Master of Science (MSc) course-based
Preparing you for a career in clinical and industrial settings.
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About The Program
What is the MSc Program?
The course-based master of science (MSc) in biomedical engineering offers applied training focusing on practical skills across engineering, medicine and health sciences. Unlike a research thesis program, this MSc emphasizes coursework and project-based learning to prepare you for immediate impact in the field.
Why Choose This Program?
This program builds job-ready skills for clinical and industrial careers. You’ll gain hands-on experience in collaborative labs, utilizing advanced tools like biomedical imaging and medical device prototyping. Through interdisciplinary instruction, you’ll learn to address health-care needs, preparing you for roles in digital health, rehabilitation technology or further professional training.
Application Deadlines
- Applications open December 1
- Applications close April 1
- Applications open April 1
- Applications close August 1
Program Information
Degree
Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering
Concentrations
- Bionics
- Biomechanics
- Computational
- Imaging
- Entrepreneurship
18-24
months
Flexible pacing in consultation with the graduate program director.
5+
focus areas
From bionics to precision health design.100%
coursework
No research thesis required.1
capstone project
Apply learning to a real-world biomedical engineering challenge.Program Objectives
- Build foundational expertise in biomedical engineering: Equip students from engineering or related disciplines with essential knowledge in biology, medicine and biomedical engineering principles to prepare them for professional practice.
- Develop industry-ready skills: Provide students with the applied skills, methods, tools, and experiences needed to enter the biomedical engineering workforce or advance into health technology, medical or related industry careers.
Learning Outcomes
- Build strong foundational knowledge: Demonstrate a solid understanding of anatomy, physiology and key biomedical engineering domains — biomechanics, biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, biomedical device design and biomedical research methods.
- Apply emerging technologies: Identify, evaluate and apply current and emerging biomedical engineering technologies, tools and techniques relevant to industry and clinical practice.
- Communicate with impact: Present technical information and project outcomes effectively in both written and oral formats to multidisciplinary audiences, including engineers, scientists, clinicians and industry partners.
- Act ethically and professionally: Apply ethical standards and professional practices in biomedical engineering, including those related to research integrity, regulatory compliance and responsible work with human and animal participants.
Careers
Graduates from the course-based MSc program often pursue careers in industry, government, or health-care technology sectors. Many work in medical device development, clinical engineering, health data analysis or regulatory affairs.
- Medical device engineer
- Regulatory affairs specialist
- Product development engineer
- Quality assurance analyst
- Technical sales engineer (medical devices)
- Health technology consultant
- Clinical support specialist
- Biomedical equipment coordinator
- Usability and human factors analyst
- Operations manager (health-care tech)
Course Highlights
Series of seminars exposing graduate students to the various areas of research and providing a forum for progress reports in individual areas. Seminars by research workers from inside and outside the University are included. Seminars are informal with ample opportunity for discussion.
Directed capstone project in an area of interest, supervised by a project advisor or faculty member. Development of a project proposal. Projects may involve experimental, analytical, or computational techniques. A final written report and oral presentation are required.
Application Steps
1. Gather Supporting Documents
- Official transcripts and degree certificates – Visit the university Documents Preparation page.
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume – To provide information about your previous educational and professional experience.
- Letters of reference – Three letters of reference are required. Ensure that the referees are ready, willing and able to submit a reference. Applicant will enter the names and email addresses of the referees on the application.
- Research proposal or personal statement
- Thesis-based applicants: 1-2 page document that includes who you wish to work with, your research skills and interests, and why you are a suitable candidate.
- Course-based applicants: 1 page document that outlines your academic and/or work experiences, skills and interests, and why you want to complete a graduate degree in biomedical engineering at the U of A.
- English language proficiency score (if required)
| Category | Course-Based Program |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | In-person or special at-home edition – 90 with at least 21 on each individual skills areas |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 with at least 6.0 on each test band |
| PTE | 61 with a minimum band score of 60 |
| CAEL | Overall 70 with at least 60 on each subtest |
| Duolingo | 120 with no integrated sub score below 100 |
- Supervisory agreement – A supervisor is not required for applicants to the course-based program.
2. Apply online and pay application fee
A $135 CAD non-refundable application fee payment is required. This fee cannot be waived.
3. Await response from the department
Only complete application are reviewed. The review process can take several weeks, or longer during peak processing times.
4. Accept our offer
We ask that you accept or decline the offer of admission via the application portal as soon as possible.
International students should visit International Student + Visitor Services for immigration resources.
Student Profile
Arushi Tandon
PhD Student
This program was a transformative experience that gave me the skills, confidence and network to grow as both a researcher and a professional. I’m incredibly grateful for the supportive community and hands-on learning. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned here into the next chapter of my journey in biomedical innovation!
— Arushi Tandon, MSc ’23
Connect with us
Connect with student advising for personalized support, or stay in touch to receive updates and resources throughout your studies.