Application Deadlines
Fall: Rolling admissions through Aug 1 (domestic & U.S-based international applicants)
Spring: Sep 15
Summer: n/a
School/Department
Biomedical Engineering
Contact
gradadmissions@tufts.edu
Location
Medford/Somerville
Format
On-campusCommitment Options
Full-timePart-time (Daytime)
Average Duration
12 - 24 months
Credits
30
What Will You Study?
Students in the M.S. in Biophotonics build technical knowledge in optical tools and biomedical applications. Students may choose between a thesis track and a course-based track. The course-based track includes a hands-on project or internship, giving students an opportunity to apply biophotonics concepts to practical engineering and research challenges.
Coursework and experiential learning may cover topics such as:
- Light and tissue interaction
- Optical spectroscopy
- Biomedical imaging methods
- Photonic devices and sensors
- Nanophotonic technologies
- Advanced microscopy
- Data analysis methods
- Machine learning-based approaches for imaging and sensing
- Biomedical and biopharmaceutical applications of optical technologies
About the Department of Biomedical Engineering
The M.S. in Biophotonics is administered by the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tufts University School of Engineering. The department supports research and education focused on improving human health through engineering, science, and technology.
Biophotonics students benefit from connections across Biomedical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and data-intensive research at Tufts. Faculty expertise related to the program includes biomedical optics, diffuse optical imaging, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, quantitative tissue oximetry, photoacoustic imaging, nanophotonics, image processing, signal processing, optical beam shaping, microscopy, and data-driven modeling.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Biophotonics sits at the intersection of biomedical engineering, optics, electrical engineering, data science, and health technology. At Tufts, students can build knowledge across these areas while focusing on optical tools that address biomedical challenges.
Faculty Mentorship
Students learn from faculty whose expertise spans biomedical optics, imaging, nanophotonics, signal processing, sensors, microscopy, and data-driven modeling. Close faculty interaction helps students connect graduate coursework with research interests, project work, and professional goals.
Hands-On Learning
The program offers both thesis and course-based pathways. Students who choose the course-based track complete a hands-on project or internship, while thesis students pursue a research-focused experience that can support preparation for doctoral study or technical research roles.
Engineering for Human Health
Tufts’ biophotonics curriculum emphasizes the use of optical technologies to improve diagnostics, therapeutics, imaging, and biomedical product development. Students gain knowledge that can be applied to problems in medicine, biotechnology, and biopharmaceutical innovation.
What Can You Do With an M.S. in Biophotonics?
Graduates of the M.S. in Biophotonics may pursue technical, research, or product-focused roles in areas such as biomedical optics, medical imaging, optical instrumentation, photonic sensors, microscopy, diagnostics, therapeutics, and biomedical or biopharmaceutical technology. Career outcomes vary based on a student’s background, track, technical experience, internship or research experience, and professional goals.
Possible career paths may include:
- Biomedical engineer
- Optical systems engineer
- Imaging scientist
- Photonics engineer
- Research and development engineer
- Medical device engineer
- Application scientist
- Biopharmaceutical technology specialist
- Research associate
- PhD student or doctoral researcher
What is the Career Outlook?
Biophotonics skills are relevant across fields that connect biomedical engineering, optics, imaging, photonics, and medical technology.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bioengineers and biomedical engineers had a median annual wage of $106,950 in May 2024. Employment in this occupation is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations.
Average Salary: $100K+
Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): 5%
*Sources: Average salary and projected job growth statistics are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. The listed salary is for the broad field of Biomedical Engineering. Biophotonics salaries may differ.
Can Biophotonics Students Complete a Co-op?
Students in the School of Engineering may have the opportunity to participate in the Graduate Cooperative Education Program. The co-op program allows graduate students to apply classroom learning to real-world engineering projects, gain up to six months of full-time work experience, build their resumes, and strengthen their preparation for post-graduation employment.
Students in the course-based track complete a hands-on project or internship, which provides an applied learning experience connected to biophotonics practice.
Are Scholarships Available?
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.
Is the GRE Required?
No. GRE General Test scores are not required.
Do We Host Information Sessions and Campus Tours?
Yes. Prospective students may attend admissions events, information sessions, or campus visit opportunities to learn more about Tufts graduate programs and the application process. Visit go.tufts.edu/gradevents for the event schedule and previously recorded videos.
How Do I Apply?
Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.
Tuition & Financial Aid
At Tufts University, we believe every qualified applicant deserves the opportunity to pursue graduate study. We are dedicated to helping you understand your financial options and to ensuring that graduate education at Tufts is both accessible and within reach.
Tuition costs for this graduate program are billed at a per credit rate:
| Estimated Tuition for MS Program | |
|---|---|
| Tuition* | $1,799 per credit |
| Total Credits Required | 30 |
| Enrollment Status | Full-Time: 3-4 courses per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: 1-2 courses per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Tuition per Semester | Full-Time: $16,191 - $21,588 per semester (9-12 credits) Part-Time: $5,397 - $10,794 per semester (3-6 credits) |
| Estimated Total Tuition* | $53,970 |
*Estimated based on 2025-2026 tuition rates. Rates are subject to change each academic year. For further information about the full cost of attendance, including additional fees and estimated indirect costs (housing, transportation, etc.), please visit Student Financial Services.
The Tufts University School of Engineering offers partial, merit-based tuition scholarships for the majority of our graduate and certificate programs. All applicants are automatically considered for these awards as part of our holistic admissions review process—no separate scholarship application or additional materials are required.
Additional funding opportunities may include Tufts Double Jumbo Scholarships for Tufts graduates, Bridge Program Scholarships for students and alumni from select partner institutions, and veteran and military education benefits for eligible service members and their dependents, including participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program.
To further support your investment in a Tufts graduate education, a range of financing options are available, including federal and private student loans. For more details, please visit our Graduate Financial Aid page.
