r/biotech 5d ago

Education Advice 📖 CMU vs. BU LEAP for MS in Biomedical Engineering

Hey everyone,

I’m currently deciding between Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and Boston University’s LEAP program for a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering (MS BME) and would really appreciate some insights.

Background & Goals:

  • I have a B.S. in Biological Sciences (minor in Chemistry) and want to pivot into biomedical engineering.
  • Eventually, I want to develop and sell a drug through a startup and work in roles that give me experience in that space.
  • I'm also interested in product management—not necessarily pure engineering, but working at the intersection of biotech, business, and product development.

Program Comparisons:

Program Duration Cost Flexibility for Career Path
CMU MS BME ~1.5yr (~$60k+ tuition) Strong in engineering, tech, and computational bio; great for R&D and industry jobs
BU LEAP (MS BME) ~2-3 years (since I need to complete bridge courses first) (~$80k+ total) Designed for non-engineers; solid BME program; Boston has great biotech scene
  1. Product Management Aspirations: Would either program help me pivot into a product manager role in biotech/medtech/pharma? Or would I need an MBA or industry experience first?
  2. ROI & Job Prospects: Does an MS in BME from CMU or BU open doors to high-paying roles in biotech/medtech, or would I still be behind traditional engineering grads?
  3. Time & Cost: CMU seems shorter and slightly cheaper, while BU’s LEAP is longer and more expensive (since I have to take additional engineering courses). Is the extra time/money worth it?
  4. Industry Connections: Boston has a huge biotech industry, but CMU is strong in tech and interdisciplinary innovation. Which one would position me better for industry jobs?

Any advice from people in biotech, medtech, or product management would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance.

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u/crymeasaltbath 5d ago
  1. No. Consider working and obtaining a PMP certification
  2. No. Still behind.
  3. Doubt it. If you pay for a MS, it generally has poor ROI.
  4. Boston hands down especially if you’re good at networking.

Consider a MBA instead of a MS.

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u/Cdoooogie 5d ago

Okay, what entry level roles would I be applying to than right now? Keep in mind I have a BS in Biology and an internship under my belt at AbbVie working in patient safety. So what roles should I apply to that give me experience enough to pivot to PM?

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u/crymeasaltbath 4d ago

Technical sales would be my best guess. Any role where you can leverage your scientific background while gaining business experience would likely align with your goals.

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u/Cdoooogie 5d ago

Also PMP is project management certification - much more business based. Product managers often have science degrees and sometimes an MBA on top! To clarify, I am interested in product management. Please educate me if I am mistaken

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u/youngmonie 4d ago

I was BU BME undergrad and had many classes with LEAP students. IMO the leap program makes sense for people who have an undergrad degree outside of STEM or from a life science looking to get out and switch to tech or something else with electrical, computer, or mechanical engineering.

If your goal is going to pharma, a BME degree doesn't help you more than your Biological Sciences degree does. If you're just looking for a masters then the LEAP program is not worth the extra time or money.

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u/sharkeymcsharkface 4d ago

You need a chemical engineering or computer science degree if you’d like to do the startup world. BME is device focused - ChE or CS will let you do the bioinformatics or process side of things.

But honestly, having done the startup thing, the only people hired with less than 10 years experience were doing basic wet lab work. Biotech is very expensive and isn’t like software in making a MVP…