Biomedical Engineering
Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in tissue engineering and regeneration medicine
Study the molecular, cellular and biochemical aspects of the body and learn to apply engineering principles to the design and development of solutions to problems like:
- Growing replacement blood vessels, tendons or ligaments in a lab so vascular surgeons don’t need to remove healthy tissue from another part of a patient’s body
- Growing muscle tissue in a lab to treat patients with severe traumatic muscular injury (like those seen in combat veterans)
- Growing a miniature “liver-in-a-dish” useful for screening for drug toxicities without the use of laboratory animals
- Modulating the body’s immune system response to accept implanted biomaterials and engineered tissues
The VCU College of Engineering master’s in engineering with a concentration in tissue engineering and regeneration medicine will explore cutting-edge technologies while also giving you the opportunity to develop innovative solutions to challenging engineering problems. We are 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 and allows you to specialize in areas like:
- Biomaterials design and development
- Cellular and molecular engineering
- Lab-on-a-chip and organ-on-a-chip technologies
- Musculoskeletal tissue engineering
- Immuno-engineering
You will develop advanced analytical, experimental and technical skills in both the biological and engineering sciences, including molecular, cellular and biochemical processes, thermodynamics; material science; polymer science; and microfabrication. This will be complemented by a focus on communication, key to the development of your leadership potential through cross-team collaboration and information sharing. By applying creativity to form innovative solutions, VCU Engineering master’s program students will use their knowledge to solve biomedical 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, VCU School of Dentistry, Hunter Holmes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center-Richmond, Sheltering Arms Institute and The Center for Rehabilitation Science and Engineering. VCU Engineering students also 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 616). Below are a few signature courses from the program:
- Regenerative Engineering and Medicine (EGRB 618): Study the design, development and clinical application of regenerative medicine strategies. This includes analysis of molecular and cellular engineering, biomaterials and tissue engineering, stem cell biology, and immunology as they pertain to pre-translational and clinically-used regenerative medicine therapies, as well as the regulatory and ethical considerations of their implementation.
- Tissue Engineering (EGRB 614): Gain an understanding of the design, development and clinical application of tissue-engineered components for use in the human body. This includes the analysis of biology, chemistry, material science, engineering, immunology and transplantation as it pertains to various tissue-engineered components including blood vessels, bone, cartilage, pancreas, liver and skin.
- Cell Engineering (EGRB 616): Learn about the cell and its engineering principles with an emphasis on current research techniques. Topics include the organization and structure of the cell, cell signaling, and application of cell biology to biomedical research. Advanced methods taught will enable you to interpret and present findings from primary literature.
If you’re looking to enter a professional school, like medicine or dentistry, 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 tissue engineering and regeneration medicine can facilitate career advancement in a number of specializations related to biomedical engineering like:
- Research Scientist/Engineer: Conduct research to develop and advance rehabilitation and assistive device technologies
- Clinical Scientist: Integrate rehabilitation engineering technologies into medical practice to improve patient outcomes
- Clinical Research Coordinator: Oversee and coordinate clinical trials related to rehabilitation medicine
- Biomedical Engineer: Apply engineering principles to design and develop medical devices, implants and systems related to rehabilitation engineering
- 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
- Biotech Startup Entrepreneur: Take innovative ideas in rehabilitation engineering and assistive devices and develop them into commercial ventures.
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
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