image of a 3D bioprinter

3D Bioprinting & Biofabrication

Online Graduate Certificate

Image of a beaker in a lab.

Who is this Program For?

Forward-thinking medical, engineering, and biomedical professionals who want to innovate - not just adopt - new technologies, and actively shape the future of healthcare.

What You Will Learn

Design and fabricate complex biological structures using a 3D bioprinting in your own home, while gaining hands-on experience with the core steps of the FDA approval process.

The CMU Difference

An intentionally designed online learning experience shaped by CMU's Learning Engineers and world-class faculty. Each course is structured using evidence-based learning science to support clarity, retention, and real-world application.Ìý

Class Profile

AVERAGE AGE

Average age of students in the 3D Bioprinting & Biofabrication program.

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE FIELDS OF STUDY

Pie Chart of Undergraduate Degrees represented among 3D Bioprinting and Biofabrication program

INDUSTRIES REPRESENTED

Bar graph of industries represented by students in the 3D Bioprinting & Biofabrication program
Image of Dr. Palchesko holding a petri dish in the lab.

Curriculum

Our curriculum builds essential foundations in biomaterials and tissue engineering, paired with hands-on experience using an operational 3D bioprinter in your own environment. You’ll study tissue architecture, cellular behavior, biomaterial properties, and scaffold design—critical elements for supporting tissue growth and function.Ìý

Through 3D Bioprinting and Biofabrication, you’ll design, fabricate, and optimize complex biological constructs, culture living materials, and customize printer parameters to translate theory into practical, reproducible tissue models that support advances in regenerative medicine and biomanufacturing.

Course Descriptions

Course Number: 42-880
Units: 9 units

Study the synthesis, characterization, and functional properties of organic and inorganic biomaterials such as natural biopolymers, synthetic polymers, and soft materials, with additional treatment of metals and ceramics. In this course, you will learn fundamental issues related to the utility of biomaterials like biomechanics, transport, degradability, biointerfaces and biocompatibility, stability, and fate in the body, along with basic approaches to characterization. Clinical applications for biomaterials and new directions in design and synthesis to achieve better biocompatibility will also be emphasized.

Course Waivers

Students with an educational background in biomaterials may waive the Biomaterials course upon successful completion of an exemption exam, which will be administered to admitted students only. Once admitted, additional information about the exam will be provided.

Students who are interested in taking the exam should indicate their interest in the application. Upon successful completion of the exam, students will complete the remaining courses in the program to qualify for the certificate. No credit will be earned, nor will tuition be assessed, for the waived course.

Course Number: 42-887
Units: 12 units

Gain hands-on experience with methods that are used to fabricate scaffolds often used in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and some medical devices. For example, you will learn plastic filament deposition methods (FDM) to 3D print thermoplastic materials and molds for casting soft hydrogel materials. You will also learn how to 3D bioprint soft hydrogel materials into a support bath material. Topics covered in this course include (but are not limited to): chemical and physical properties of biomaterials, CAD, and post-processing methods.

Course Number: 42-882
Units: 12 units

Explore advanced cellular and tissue engineering methods that apply physical, mechanical, and chemical manipulation of materials in order to direct cell and tissue function. Students will learn the techniques and equipment of bench research including cell culture, immunofluorescent imaging, soft lithography, variable stiffness substrates, application/measurement of forces, and other methods. Emphasis will be placed on developing the written and oral communication skills required of the professional scientist.

The course includes an optional 3-day on-campus lab experience where students can gain practical, hands-on experience with cell culturing and tissue development. CMU will provide lab access and instruction, while students will be responsible for all costs related to travel and lodging.

World-Class Faculty

The online graduate certificate is taught by ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV College of Engineering faculty who are leaders in research, innovation, and applied engineering. Their courses are intentionally designed around real-world challenges and grounded in evidence-based learning—so you gain practical expertise you can use immediately.

Ìý

Rachelle Pachelsko

Dr. Rachelle Palchesko
Ìý

Education: Ph.D., Duquesne University
Ìý

Research Interests: Tissue Engineering, biomaterials, cell injection therapy, corneal endothelium, cystic fibrosis
Ìý

Research Focus: Creating biomimetic extracellular matrix based materials for tissue engineering and cell delivery. A majority of Dr. Palchesko's research at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV has focused on treating corneal blindless using various methods like developing a technology to increase the integration of corneal endothelial cells post-injection for cell injection therapy-based approaches. She is currently adapting the cell injection technology for use in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis and other diseases.Ìý

Photo of a female student in the lab.

Application Requirements

If you're wondering whether this program is right for you, our most successful applicants usually have:

  • A bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering or a closely related field. This is required.
  • Relevant academic or clinical backgrounds, including biomedical engineering, biomedical sciences, chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, or medicine.
  • Formal training in biology and chemistry, gained through undergraduate or graduate-level courseword.
  • A curious, adaptable, and forward-thinking mindset, with enthusiasm for emerging technologies, experimentation, and problem-solving.
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Ready to Build The Future?

Tuition

Below is a tuition breakdown for the 2026 academic year:

SemesterCourseUnitsInvestment
Spring 2026Bioprinting & Biofabrication12 units$8,484
Summer 2026Tissue Engineering12 units$8,484
Fall 2026Biomaterials9 units$6,363
Total Investment$23,331

More Financial Information Ìý

Additional Fees & Notes

  • $245 technology fee will be assessed each semester (subject to change).
  • The 3D Bioprinting & Biofabrication course has an estimated total materials cost of $900-$975. This includes a one-time $75 course fee for bioprinting materials purchased and shipped to you by CMU, as well as $825-$900 in additional materials (including a 3D printer and supplies) that you will purchase separately. Details on required equipment and recommended vendors will be shared closer to the start date.
  • $250 Tissue Engineering On-Campus Event fee will be assessed once and only if you choose to participate. This covers the materials necessary for the in-person lab experience.

Notes for International Students

Scholarship Opportunities

All students who submit their application by the priority deadline will receive a partial scholarship to help offset the cost of tuition. If admitted to the program, the amount of your award will be communicated with your admissions letter. Ìý

Students who submit after the priority deadline may be eligible for any remaining scholarships that are still available. But we highly encourage you to apply by the priority deadline if you are interested in a scholarship award. Ìý

In addition, Carnegie Mellon alumni are eligible for a scholarship to the Graduate Certificate in 3D Bioprinting & Biofabrication worth up to 20% of tuition. Indicate your alumni status within the application to be eligible.

CMU provides a monthly payment option, managed by Nelnet Campus Commerce, designed to help students spread out tuition payments into manageable monthly installments. This plan also offers the ease of online enrollment. Should you be admitted and choose to join us, we recommend registering for this plan early to fully benefit from the range of payment options available.

Payment Plan in Action

Meet Lucy - she plans to start the program in the Fall and was awarded a $1,000 scholarship per course.ÌýHere's an example of what her tuition breakdown might look like with a payment plan:

SAMPLE SUMMER SEMESTER
DescriptionTuition or Fee
Course: Tissue Engineering$6,363
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Less Scholarship-$1,000
Technology Fee$240
Payment Plan Enrollment Fee$45
Remaining Tuition & Fees Due$5,648
20% Down Payment - Due April 20$1,129.60
Payment #1 - Due May 1$1,129.60
Payment #2 - Due June 1$1,129.60
Payment #3 - Due July 1$1,129.60
Payment #4 - Due Sept. 1$1,129.60

By taking advantage of the monthly payment plan option, Lucy can break tuition into smaller installments that she can pay throughout the semester.Ìý

Please note:ÌýNelnet payment plans do not carry over from one semester to the next. Therefore, students must re-enroll and establish a new payment plan at the beginning of each semester.Ìý

Students pursuing a graduate certificate are not eligible to receive federal financial aid. However, private loans are a viable alternative to consider with competitive interest rates and borrower benefits. See , a free loan comparison service to easily research options.

Using your company's tuition reimbursement benefits can help significantly offset the cost of tuition, especially if you start in the Fall and your tuition benefits restart every calendar year.ÌýÌýÌý

Tuition Benefits in Action

Meet Patrick - he's planning to start the program in the Summer and was awarded a $1,000 scholarship per course. His company provides $5,000 in tuition reimbursement per calendar year.Ìý Here’s an example of what his tuition breakdown could look like for the whole program with tuition reimbursement benefits:

SUMMER
DescriptionTuition or Fee
Course: Tissue Engineering$8,484
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Less Scholarship-$1,000
Technology Fee$240
Tissue Engineering On-Campus Event Fee (if participating)$250
Tuition Reimbursement-$5,000
Remaining Tuition & Fees Due$2,974
FALL
DescriptionTuition or Fee
Course: Biomaterials$6,363
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Less Scholarship-$1,000
Technology Fee$240
Remaining Tuition & Fees Due$5,603
SPRING
DescriptionTuition or Fee
Course: Bioprinting & Biofabrication$8,484
Ìý Ìý Ìý Ìý Less Scholarship-$1,000
Technology Fee$240
3D Printer & Materials Fee$750
Tuition Reimbursement-$5,000
Remaining Tuition & Fees Due$3,474

As you can see, Patrick is maximizing his tuition reimbursement benefits across two calendar years, resulting in a personal contribution of $12,051. He can also use the payment plan to spread the cost out even further.

Make a Case To Your Employer

If your employer is hesitant about supporting the program, be sure to highlight the value and benefits of completing an online certificate at Carnegie Mellon. You can share that our program:Ìý

  • Consists of threeÌýÌý transcripted, credit-bearing coursesÌýÌý (not just continuing education units).
  • Equips you to push the boundaries of current treatment options through transformative engineering innovation.
  • Teaches you how to build a 3D printer that you can use to design and fabricate biomedical scaffolds in your own lab.
  • Trains you to plan, organize, and lead bench-to-bedside projects. You’ll learn how to evaluate biomaterials for specific applications and follow key steps in the FDA approval process.
  • Is deliveredÌýÌý completely online , which means you can take classes on your own time while maintaining your normal work schedule.

Not sure how to approach your employer? Need specific documents to proceed with enrollment? Connect with a Program Specialist today.ÌýIf you’re ready to learn new skills and revolutionize regenerative medicine, we’re here to help.Ìý

The Graduate Certificate in 3D Bioprinting & Biofabrication is eligible for CMU tuition remission. Review theÌýCMU tuition remission policyÌýto check your eligibility.

ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV provides services to veterans and their dependents who are eligible for Veterans Education Benefits under the Montgomery G.I. Bill®, Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program. Please note, our online graduate certificates are not currently eligible for the Yellow Ribbon program.Ìý

The process starts with an application directly to Veterans Affairs and once approved, you will provide your Certificate of Eligibility to the Carnegie Mellon Veterans Affairs Coordinator.ÌýContact Information and additional details about the process can be found here.

Students eligible for GI Bill funding may receive scholarship awards prior to full GI Bill funding confirmation. Scholarship awards will be adjusted to reflect GI Bill funding and cannot exceed the cost of tuition/fees.

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An Online Format, Built for Working Professionals

Learning to design and build living systems is complex, creative, and demanding—and it deserves a learning environment designed to meet that challenge. The CMU 3D Bioprinting and Biofabrication Certificate is a 12-month online program structured across three semesters, each six weeks long, allowing you to progress efficiently while balancing professional commitments.

Despite its flexible online format, the program maintains the same high academic standards as Carnegie Mellon’s on-campus offerings and requires a strong level of intellectual discipline. You can expect a rigorous learning experience that reflects the university’s long-standing leadership in biomedical engineering.

Live classes meet once per week in a 90-minute session, scheduled in the late afternoons and evenings (EST), and bring together leading faculty and peers for focused discussion, applied problem-solving, and collaborative learning.

Asynchronous coursework—including readings, short lectures, and practice activities—allows you to prepare and reflect on your own time, while ongoing faculty support ensures you remain challenged, supported, and connected throughout the program.

Photo of a man in a lab.

Start Your Application

Ready to Apply? Here's what you'll need to complete the application process for the 3D Bioprinting & Biofabrication Online Graduate Certificate.

Complete the Online Application

Submit your application via the online portal.

Submit Your Resume/CV

We’d like to learn more about your employment history, academic background, technical skills, and professional achievements. Submit your resume or CV showcasing your experience.

Submit Your Transcripts

Submit an unofficial copy of your transcript for each school you attended. Transcripts must include your name, the name of the college or university, the degree awarded (along with the conferral date), as well as the grade earned for each course. Email your transcripts directly to apply@online.cmu.edu. Former Carnegie Mellon students and alumni can request a copy of their CMU transcript from The Hub.

Upload a Statement of Purpose

Tell us about your academic interests, research pursuits, and long term goals. What inspires you, and what do you hope to achieve? In 500 words or less, tell us why you are interested in this certificate program and how you anticipate using it in your professional capacity.

Request Information

By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted to learn more about the programs at ºÃÉ«ÏÈÉúTV.

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