Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering prepares graduates for a career in biomedical engineering, with a specialized focus on biomedical devices and biomedical signal processing. This program incorporates machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) modeling skills into the curriculum. Through the M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, graduates will develop expertise in utilizing ML and DL techniques to enhance the design of biomedical device hardware, software, and control schemes. Additionally, they will gain the skills to diagnose diseases, quantify disease risk, and predict clinical outcomes based on multiple clinical measurements and biomedical signals. Our graduates will emerge as highly competitive candidates for roles in biomedical device companies and will also be well-prepared to pursue further study as doctoral candidates in biomedical engineering departments nationwide. The Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering curriculum comprises 30 units and culminates in either a thesis or project, providing students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-world challenges in the field.

A. Requirements for Admission to the Program

1. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, with an overall GPA of at least 2.75.
2. At least a 2.7 undergraduate GPA in the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units attempted.
3. International students are also required to submit a brief statement of purpose and three letters of recommendation.

B. Prerequisite Courses

Some or all these prerequisite courses may be required depending on an applicant’s prior background. The graduate coordinator will determine the specific prerequisite courses on a case-by-case basis.

ECE 206/L Computing for Electrical Engineers and Lab (2/1)
ECE 240 Electrical Engineering Fundamentals (3)
ECE 240L Electrical Circuits Lab (1)
ECE 309 Numerical Methods in Electrical Engineering (2)
ECE 350 Linear Systems I (3)
ECE 351 Linear Systems II (3)
MATH 150A Calculus I (5)
MATH 150B Calculus II (5)
MATH 250 Calculus III (3)
ECE 280 Applied Differential Equations in Electrical Engineering (3)
PHYS 220A Mechanics (3)
PHYS 220AL Mechanics Lab (1)
PHYS 220B Electricity and Magnetism (3)
PHYS 220BL Electricity and Magnetism Lab (1)

Students from nontechnical fields must fulfill most of the undergraduate prerequisite courses in math and physics outlined above with a 3.0 GPA or higher before applying for admission to the program.

C. Admission Procedure

Application forms are available online through Cal State Apply and can be completed and submitted online. Application deadlines for admission are set by the Office of Admissions.

All applicants, regardless of citizenship, whose preparatory education was principally in a language other than English, are required to submit an English Proficiency exam. CSUN currently accepts TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, iTEP, EIKEN, GTEC, and Cambridge Advanced English. The English language tests and minimum scores listed in the table at International Graduate Students.

Continuing students in either postbaccalaureate or graduate status may change their objective and seek admission to M.S. in Biomedical Engineering by filling out a change of objective form that can be obtained from the Office of Admissions. It is the student’s responsibility to be aware of all University regulations and restrictions, such as:

1. Transfer work for graduate programs.
2. Academic notice and disqualification.
3. Repeat of courses.
4. Advancement to candidacy.
5. Academic leave (leave of absence) for graduate students.
6. Time limit for completion.
7. Graduation with distinction.
8. Courses for Graduate Students (specifically that no more than 9 units of 400-level courses can be counted toward the M.S. degree).

For details on the above, students are advised to meet with the graduate coordinator. Prior to the formation of their graduate committee, graduate students are advised by the graduate coordinator. After the formation of their graduate committee, graduate students are advised by their committee chair. All courses taken toward the M.S. degree must be approved by the committee chair and the graduate coordinator.

D. Classified Graduate Status

The candidate must:

1. Hold a 3.0 GPA or higher in all work taken after completion of a bachelor’s degree.
2. Submit an official transcript demonstrating completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution.
3. Complete prerequisite courses required on the admission letter with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

E. For the Degree

1. Completion of 30 units under either the Thesis Plan or the Project Plan.
2. Approval of graduate project/thesis on the Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) website by the Biomedical and Electrical Engineering faculty.

F. Graduate Program

The 30 units of coursework in the graduate program must form a cohesive plan of graduate study that consists of core courses and approved elective courses offered in the Biology, Computer Science, Mathematics, and/or the Electrical and Computer Engineering department. Inclusion of a course not in the elective course list must have the written approval of the graduate coordinator prior to enrollment in the course.

G. Course Requirements

All coursework in the student’s graduate program must be completed with a “C” or better, while maintaining an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.

1. Required Core Courses (18 units)

ECE 501/L Biomedical Measurements and Instrumentation and Laboratory (2/1)
ECE 502 Introduction to Medical Devices (3)
ECE 503 Biomedical Imaging (3)
ECE 602 Computational Models in Biomedical Engineering (3)
ECE 603 Biomedical Signal Processing (3)
ECE 650 Random Processes (3)

2. Elective Courses (6-9 units)

The remaining 6-9 units may consist of courses in the Computer Science, Mathematics, Biology, or Electrical Engineering departments listed below. Students may take no more than 9 units of 400-level courses approved for graduate credit.

3. Culminating Experience (3-6 units)

a. Thesis Plan

ECE 698C Thesis (3-3)

Successful defense of thesis before the thesis committee is required. Students who select the Thesis will complete 18 units of core courses, 6 units of ECE 698C, and 6 units of electives with no more than 9 units of 400-level courses approved for graduate credit.

b. Project Plan

ECE 698C Graduate Project (3)

The Graduate Project will culminate in a comprehensive report. Students who select the Graduate Project will complete 18 units of core courses, 3 units of ECE 698C, and 9 units of electives with no more than 9 units of 400-level courses approved for graduate credit.

Total Units Required for the M.S. Degree: 30