Marymount University

What you'll study

The programme combines core engineering foundations with specialised biomedical topics and a substantial applied research or design component. Students develop skills in areas such as signal processing for physiological data, biomaterials and tissue engineering, medical imaging, instrumentation and biosensors, and the regulatory and ethical aspects of medical device development.

• Core modules — typically include biomedical instrumentation, biomechanics, medical imaging principles, and data analysis for biological signals.
• Specialist modules — may cover biomaterials, tissue engineering, biosensor design, rehabilitation engineering, and medical device design and validation.
• Laboratory and practical work — hands‑on laboratory sessions and project‑based courses that train students in prototyping, testing and characterising biomedical devices and biological materials.
• Research or capstone project — a substantial research dissertation or an industry‑style design project giving experience in experimental design, data interpretation and technical reporting.
• Professional topics — courses in clinical translation, regulatory affairs, quality systems and clinical needs assessment to prepare students for work in regulated healthcare environments.

Structure

The programme is usually offered with a mix of coursework and a culminating research or design project, and can be completed full‑time in the typical time frame for a master’s degree or part‑time over a longer period. Options often include thesis and non‑thesis routes to accommodate students aiming for research careers or professional practice respectively.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biomedical engineering, physics, chemistry, biology or a closely related discipline. Preparatory coursework in calculus, linear algebra, basic circuits/electronics, and introductory biology or physiology is typically required; applicants without a directly relevant degree may be admitted on condition of completing specified prerequisite modules.

Selection is based on academic record, letters of recommendation, a personal statement outlining goals in biomedical engineering, and where relevant, evidence of laboratory or design experience. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency by an approved test or other institutional evidence of language competence.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a wide range of roles across the medical technology and healthcare sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Design and development engineer for medical devices and diagnostics
• Clinical engineer supporting hospitals and healthcare providers
• Quality assurance, validation and regulatory affairs specialist within medtech and pharmaceutical companies
• Research and development roles in academic, government or industrial laboratories
• Product management or technical consultancy for healthcare technology firms
• Continued academic study at the doctoral level for careers in research and teaching

The programme prepares students for employment in start‑ups, established medical device manufacturers, healthcare systems, contract research organisations and regulatory bodies.

Why study at Marymount University

Marymount offers a learning environment with small class sizes, close faculty mentoring and a strong emphasis on experiential, hands‑on learning. The university’s location near the Washington, D.C. region provides access to a dense network of hospitals, research institutions, federal agencies and medical technology companies, creating opportunities for internships, collaborations and industry projects.

Students benefit from applied laboratory teaching, interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering and health sciences, and career support services that help translate technical training into professional opportunities. The programme’s combination of practical skills, professional awareness and research experience is designed to prepare graduates for immediate contribution in the biomedical engineering workforce or for further graduate study.