Biomedical Engineering
Overview
Biomedical engineering programs teach people to design new tools and devices used to improve health care.Biomedical engineering programs include topics such as:
- Biomedical systems
- Cell and tissue engineering
- Medical instrumentation systems
- Artificial organs and prostheses
- Health care delivery systems
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in biomedical engineering. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree, students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in biomedical engineering. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four or five years of full-time study.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in biomedical engineering. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Applied Mathematics
- Biomedical Sciences, General
- Biomedical Technology
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
- Engineering Physics
- Engineering, General
- Materials Engineering
- Neuroscience
- Orthotic and Prosthetic Therapies
- Plastics Technology
- Polymer and Plastics Engineering
- Pre-Engineering
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
- Bioengineers
- Biomedical Engineers
- Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Engineering Technicians
- Mechanical Engineers
- Medical Appliance Technicians
- Orthotic and Prosthetic Specialists
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
- Trigonometry
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in engineering (or perhaps biology or chemistry), good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Biology
- Biomaterials
- Biomechanics
- Biomedical Engineering Design
- Biomedical Systems Analysis
- Biomedical Systems and Imaging
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Electronic Circuits
- Engineering Mechanics
- Engineering Physics
- English Composition
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Linear Algebra
- Linear Differential Equations
- Mathematical and Computer Modeling of Physiological Systems
- Organic Chemistry
- Physiology for Engineers
- Senior Design Project
- Statistics
- Strength of Materials
- Thermodynamics
Graduate Program Courses
A master's program typically includes the following:
- Required courses
- Thesis
Things to Know
Most engineering jobs require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and other humanities courses will develop your communication skills.
Some bachelor's programs combine work experience with classes, and may take five or six years to complete. This work experience teaches skills, helps build job contacts, and you may be paid while you work.
You may want to consider going to medical school after you complete a bachelor's degree in this field if you want to do research and development.
In order to become licensed by your state to work as an engineer, you must have a degree from an accredited engineering program. You also need several years of work experience and must pass an exam. Many people take the exam at the same time they graduate or soon after.
Schools
East Side Area
Walla Walla University
- Bioengineering/Bioengineering Science
Washington State University - Pullman
- Bioengineering--General Option
King-Snohomish Area
Cascadia College
- Associate in Science: Engineering Track Two--Bioengineering & Chemical engineering
University of Washington - Seattle
- Applied Bioengineering
- Bioengineering
- Medical Scientist