FAQs  

The Advanced Medical Product Engineering and Development (AMPED) program is specifically designed for engineers who want to enhance their effectiveness in the medical technology industry, as well as related sectors in government or other organizations. Participants will learn about the broader context in which medical products are developed and the roles that engineers can play in the industry. The goal of the AMPED program is to catalyze the career development and impact of engineers in creating new and improved medical technologies.

The AMPED program is most appropriate for those with an undergraduate degree in engineering or a physical science. Prior work experience is not required, but the program also welcomes those with industry or other relevant experience. Admission to AMPED is based on a holistic evaluation of an applicants background and demonstrated interest in medical product development.

At the University of Michigan, the Master of Engineering (MEng) is designed as a professional degree for students who want to elevate their practical skills and knowledge in a specific engineering discipline. The Master of Science (MS) and Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) degrees are generally understood to be more research-based degrees that may or may not be part of your path to a PhD or other graduate training.

The AMPED MEng is a full-time, in-person degree that requires 27 credit hours and is designed to be completed in 2-3 academic terms, whereas MS/MSE degrees at the University of Michigan typically require 30 credits and are completed in 3-4 academic terms.

At the University of Michigan, tuition rates for MEng and MS/MSE degrees are very similar. However, the MEng requires fewer terms to completion than the MS/MSE degrees, and therefore the overall tuition for MEng degrees is typically is lower.

Current University of Michigan tuition rates can be found at the Office of the Registrar website. For the MEng degree, select the "College of Engineering, Graduate" tuition search.

Yes! The BME Department and the AMPED program interact regularly with many of the major medical technology companies, including Abbott, Baxter, BD, Boston Scientific, Eli Lilly, GE Healthcare, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Stryker, and others. In addition, we work with a variety of smaller and midsize companies, as well as the US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These companies and organizations attend BME-sponsored career events and come to campus for company information and recruiting sessions. In addition, we host guest speakers from these companies in the AMPED courses (typically 15-20 per year). Our students are regularly employed by these institutions both through internships and permanent positions after graduation. The AMPED program has a large and vibrant alumni network that will help you become integrated in the medtech industry!

No. However, students are encouraged to seek out industry, government, or other internships that align with their career goals. Many students in the AMPED program have some form of industry experience, and they are encouraged to share their knowledge with other program participants. The program does not require industry experience, but will provide guidance for students interested in summer internships. As described in the previous FAQ, the AMPED program has strong interactions with industry and is designed to help students become integrated in the field of their choice.

No. However, AMPED students will be engaged in experiential learning and will be required to complete projects related to medical product development. The AMPED core curriculum includes a Biomedical Engineering Product Realization practicum (BME 651/652). This experiential course includes a design-build-test project, in which student teams identify a clinical problem and work over two terms to create a product concept to solve that problem. 

The University of Michigan uses a holistic approach to graduate admissions. Typically, students in the AMPED program have an undergraduate degree in an engineering discipline or the physical sciences. However, other undergraduate backgrounds may be appropriate. An important element of admission to the AMPED program is a clearly articulated interest in medical product development. The AMPED application includes a prompt for applicants to explain their interests and career goals.

Sequential undergraduate-graduate studies (SUGS) students at the University of Michigan are eligible to apply to the AMPED program. Potential SUGS students should consult with the BME Academic Advisor for guidance on entering the AMPED program.

No. The AMPED program requires in-person attendance, though some portions of courses may be offered remotely, as appropriate. AMPED facilitates and encourages teamwork between instructors, mentors, industry participants, and students. These professional interactions are one of the most valuable components of the program.

Need-based funding may be available, usually in the form of a student loan, through the University of Michigan Office of Financial Aid. There are application materials required to complete this process.

The University of Michigan College of Engineering has also created a list of potential funding opportunities for Master's students. 

The general requirements and process for applying to the AMPED program at the University of Michigan are outlined on the Apply page. Note that the the application process generally opens in September of the year preceding matriculation, and the deadline for submission of applications is typically in mid-January. Matriculation into the AMPED program is possible only in the Fall term.

You are encouraged to explore the AMPED website, which contains extensive information about the program. You can also send a message to BME-AMPED@umich.edu if you have specific questions or comments.