Participate in entrepreneurship programs
  • Attend local and national conferences and present your research
  • Disseminate your research findings in peer-reviewed journals

RESEARCH

Research

Our faculty members have diverse research interests focused on establishing engineering principles and developing cutting-edge technologies to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of various diseases. Faculty, in partnership with graduate students, have developed new models for studying and treating cancer, cardiovascular disease, nerve regeneration, wound healing, and much more. As a graduate student, you can become involved in innovation and translation through the National Science Foundation sponsored I-Corp programs.

The department also conducts a number of research initiatives focused on connecting basic science and engineering research with clinical applications. These efforts are bolstered by the department's partnerships with local area hospitals and other biomedical and medical institutes in Ohio and beyond.

Specific research interests include:

  • Cancer tissue engineering
  • Lung bioengineering
  • Biofluid mechanics
  • Cardiac tissue engineering
  • Artificial intelligence and medical imaging
  • 3D bioprinting and biofabrication
  • Prosthetics and orthotics
  • Neural regeneration, spinal cord injury, and wound healing

CAREER PATHS

Biomedical engineers develop and utilize advanced technologies to improve the human condition. Through coursework, students develop hands-on skills and competencies in engineering design, medical device regulation, project management, and teamwork while performing research in broad areas of bioimaging, drug-delivery, tissue engineering, biofabrication, and artificial intelligence. Students may work alongside doctors, nurses, and laboratory scientists during their studies, and get jobs in engineering and life sciences companies.

Employment: 
Recent graduates have obtained positions at Lubrizol, Cleveland Clinic, STERIS, Arteriocyte, Manhattan College, the Naval Medical Research Unit, and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.

Student spotlight

Hannah Combs

Hannah Combs

“My passion for Biomedical Engineering grew during my undergraduate years, where dedicated professors created a positive and supportive learning environment. UA empowers students to pursue their passions, demonstrating that positive change through science and engineering is not only feasible, but also impactful.”

Hannah Combs
Doctoral Candidate in Biomedical Engineering
B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, '20
M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, '22

Student spotlight

Prasiddha Guragain

Prasiddha Guragain

“UA's dedication to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment makes it an ideal place for international students like me to thrive. With outstanding faculty and fertile ground for research and professional growth, UA's biomedical engineering graduate program is paving the way for the next generation of biomedical engineers.”

Prasiddha Guragain
Doctoral Candidate in Biomedical Engineering
B.E. in Biomedical Engineering '17, College of Biomedical Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nepal
Worked as a Biomedical Engineer for the Government of Nepal before joining UA in 2021

Alumni spotlight

Andrew Ditto

Andrew Ditto

“While at UA, I became a part of a community of cutting-edge scientific researchers that are moving the human species forward. I felt a connection to many other scientists and engineers working on state-ofthe-art technologies in their respective fields.”

Andrew Ditto
B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, '04
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, '10
Director of R&D and Chief Scientist, Gebauer Company

TUITION & GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Tuition & Fees

Current graduate student tuition and fees can be found in the Office of Student Accounts.

Graduate Assistantships & Financial Aid

Graduate assistantships help pay for school. They are available for doctoral students on a competitive basis. The deadline for receipt of assistantship applications is February 1 for Fall admission and three letters of recommendation are required.

It is important to be informed of the many sources of aid available. Student loans are available to degree-seeking graduate students. Information on student loans can be found through the Office of Student Financial Aid.

The Office of Student Financial Aid is located in Simmons Hall.

Also, visit the The Graduate School for more information and to apply. 

For more information

Direct questions to:

Esther Wain-Weiss
Director, Graduate Programs and Administration
330-972-5690
erw3@uakron.edu