About this Program
Old Dominion University offers a master’s in biomedical engineering in Norfolk, Virginia, with two paths: a thesis-based Master of Science for students headed toward research or a PhD, and a course-based Master of Engineering for students moving into the biomedical technology industry. Students work alongside faculty in active research areas, including bioelectrics, cardiovascular engineering, neural engineering, surgical robotics, and computational bioengineering, much of it through the Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics.
Why Biomedical Engineering at ODU
ODU’s program is built around research that few regional programs can match. The Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics is a recognized hub for pulsed power, plasma medicine, and cellular bioengineering, and master’s students contribute directly to it. Faculty research spans cardiovascular engineering, musculoskeletal biomechanics, neural engineering, surgical robotics and simulation, and systems biology. The program sits in the Batten College of Engineering & Technology in Hampton Roads, a corridor with employers in healthcare, defense, and biomedical technology.
Program Highlights
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Contribute to world-class research in Bioelectrics and Pulsed Power, Cellular & Molecular Bioengineering, Cardiovascular Engineering, Surgery Planning and Simulation, Musculoskeletal Biomechanics, Neural Engineering, Plasma Medicine, Surgical Robotics and Systems Biology & Computational Bioengineering, and More.
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Develop broad understanding of Biomedical Engineering by taking 30 credits, with (MS) or without (ME) a thesis.
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Students shape electives and research around active faculty areas including Bioelectrics and pulsed power, Cellular and molecular bioengineering, Cardiovascular engineering, Neural engineering, Surgical robotics, planning, and simulation, Musculoskeletal biomechanics, Plasma medicine or Systems biology and computational bioengineering.
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M.S. or M.E. Path: The Master of Science (thesis) is eight three-credit courses plus six thesis research credits. Choose it for original research, close work with a faculty advisor, or a path toward a PhD. The Master of Engineering (non-thesis) is a ten three-credit courses (three core, seven electives), no thesis. Choose it for a coursework-focused path into the biomedical technology industry, with electives matched to your career goals.
Featured Courses
Requirements
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Completion of a bachelor's degree in Engineering, Science or Mathematics from an accredited institution, although students from other educational backgrounds may apply with appropriate leveling courses.
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Two letters of recommendation (typically from faculty in the highest degree program completed when the application is within five years of graduation from that degree program) are required.
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The applicant must submit a resume and a statement of purpose and goals.
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Foundation knowledge in physics, basic chemistry, computer programming, and mathematics is expected.
For Admission to the Biomedical Engineering Program
A minimum GPA of 3.00 (out of 4.0) is required of most students. A student with a lower GPA meeting ODU's graduate admission requirements and with evidence of a high level of professional capability may be eligible for admission to the program upon submission of a petition to the graduate program director.
Recent scores, typically, not more than five years old, on the Graduate Record Examination's (GRE) verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections must be submitted by all applicants.
Transfer
At ODU, we understand that as a transfer student you have unique needs that require a wide array of campus resources. The Center for Advising Administration and Academic Partnerships aims to create a transfer inclusive culture that supports the successful...
Careers
Check out these ideas from ODU's Center for Career & Leadership Development and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn—half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.
Research and study cellular molecules and organelles to understand cell function and organization.
Apply theory and principles of environmental engineering to modify, test, and operate equipment and devices used in the prevention, control, and remediation of environmental problems, including waste treatment and site remediation, under the direction of engineering staff or scientist. May assist in the development of environmental remediation devices.
Test or modify developmental or operational electrical machinery or electrical control equipment and circuitry in industrial or commercial plants or laboratories. Usually work under direction of engineers or technologists.
Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electronic components, parts, equipment, and systems, such as computer equipment, missile control instrumentation, electron tubes, test equipment, and machine tool numerical controls, applying principles and theories of electronics, electrical circuitry, engineering mathematics, electronic and electrical testing, and physics. Usually work under direction of engineering staff.
Cost of Attendance
Tuition is charged per credit hour. Amounts shown are tuition only and do not include mandatory fees, technology-delivered course fees, course-specific fees, books, housing, meal plans, or other costs. Campus-based students may take technology-delivered or online courses. Tuition is based on student classification. Fees for technology-delivered courses and other costs are listed on the ODU tuition and fees page.
Ways to Fund Your Degree
There are a few ways for you to save on the cost of attending Old Dominion University, including scholarships, assistantships, and student loans. For more details about financial aid at Old Dominion, visit the Financial Aid Office page.
Frequently Asked Questions
The M.S. is a thesis degree (eight courses plus six thesis research credits) for research-oriented students. The M.E. is a non-thesis degree of ten courses focused on coursework for industry careers. Both are 30 credits and share the same three core courses.
Yes. Science and mathematics backgrounds are common, and others may be admitted with leveling courses. You will need foundation knowledge in physics, chemistry, computer programming, and mathematics.
Faculty work in bioelectrics, cardiovascular engineering, neural engineering, musculoskeletal biomechanics, surgical robotics and simulation, plasma medicine, and computational bioengineering. The Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics is a major research home for master’s students.
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