What if you could save someone’s life by inventing a groundbreaking medical device? Do you want to know how technology is harnessed to meet healthcare needs? During our accelerated Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering (MSMDE) program, students:

  • Approach design problems by understanding the clinical setting and user needs.
  • Apply industry practices to develop and manufacture viable medical devices.
  • Work in teams with industry sponsors to solve real-world problems.

The program expands the career opportunities of our graduates, preparing them for engineering and related roles in research, development, and production of medical devices in specialties such as in-vitro diagnostics, assistive technology, or drug delivery.

If you would like to have a conversation about the MSMDE program, contact the program director, Anna Hickerson, anna_hickerson@kgi.edu, to set up a meeting.

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Program Quick Facts

Fact
Details
Program length
Complete the MSMDE program in just two semesters (9 months).
Full or part-time program
The MSMDE program is a full-time program with classes during the day.
Online or in-person classes
Most classes are in-person and require active participation.
Summer experience
Students are encouraged to complete the MDD Bootcamp prior to attending the program.
Capstone requirements
Students participate in teams on an industry sponsored project called Team Master’s Project.

MSMDE Program Details

  • At KGI, we focus on developing students’ skills in areas identified by industry partners. This helps students quickly expand their career opportunities. The MSMDE program is intentionally designed using information gained through research and interviews with alumni and employers. The program has an exceptional record for completion of the program and job placement in the medical device industry.

  • The curriculum covers the essential areas of expertise to apply engineering skills to the specialized field of medical devices and provides authentic experiences with the industry. 

  • In support of their courses, students have access to the Medical and Assistive Device (MAD) Lab. Students use the room to work on class projects, team master’s projects, research activities, and as a place to study. The lab is equipped with modern prototyping equipment for electronics and mechanical work, such as a laser cutter, vacuum former, electronic testing equipment, and 3D printers. Students use this space for collaborating, designing, prototyping, and showcasing their work.

  • Industry Experience

    The MSMDE program leverages the strong industry relationships of the Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences to provide authentic experiences and networking opportunities for our students. These include:

    • Visiting speakers
    • Case-based coursework
    • Industry sponsored projects
    • Alumni network
    • Advisory Board connections 

    Culminating in a capstone experience—the Team Master’s Project—students work in teams with an industry sponsor and faculty support on a medical device project that integrates the curricular elements into a single experience.

  • MedTech is a vast and steadily growing industry with a need for qualified engineers. The MSMDE program helps develop the most requested skills, including:

    • Product development
    • Project management
    • Quality management

    Students will also develop sought-after professional skills through practice and mentorship, including:

    • Communication
    • Teamwork/collaboration
    • Problem solving
    • Creativity
    • Organizational skills
  • Graduates of the program have started their post-graduate careers in positions including:

    • Research and Development Engineer
    • Product Development Engineer
    • Process Engineer
    • Manufacturing Engineer
    • Field Application Scientist
    • Medical Student

    The knowledge from the degree combined with the experience in these positions opens opportunities to quickly advance.

  • The MSMDE program is designed for those with a passion for medical devices and diagnostics who want to:

    • Apply engineering to healthcare problems
    • Design devices to diagnose and treat medical needs
    • Lead the development of the next generation of transformative medical devices
    • Plan and manage the production of medical devices to improve worldwide healthcare

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Program Faculty

Anna Iwaniec Hickerson, PhD

Associate Professor; Program Director, Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering
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Angelika Niemz, PhD

Associate Dean of Faculty and Professor
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Ed Arnheiter, PhD

Professor of Practice
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Kiana Aran, PhD

Adjunct Faculty
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James Sterling, PhD

Professor
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Day in the Life of an MSMDE Student

"I’m thrilled that KGI is finally offering to provide the medical device industry with much needed, well-rounded, business-savvy engineers!"
Rafael Ollervides
Validation Engineer, Shire
MBS '16

Ready for What’s Next?

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If there’s anything we can do, be sure to connect with our admissions team. You can also check out more information on cost and aid and how to apply.