MS MedTech Program

Our professional Master’s curriculum in MedTech Innovation + Entrepreneurship is an 11-month (early June to early May) program for students interested in acquiring the skills necessary to lead biomedical-related early-stage ventures or to drive new product development in healthcare industries.

Our curriculum utilizes clinical immersion to identify healthcare innovation opportunities, teaches path-to-market concepts, including regulatory aspects unique to medical devices and pharmaceuticals and facilitates the development of commercialization strategies for innovative biomedical technologies.

Students receive mentorship from biotech entrepreneurs, legal scholars and venture partners.

This unique program leverages two world-class universities: NC State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Across both universities, we collaborate with the NC State College of Engineering, the UNC School of Medicine, the NC State Poole College of Management, the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine and the emerging biotech industry in Research Triangle Park.

Admissions

Because our department is truly joint and BME Graduate degrees are from both universities, applications to the MS MedTech program submitted through UNC and NC State graduate schools are processed identically. All applications, regardless of submission origin, are evaluated equally by the Joint Graduate Admissions Committee and the Joint Department’s graduate faculty. Therefore, students submitting applications to the MS MedTech program may do so through either campus equivalently.

NC State Application

UNC Application

MS in MedTech Innovation + Entrepreneurship degree applicants must submit the following:

Transcript(s) documenting an undergraduate or graduate degree in engineering or quantitative science.
A 2-3 page personal statement indicating why you are interested in the MS program focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship in biomedical engineering and its potential benefit to you and your career.
Three recommendation letters that discuss your potential for graduate study.
TOEFL scores (international applicants only).

ADMISSIONS DEADLINE: The application deadline for Summer 2024 matriculation is February 14^th, 2024. However, applications are considered on a rolling basis starting in early December. Applicants may be waitlisted if the enrollment cap is reached.

PROGRAM START: The program begins in the first full week of June. For the class of 2025, the program will begin in-person on June 3, 2024. Hospital credentialing will be completed prior to the first class meeting.

Curriculum

Our 30-hour curriculum features three cornerstone courses, BME 501, BME 502 and BME 503, in which students work in teams to discover unmet clinical needs (BME 501), design, prototype and test solutions (BME 502), and develop operating strategies to launch a new product (BME 503).

In addition to these courses, students gain additional design and regulatory expertise in BME 551 and BEC 575. The curriculum also includes three MBA courses which teach technology valuation, new venture analysis and developing a business plan. Download the MS MedTech curriculum.

Hospital Credentialing

MS MedTech students spend 100+ hours in hospitals and clinics in the Triangle area (mainly during the Needs Discovery phase). Prior to clinical immersion, students must be fully “credentialed.” This includes providing a complete record of immunizations, passing a drug test and a criminal background check. The drug test and criminal background check will be initiated by the department when a student registers for the program. The immunization record must be supplied by the student. The student is also responsible for completing any additional vaccines as mandated by the hospital clinical coordinator. There are no exceptions to these requirements. Students not completing the credentialing process will not be allowed in the hospitals as part of the MS MedTech program.

FAQs

No. The only master’s degree we offer is the MS Biomedical Engineering program in MedTech Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Students interested in research should check out our Ph.D. program

Not really. The Ph.D. is all about performing original research and making novel contributions to engineering and/or medical literature. The Ph.D. program mainly prepares students for careers in research. The MedTech program focuses on new product design and development. There is some research involved in the MS program, but it tends to be more focused on assessing existing solutions, market landscapes, regulatory pathways and intellectual property considerations.

Unfortunately, we do not have any scholarships or assistantships reserved for MedTech students at this time. However, students are eligible to apply for teaching assistant positions at either university and are strongly encouraged to apply for financial aid. In addition, program staff can help students secure internships with local medical device firms.

Current tuition and fees can be found under the “Biomedical Engineering” heading here: https://studentservices.ncsu.edu/your-money/tuition-and-fees/graduate-students/#collapseTwelve.

MedTech graduates will have a deep understanding of the product innovation and development continuum and an appreciation of the market, regulatory and intellectual property forces that guide product innovation. As a result, students not fully committed to entrepreneurship will be well-equipped for advanced placement in the MedTech industry.

Our cornerstone courses, BME 501, BME 502 and BME 503, are taught by engineers and scientists from industry. We feel it is very important for students to learn from instructors with “real world” experience in new product design and development. In addition, each course invites 8-10 guest speakers from companies such as Becton Dickinson, Boston Scientific, Align, Asensus, Bioventus, Delve, Polyzen, Zeus, Gilero, Roebling Medical, etc. Guest speakers share their unique experiences with our students and allow our graduates to make lasting connections with biotech/MedTech leaders in North Carolina.

We do not have a minimum GPA requirement. Aptitudes for innovation and entrepreneurship are not always captured by traditional metrics such as grades or standardized test scores. The admissions committee uses GPA as merely one part of a holistic view of each candidate.

No.

English proficiency requirements can be found at: http://catalog.ncsu.edu/graduate/graduate-handbook/international-student-admissions/

No. All applications end up in the same pool. Applying to both campuses is a waste of an application fee.

Write about why you are interested in new product innovation. What are some experiences that led you to apply to this program? What are your career goals, and how do you think this program will help you achieve them?

Yes, you are eligible for admission; however, you will not be allowed to participate in clinical immersion until all necessary immunizations have been completed.

Yes, the drug screening is mandated and enforced by our clinical partners who adhere to the laws of North Carolina.

No. We value applications from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Contacts

MS MedTech Program Specialist
Yvette Thompson, MBA, CAPM.
(919) 513-3943
ylthomps@ncsu.edu

MS MedTech Program Director
David Zaharoff, Ph.D.
(919) 515-6757
dazaharo@ncsu.edu

MS MedTech Associate Director
Matthew Penny
(919) 524-4497
mrpenny@ncsu.edu

MS MedTech Program

Admissions

Curriculum

Hospital Credentialing

FAQs

Do you have an MS degree that is research or thesis-based?

I am interested in pursuing a Ph.D. degree. Is the MS MedTech a good stepping stone for a Ph.D. program?

Are there any scholarships or assistantships for MS MedTech students?

How much does the program cost?

What if I’m not sure I want to start my own company or join a startup?

Who teaches in the MS in MedTech Innovation + Entrepreneurship program? How is the MS MedTech program unique?

Do you have a minimum GPA?

Is a GRE score required?

What are your English proficiency requirements for international students?

Can I increase my chances of acceptance if I apply through both UNC and NC Sate portals?

What should I write about in my personal statement?

My immunizations are not up to date. Can I still be admitted into the program?

Marijuana is legal in my state. Do I still have to take the drug test?

Do you require industry experience?