Tufts University - School of Engineering
MSc in Biophotonics
- Medford, USA
- Boston, USA
MSc
DURATION
24 months
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
01 Oct 2026
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
USD 1,855 / per credit
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The MS in Biophotonics at Tufts School of Engineering provides a broad curriculum that encompasses the design, engineering, and use of optical tools for diagnostics and therapeutics, advanced microscopes, and more.
The program is administered by the Department of Biomedical Engineering with additional support from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Data Intensive Studies Center.
Program Highlights
Students in the MS in Biophotonics program experience an academic career distinguished by close faculty interactions that will propel them from graduate study to their future. Choose between a thesis track or a course-based track which includes a hands-on project or internship. Courses provide background on optical spectroscopy and imaging methods, photonic devices and sensors, as well as related analysis approaches, including machine learning-based methods.
Master's degrees at Tufts School of Engineering require a minimum of 30 credits and the fulfillment of at least 10 courses at the 100-level or above with grades of S (satisfactory) or at least a B-.
The School of Engineering offers partial tuition scholarships for a select group of Engineering master’s and certificate programs. When you apply for admission, you’ll automatically be considered, there’s no separate scholarship application or additional information required. Applicants are encouraged to apply early for priority scholarship consideration.
Non-Thesis Program
The non-thesis MS program in Biophotonics consists of 10 courses and 30 SHUs. Students must also complete a hands-on research project or internship during their course of study.
Core Courses (required):
- BME 141: Analytical Tools for Biomedical Engineering
- BME 151: Introduction to Biophotonics
- BME 215: Optics and Wave Motion
Lab Course* (choose one):
- BME 156: Biophotonics Lab
- BME 157: Biomaterial Characterization Lab
*If lab courses are not offered in a given year, the program requirement may be replaced with BME 293 - Special Topics: Non-Thesis Graduate Research.
Project Course (required):
- BME 290: Hands-on Project or Internship
Elective Courses (choose four):
- BME 100: Design for Medical Instrumentation
- BME 143: Biological Systems Analysis
- BME 193: Machine Learning-based Analysis of Optical Signals and Images
- EE 125: Digital Signal Processing
- EE 133: Digital Image Processing
- EE 193: Nanophotonics
- Relevant coursework approved by the program director
Professional Development (choose one):
- EM 211: Lean Six Sigma
- EM 231: Project Management Strategies and Methodologies
- EM 241: Strategic Management in the Era of Big Data Analytics
- EM 254: Advancing Innovation: Breakthrough Methodologies for Technology Firms
- EM 261: Leadership for Technology Professionals
- EM 262: Negotiation and Conflict Resolution for Engineers and Technologists
Thesis Program
The thesis MS program in Biophotonics consists of 7 courses, a thesis, and 30 SHUs. Thesis students will pursue in-depth knowledge and research experience specific to their identified topic, while also gaining a broad understanding of biophotonic concepts.
Core Courses (required):
- BME 151: Introduction to Biophotonics
- BME 215: Optics and Wave Motion
Research Proposal (required):
- BME 299: Original Research Proposal
Elective Courses (choose four):
- BME 100: Design for Medical Instrumentation
- BME 141: Analytical Tools for Biomedical Engineering
- BME 143: Biological Systems Analysis
- BME 193: Machine Learning-based Analysis of Optical Signals and Images
- EE 125: Digital Signal Processing
- EE 133: Digital Image Processing
- EE 193: Nanophotonics
- BME 256/257: Biomaterial Characterization Laboratory I or II
Professional Development (choose one):
- EM 211: Lean Six Sigma
- EM 231: Project Management and Software Methodologies
- EM 241: Digital Marketing: Strategy and Applications
- EM 261: Leadership for Technical Professionals
- EM 262: Conflict Resolution
Thesis (required):
- BME 295/296: MS Thesis
Fifth-Year Master's Degree Program
The School of Engineering offers exceptional Tufts undergraduate students the option of pursuing a combined Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree (BS/MS) as a thesis or non-thesis program.
Career Outcomes
The labor market for master ’s-level biophotonics professionals is large and has seen strong growth over the last 5 years. The MS in Biophotonics provides a strong set of skills, preparing students to pursue industry careers or future graduate study that require an understanding of light and tissue interactions and focus on the development and use of new bio- or nano-photonic technologies to advance biomedical and biopharmaceutical products.
Career Outcomes
The labor market for master ’s-level biophotonics professionals is large and has seen strong growth over the last 5 years. The MS in Biophotonics provides a strong set of skills, preparing students to pursue industry careers or future graduate study that require an understanding of light and tissue interactions and focus on the development and use of new bio- or nano-photonic technologies to advance biomedical and biopharmaceutical products.