Biomedical Engineering

Available Programs

  • CS@CU MS Bridge Program in Computer Science

    The CS@CU MS Bridge Program in Computer Science is a well-established pathway for students without a formal undergraduate background in computer science. The program provides comprehensive preparation in programming, data structures, discrete mathematics, and core computing concepts.

    Students apply directly to the Bridge Program and, upon successful completion of the required coursework and GPA benchmarks, transition into the MS in Computer Science.

    Program structure

    • Part-time, non-degree Bridge program
    • Apply to the CS@CU MS Bridge Program via the graduate application
    • Transition to the MS upon successful completion
    • Not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship during the Bridge phase
  • IEOR MS Bridge Program

    The IEOR MS Bridge Program is designed to equip students for success in the Master of Science in Business Analytics (MSBA) or the Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering (MS&E) programs. The Bridge Program provides a clear and structured pathway for students who may lack some of the quantitative, coding, or data science skills required for direct admission.

    Business Analytics MS Bridge Program

    The MS in Business Analytics Bridge Program is designed for students with strong academic or professional potential who need additional preparation in quantitative methods, computing, or data science before transitioning into the Master of Science in Business Analytics.

    Students apply directly to the Bridge Program and, upon successful completion, transition into the MS in Business Analytics.

    Program structure

    • Part-time, non-degree Bridge program
    • Apply to the Business Analytics MS Bridge Program via the graduate application
    • Transition to MS after Bridge completion
    • Not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship during the Bridge phase

    Management Science and Engineering MS Bridge Program

    The Management Science and Engineering Program prepares students from non-engineering or partially quantitative backgrounds for advanced study in management science, optimization, analytics, and systems engineering prior to transitioning into the MS&E MS curriculum.

    Students apply directly to the Bridge Program and, upon successful completion, transition into the MS in Business Analytics.

    Program structure

    • Part-time, non-degree Bridge program
    • Apply to the Management Science and Engineering MS Bridge Program via the graduate application
    • Transition to MS after Bridge completion
    • Not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship during the Bridge phase
  • Electrical Engineering MS Bridge Program

    The Electrical Engineering MS Bridge Program supports students from related quantitative or scientific backgrounds who lack formal electrical engineering training. Students complete targeted foundational coursework aligned with their intended area of specialization before transitioning fully into MS-level study.

    Program structure

    • Part-time, non-degree Bridge program
    • Apply to the Electrical Engineering MS Bridge Program via the graduate application
    • Transition to MS after successful completion
    • Not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship during the Bridge phase
  • Biomedical Engineering MS Preparation Pathway

    The Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering welcomes high-achieving students from a range of academic backgrounds, including other engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, electrical, civil) and allied sciences (e.g., biology, chemistry, physics, computer science). While Biomedical Engineering does not offer a formal Bridge Program, admitted students may be required to complete additional coursework—beyond the standard MS curriculum—if specific foundational gaps are identified during the admissions review.

    Program structure

    • Full-time or part-time MS enrollment
    • Apply directly to the Biomedical Engineering MS program. If additional preparatory coursework is required, it will be specified in the admission offer.
    • Eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship
  • Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics MS Bridge Program

    The Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics MS Bridge Program supports students without a civil engineering undergraduate degree by providing focused preparation in mechanics, fluids, structures, and related areas. Bridge requirements are determined at admission and completed prior to or alongside graduate coursework.

    Program structure

    • Full-time or part-time MS enrollment
    • Bridge coursework integrated into MS program
    • No separate Bridge application is required. Apply directly to the Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Master of Science program.
    • Eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship
  • Chemical Engineering Scientist-to-Engineer (S2E) Program

    The Scientist-to-Engineer (S2E) program is an integrated pathway within the MS in Chemical Engineering for students without an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering.

    Students complete an intensive, accelerated set of undergraduate-level chemical engineering courses during their first semester, covering core concepts needed for success in the graduate curriculum. Degree completion is typically achieved in three semesters.

    Program structure

    • Full-time or part-time MS enrollment
    • Bridge coursework completed within the MS program
    • No separate Bridge application is required. Apply directly to the Chemical Engineering Master of Science program.
    • Eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship
  • Mechanical Engineering MS Bridge Program (Coming Soon)

    The Mechanical Engineering MS Bridge Program prepares students without an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering to enter the MS in Mechanical Engineering curriculum with confidence. The program emphasizes core areas such as mechanics, thermal fluids, design, and materials.

    Bridge requirements are assigned upon admission to the MS program and are completed prior to or alongside graduate coursework.

    Program structure

    • Full-time or part-time MS enrollment
    • Bridge coursework integrated into MS program
    • No separate Bridge application is required. Apply directly to the Mechanical Engineering Master of Science program.
    • Eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship
       
  • Computer Engineering Bridge Program

    The Columbia Computer Engineering MS Bridge program will enable students with undergraduate degrees in fields other than electrical engineering, computer engineering, and computer science to take preparatory courses before enrolling in the CE MS degree program. The Computer Engineering Bridge Program offers two distinct tracks, enabling students to acquire the essential foundational skills tailored to their specific interests within the MS curriculum. One track is designed for students aiming to specialize in Computer Systems (Track A), while the other prepares students for specializing in Computer Chip Design (Track B). Students complete targeted foundational coursework aligned with their intended area of specialization before transitioning fully into MS-level study. 

    Program structure

    • Part-time, non-degree program
    • Apply to the Computer Engineering MS Bridge Program via the graduate application
    • Transition to the Computer Engineering MS after successful completion
    • Not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship during the bridge program

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who should consider an MS Bridge Program?

    MS Bridge Programs are ideal for students with strong academic or professional records who may be missing specific undergraduate coursework required for direct entry into an engineering MS program.
     

  • Do Bridge Programs lead to a degree?

    Yes, the goal is the students complete the corresponding Master’s of Science program they have been admitted to. Note that the Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Business Analytics, and Management Science + Engineering bridge programs are not degree-granting on their own. These serve as a pathway into a Columbia Engineering MS program, after which students complete degree requirements. The Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, and Mechanical Engineering bridge programs are integrated into the MS program, and thus are degree-seeking programs. 

  • Are Bridge students eligible for student visas?

    This will vary by program. Students enrolled directly in the Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, and Mechanical Engineering bridge programs are eligible for F-1 visas

    Students in the Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Business Analytics, and Management Science + Engineering bridge programs are not eligible for F-1 visa sponsorship until they transition into the MS.

  • Can Bridge requirements be waived?

    In many programs, previously completed coursework may be reviewed for possible waivers, typically requiring a minimum grade of B or higher.

  • When are application deadlines?

    The priority deadline for most Bridge Programs is February 15. Applicants are encouraged to review individual program pages for the most up-to-date information.

  • What materials are required to apply?

    The following materials must accompany the online application for on-campus graduate programs. 

    • Transcripts
    • Three Letters of Recommendation
    • Personal Statement
    • Resumé or Curriculum Vitae
    • Video Interview
    • Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test Scores (optional)
    • English Language Exam Scores (TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo) required for applicants educated in a country other than Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, the UK, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, and the United States of America.
    • $85 non-refundable application fee (payable by a major credit card through the online application system)
  • How do I apply?

    Interested students should apply using the On-Campus MS and PhD Programs application found here.

  • Doctoral Admissions

    Applicants who already have a Master of Science degree or equivalent may apply directly to the doctoral degree program. All applicants are expected to have earned the bachelor’s degree in engineering or in a cognate scientific program.

    Applications for admission with financial aid are due in December for the fall semester in the next academic year. All applications must be submitted by mid-February for the fall semester and by the beginning of October for the spring semester. Final decisions for fall admissions will be sent out the week of April 15.

    Meet Our Faculty

    Requirements

    Please refer to the School of Engineering and Applied Science's Graduate Admissions website for full application details.

    The Engineering School does not admit students holding the BS degree directly to doctoral studies; admission is offered either to the MS program or to the MS program/doctoral track. Admissions standards for the latter category are generally higher than for the former.

    Applicants holding an appropriate MS degree from another institution may apply directly to the doctoral program. The Department of Biomedical Engineering also admits students into the 4-2 program, which provides the opportunity for students holding a bachelor’s degree from certain physical sciences to receive the MS degree after two years of study at Columbia.

    Graduate Fellowships

    All graduate students are strongly encouraged to apply for individual fellowships, such as those awarded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense. Students in our department have been highly successful in obtaining these awards and some (but not all) opportunities are listed below. Once admitted, our graduate fellowship advisor, Professor Lance Kam can provide more information on applying for external fellowships.

    Do not hesitate to contact individual faculty advisors to discuss application support.

    Eligible master’s students from underrepresented minorities can apply for GEM Fellowships.

    Every year, we elect several of our most outstanding new applicants to receive a Presidential Fellowship from the Office of the Dean of Engineering. This prestigious award covers stipend and full tuition for graduate studies within the Department for a minimum of four years.

  • MS leading to PhD Program

    The MS leading to PhD program provides an opportunity for bright students who have not yet received a Master's degree to apply to PhD studies at Columbia Biomedical Engineering. Once accepted, students will complete their MS degree requirements in conjunction with their PhD research with a faculty advisor in the lab.

  • Doctoral Committee and Thesis

    Each student is expected to submit a research proposal and present it to a thesis committee that consists of at least three faculty members.

  • Doctoral Qualifying Examination

    The Biomedical Engineering doctoral qualifying exam is an important evaluation of a student’s mastery of broad, coursework-based knowledge and their ability to analyze, synthesize, present, and discuss contemporary concepts in a specific area of research.

Learn More

Graduate Admissions
Graduate Student Handbook
Graduate Student Life

Additional Information

  • Professional Experience
    • Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, 2025-
    • Postdoctoral Fellow, MIT, 2019-2024
  • Professional Affiliations
    • Society of Women Engineers
    • Biomedical Engineering Society
  • Honors & Awards
    • FLI (First Generation/Low Income) Student Support and Advocacy Award, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2024
    • Rising Stars in Engineering in Health Award, Cornell, Columbia, and John Hopkins Universities, 2023
    • Kirschstein-NRSA (F32) Postdoctoral Fellowship, National Institutes of Health, 2022-2024
    • Ludwig Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2022
    • Convergence Scholar, Center for Precision Cancer Medicine and the Marble Center for Cancer Nanomedicine at MIT, 2020-201
  • Education
    • PhD, Biomedical Engineering, Duke University
    • Integrated BS-MS, Biotechnology/Bioprocess Engineering, University of Tehran