Mechanical Engineering
Master of Science in Engineering: Biomechanical Engineering
Stanford UniversityA specialised 45-unit master's combining mechanical engineering, mechanics and life sciences for applications in biology, medicine and healthcare technology.
Related pathways
Study Level
Master's Degree
Study Mode
On Campus
Duration
45 units; typically about 1 academic year full-time
Programme Overview
Stanford University's Master of Science in Engineering: Biomechanical Engineering is an interdisciplinary graduate programme combining advanced mechanical engineering with biological and medical sciences.
The programme provides a strong foundation in mechanics while allowing students greater flexibility to study life-science subjects than the standard Mechanical Engineering MS.
Students explore the application of engineering mechanics to biological systems, medical technology and human health. Areas can include biomechanics, movement, medical-device engineering, computational modelling, biological systems and mechanically informed healthcare technologies.
The programme has mathematics and engineering depth requirements similar to Stanford's Mechanical Engineering MS while incorporating additional preparation in biology and life sciences.
A total of 45 units is required for the degree.
Entry Requirements
Applicants should have earned, or be in the process of earning, a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, physics or a comparable science programme.
The admission requirements for the Master of Science in Engineering: Biomechanical Engineering are generally the same as those for Stanford's Mechanical Engineering MS.
Applicants are additionally expected to have introductory undergraduate-level biology preparation. Students admitted without an adequate biology background may be required to make up this deficiency.
A complete application includes a statement of purpose, resume or CV, three letters of recommendation, academic transcripts and English-language proficiency evidence where applicable.
GRE scores are not accepted for applications received through January 2027.
English-Language Requirements
IELTS Academic:
Minimum overall score 7.0
TOEFL iBT taken before 21 January 2026:
Minimum score 90
TOEFL taken on or after 21 January 2026:
Minimum score 4.5
Applicants are exempt from submitting an English-proficiency test if they meet Stanford's published exemption criteria, including qualifying English-medium education or sufficient consecutive professional or educational experience conducted in English.
Scores below Stanford's higher English Placement Test exemption thresholds may result in an English Placement Test requirement after admission.
Career Outcomes
Scholarship Information
Stanford Mechanical Engineering does not normally guarantee financial support for incoming master's students, and research or teaching assistantships are rarely awarded to newly admitted MS students. Knight-Hennessy Scholars Eligible applicants may separately apply to Knight-Hennessy Scholars. Scholars receive funding for up to three years of graduate study, depending on degree length. Knight-Hennessy funding includes: Tuition support A stipend for living and academic expenses A travel stipend for one annual trip to and from Stanford For the 2027 cohort, the Knight-Hennessy Scholars application deadline is 6 October 2026 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time. Research Assistantships Research assistantships may occasionally provide graduate funding, but incoming master's students should not assume that an RA position will be available. Teaching Assistantships Teaching or course assistant opportunities may also exist, but these are limited and are rarely guaranteed for incoming Mechanical Engineering master's students. Applicants should therefore prepare an independent funding plan unless they have confirmed scholarship, fellowship or assistantship support.