Graduate Programs in Biomedical Engineering

Master's Degree Programs

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (BME)

The 28 unit MS in BME program is designed to be completed in two years or less of full-time study beyond the Bachelor of Science Degree. The M.S. in Biomedical Engineering can be completed with a thesis, requiring 4 units of BME 594abz, or without a thesis, requiring coursework only. This master's program provides students with a broad background, linking physiology with engineering science, necessary for entering interdisciplinary careers in medical technology or pursuing further graduate studies in a related field.

Master of Science in Medical Imaging and Imaging Informatics (MIII)

The 28 unit MS in MIII program is a unique degree that prepares you for a career in biomedical imaging, image processing and medical imaging informatics, including Picture Archiving & Communication Systems (PACS). The MS degree requires that at least 28 approved units must be satisfactorily completed, of which at least 19 units must be at the 500 level or above. This program has been designed for completion in once calendar year by students with solid engineering backgrounds and does not require a thesis.

Master of Science in Medical Device and Diagnostic Engineering (MDDE)

The 26 unit MS in MDDE program at USC will educate post-graduate engineering students for careers in the medical device and diagnostic industry. Its clients are a mix of capable young and older adults who seek an advanced program in professional education that will prepare them for leadership roles in product development and marketing. The program is a unique undertaking that builds on already strong engineering, business, and regulatory training programs at USC, augmented by practical experience of various faculty through the recently endowed Alfred E. Mann Institute for Biomedical Engineering and a wide range of industrial consulting activities.

Master of Science in Biomedical Data Analytics (BMDA) NEW

This 28 unit MS in BMDA program aims to introduce BME graduate students to the mathematical and computational methods of biomedical data analysis and to demonstrate the application of these methods to selected domains of high importance for Biomedical Engineering (e.g. biomedical signal and system analysis, medical imaging, clinical diagnostics and treatment monitoring). In other words, our students will be able to use computational methods to extract new, valuable knowledge from measurements made in hospital and laboratory settings. The general philosophy of this program is that Data Analytics will be a key factor in the development of the “new medicine” in the 21 century. Graduates will have a firm knowledge of not only the “know how,” but also the “know why” of Data Analytics in BME.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering

The 60 unit PhD in BME program is designed to be completed in four to five years, including summers, of full-time study beyond the Bachelor of Science degree. Sixty units of credit beyond the Bachelor of Science degree or its equivalent, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, is required for the PhD degree. Doctor of Philosophy candidates must pass a screening exam procedure throughout their first year of study, a qualifying exam when they begin their dissertation research, and an oral defense of their dissertation at the end of the program. There are three areas of specialty in the program: Bio-systems and Signals, Device and Diagnostic Technologies, and Neuroengineering.

All information contained here is summarized from the USC Catalogue and is considered non-official. For all rules, regulations, procedures, and outlines, please see the current academic year USC catalogue.

Progressive Degree Programs

Doctor of Philosophy Program

Published on January 31st, 2017

Last updated on July 31st, 2023