Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering (MDE) - About This Program

About This Program

CSUN’s innovative Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering program was thoughtfully designed with leading industry partners to train students in the technical and strategic tools needed to succeed in this rapidly expanding field. Coursework is based around complex, real-world challenges, and graduates move forward with a solid grasp of the device-development process as well as the regulatory environments that will shape their work.

At CSUN, you won’t just study theory—you’ll gain practical, project-based experience covering:

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Device development from concept to production
Selection and testing of biocompatible materials
Regulatory strategy and FDA approval processes
Industry standards for manufacturing and quality control

Awarded by the Department of Mechanical Engineering in CSUN’s Andrew J. Anagnost College of Engineering and Computer Science, this dynamic program is taught by expert CSUN faculty, seasoned professionals from companies such as Medtronic, Medical Device Development, KJMedtech, Abbott Labs, and a former FDA official. Through this unique collaboration, students gain a robust academic foundation paired with substantial industry-relevant training. The program culminates in a graduate project, where students design and/or evaluate a medical device solution to a real-world problem and demonstrate their readiness to contribute to the medical device industry.

With an advanced understanding of regulation, control and evolving technology, our graduates are well-positioned to join teams across multiple healthcare industries.

Program Highlights

Real-World Curriculum: Designed with input from field experts to meet the needs they see in their work, courses cover everything from concept to manufacturing.

Comprehensive Skill Development: Students learn medical device design, biomaterials selection, production, regulatory compliance and more.

Industry Readiness: With an advanced understanding of regulation, control and evolving technology, our graduates are well positioned to join teams across healthcare industries.

Close, personal support: From enrollment to graduation, students receive one-on-one support from a team dedicated to their program and personal and professional success, leading to high on-time graduation rates.

Study anywhere, at any time: The program was designed as 100% online to offer flexibility to working professionals, with courses that include real-time class sessions, on-demand learning materials and frequent opportunities to network with a dedicated cohort of peers.

Excellence in online education: CSUN has more than 25 years of experience developing engaging and academically rich online programs that bring high-level graduate education to wherever you are.

Job Outlook: Medical Device Engineering

Earning your Master’s in Medical Device Engineering positions you to meet the growing need and lead innovation in a high-impact industry. Unlock a world of career possibilities with our comprehensive support system. From internships to networking events, we empower students to thrive in their professional journeys and achieve their aspirations. Key statistics include:

Average salary for medical device engineers in California is $128,000

California shows the highest need with one of the highest concentrations of jobs in this field (2nd after Massachusetts) due to a high number of biotech engineering companies in the state.

In California expected job growth of 11% in this sector between 2020-2030

Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering Program Outcomes

The Master of Science in Medical Device Engineering program at CSUN is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving biomedical industry. Upon successful completion, you will be able to apply core engineering principles across specialized areas such as drug delivery, medical robotics, biocompatible materials, and regulatory compliance. You'll gain hands-on experience analyzing, modeling, and designing medical devices using industry-standard engineering tools, and develop a strong understanding of manufacturing processes and best practices. In addition, the program emphasizes effective communication, preparing you to present complex ideas clearly through both written and oral reports.

Two engineers in lab coats looking at a prototype.

What Do Medical Device Engineers Do?

Medical device engineers create the tools that support, diagnose, and treat patients around the world. In this role, you’ll design and refine technologies that respond to medical needs—from robotic surgical systems to drug-delivery implants.

But that’s only part of the job. You’ll also need to: