Biomedical Engineering
Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in rehabilitation engineering
Apply your engineering skills to develop technology that aids the recovery of patient function lost to injury, disease or disability. With a concentration in rehabilitation engineering, your master’s in engineering will have you developing technologies like: assistive devices for communication, information access, mobility and cognitive activities; rehabilitation devices and therapies; and sensory, motor and cognitive prostheses.
The VCU College of Engineering is among the best graduate programs in the nation as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Combined with our industry connections and access to Richmond-area businesses, VCU Engineering is a solid choice for your continuing education.
What you’ll learn
Our 30-credit program can be completed in about two years by full-time students. You will develop advanced analytical, experimental and technical skills to:
- Identify, formulate and solve complex rehabilitation problems by applying advanced knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering.
- Learn to communicate effectively with clinical teams and patients
- Apply appropriate engineering design techniques to aid individuals/patients in performing functional activities that are either needed or desired
- Develop and conduct appropriate assessments, using engineering analysis and judgment to draw conclusions
Coursework will include topics like:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biomechanics
- Collaborative patient care
- Design of assistive and rehabilitation devices
- Human factors
- Medical instrumentation
- Prosthetic devices
- Signal analysis
- Systems neuroscience
You will graduate from VCU with the skills needed to become a leader in industry, research or clinical settings, benefiting patients and individuals with disabilities. By applying creativity to form innovative solutions, master’s program students will use their knowledge to solve technological problems to meet the needs of our changing society and advance the quality of human life.
The VCU College of Engineering collaborates with many health systems and hospitals. As a biomedical engineering student, you directly benefit from these close partnerships and have opportunities to make significant contributions to the field of rehabilitation technology.
Etched into the landscape of Richmond, Virginia’s capitol, the VCU College of Engineering places students in a culturally vibrant and diverse city full of potential, providing unique learning and job opportunities.
Master’s program students also have access to benefits like:
- Close partnerships with hospitals and health organizations like VCU Health, Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center-Richmond, Sheltering Arms Institute and The Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering. VCU Engineering students have access to VCU Health’s outstanding health science campus and opportunities to collaborate with other partner organizations.
- Faculty who are industry experts, finding innovative solutions to biomedical engineering problems as respected leaders in their fields with well-funded labs and industry partnerships.
- Dedicated Career Services department that provides internship and employment opportunities
- Industry connections through college partnerships with public and private industry
- Interdisciplinary education to teach collaboration with engineering practitioners outside your field of study
Reference the VCU Bulletin for a full list of biomedical engineering classes. Master’s program courses are 500 level and above (for example, EGRB 523). Below are a few signature courses from the program:
- Assistive Technology (EGRB 520): Explore the principles and practice of developing assistive technology for individuals with disabilities. You will learn the human user considerations that must be accounted for when developing technology for individuals with different disabilities or multiple disabilities. The course will also provide a general overview of current technology and software algorithms used. Four main areas of assistive technology will be considered, including individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, cognitively impaired, and motor function impaired.
- Human Factors Engineering (EGRB 521): Learn the principles and practices of ergonomics and human factors for effective design and decision making. The course addresses physical and cognitive aspects of user-centered design, including factors related to human sensory systems, memory, movement control and control systems, physical and mental workload, decision-making, mathematical modeling, environmental factors, simulation, usability testing, task analysis, eye tracking, display systems, and controls.
- Rehabilitation Engineering and Prostheses (EGRB 523): You will learn how to perform dynamic analyses of human movement for designing rehabilitation therapies, devices and prostheses. The course addresses how deficits in neuromuscular control limit a person’s sensorimotor abilities, and how these deficits should be considered when developing engineering solutions. The course also provides a general overview of current technologies in rehabilitation and the engineering principles behind them.
If you’re looking to enter a professional school, like medicine, physical therapy or occupational therapy, a graduate degree in biomedical engineering can enhance your resume. It also boosts career opportunities upon graduation, especially if you’re entering a research field.
The VCU College of Engineering master of science with a concentration in rehabilitation engineering can facilitate career advancement in a number of specializations related to biomedical engineering like:
- Biomedical Engineer: Apply engineering principles to design and develop medical devices, implants and systems related to rehabilitation engineering
- Biotech Startup Entrepreneur: Take innovative ideas in rehabilitation engineering and assistive devices and develop them into commercial ventures
- Clinical Rehabilitation Engineer: Selection, modification, customization and/or design of technologies for an individual’s needs in health care at hospitals, clinics, and state agency based programs
- Clinical Research Coordinator: Oversee and coordinate clinical trials related to rehabilitation medicine
- Regulatory Affairs: Work with government agencies (like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) to facilitate the approval and commercialization of new therapies and products
- Research Engineer/Scientist: Conduct research to develop and advance rehabilitation and assistive device technologies and therapies
- Rehabilitation Design Engineer: Apply engineering principles to design and develop medical devices and systems related to rehabilitation engineering
With the help of our Career Services team, VCU College of Engineering graduates have many opportunities to network with alumni and industry professionals. Our students work at companies like:
- Bionica Labs
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Harvard University
- IEH Laboratories & Consulting Group
- LifeNet Health Sciences
- Medtronic
- Merck & Co., Inc.
- Plakous Therapeutics
- PPD (part of Thermo Fisher Scientific)
- Recovery Centers of America
- Simon-Kucher & Partners
- Syneos Health
- Tympanogen
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- Veterans Affairs Health System
Application Requirements
VCU offers an online self-managed application process. This information outlines items needed to apply for a graduate program with the VCU College of Engineering. Additional information is listed on the Office of Admissions and International Admissions webpages.
Program-specific information can be found in the University Bulletin and additional inquiries can be made to the respective Graduate Program Directors listed below, or to the Office of Graduate Studies gradengr@vcu.edu.
Application materials include:
- Statement of intent
- Transcripts
- English proficiency test scores (if applicable)
- Application fee