Master's Programs

• Research

  The MS degree program in the Department of BME prepares students for research activities at the highest level. 90% of our MS students participate in cutting edge research during the course of their degree program. The Department of Biomedical Engineering also maintains a strong partnership with the Columbia University Medical Center, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations that add to the quality and strength of the program. Research areas of particular interest include biomechanics, cellular and tissue engineering, artificial organs, regenerative medicine, auditory biophysics, biosignals and biomedical imaging, point-of-care diagnostics, and neural engineering. The MS degree program is well equipped to prepare students for admission to highly competitive doctoral programs across the United States, as well as employment within industry fields of biotechnology and medical devices.

  "This flexible program allowed me to sample many fields underneath the biomedical engineering umbrella while having the opportunity to conduct mentored research either for credit towards my degree or as a volunteer. The coursework I completed and research experience I received were what prepared me best for the life of research I have chosen to pursue and helped build the strong resume I needed to apply to top tier doctoral programs."

  Christian Aurup
  MS '15, PhD candidate Columbia University

• Innovation and Entrepreneurship

  The MS degree program in the Department of BME provides students with unparalleled training and mentorship in medical technology innovation and entrepreneurship. Project-based courses in the design and commercialization of medical innovations offered by the Department of Biomedical Engineering, complemented by courses offered by other departments and schools, including the Columbia Business School and Columbia University Medical Center, provide students with a rich interdisciplinary educational experience. Graduates of our MS degree program are able to contribute to and drive medical innovation and support the promotion, development, and realization of the clinical potential of translational research.

  "I didn't start Columbia expecting to be involved in entrepreneurship, but after going through the biodesign process in an MS Biomedical Design course, the idea of entrepreneurship was very exciting. We made the decision to continue our biodesign project after competing in and receiving our first funding from the Columbia Venture Competition, and we couldn't have started Neopenda and gotten this far without the encouraging support from Columbia."

  Sona Shah
  MS '16, Co-Founder & CEO, Neopenda

• Diverse Training & Backgrounds Welcome

  MS degree students in the Department of BME come from diverse training, including research and industry, and backgrounds, including sciences (such as physics, chemistry, and biology), mathematics, and several fields of engineering (such as mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering). The program offers a flexible curriculum that allows students interested in transitioning into biomedical engineering the opportunity to individualize their experience and complete the necessary requirements to prepare for advanced study at the graduate-level. MS degree students work closely with their Faculty advisor to identify courses and research/project experiences that will allow for a seamless transition into the field of BME. The program also provides excellent preparation for students interested in transitioning into the health sciences and the study of medicine.

  All applicants to our MS program should have a solid foundation in mathematics, including multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations and experience in computer programming (Matlab or Python).

  "I chose Columbia BME for the inspiring faculty, the research opportunities that reflected my own interests in the field, and the flexibility of the curriculum. As someone coming from a non-engineering background, like many of my fellow classmates, this program has allowed me to develop a strong engineering foundation by giving me the freedom to select courses that reflected my specific needs, while continually offering guidance and mentorship during this transition. Columbia BME encourages networking and diversity within our own department, as well as collaboration between departments, creating an atmosphere of innovation and opportunity throughout the university."

  Liz Hulphers
  MS '16

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

  CS@CU FAQ

  About the Computer Science MS
• 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

  IEOR FAQ

  About the Master of Science in Business Analytics Program

  About the Master of Science in Management Science and Engineering Program
• 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

  ELEN FAQ

  About the Electrical Engineering MS
• 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

  BME FAQ

  About the Biomedical Engineering MS
• 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

  CEEM FAQ

  About the Civil Engineering & Engineering Mechanics MS
• 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

  S2E FAQ

  About the Chemical Engineering MS
• 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
     

  About the Mechanical Engineering MS
• 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

  CE FAQ

  About the Computer Engineering MS

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.