Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering

Applying engineering principles and problem-solving skills to biology and medicine is called biomedical engineering. Also called bioengineering, this area of study has resulted in inventions such as the hearing aid, prosthetic limbs, and artificial hearts. It requires an in-depth knowledge of engineering coupled with an intensive understanding of the biological system or area. This hybrid degree hinges on the ability to combine these two subjects innovatively. 

Baccalaureate

There are a number of concentrations to choose from when earning a baccalaureate of science in biomedical engineering, including: tissue, genetic, neural, pharmaceutical, and clinical engineering, as well as specializing in medical devices, medical imaging, and bionics. This program will typically take 4 years to complete. The curriculum will be a mix of mathematics and science courses, some of which will likely be linear algebra and differential equations, as well as molecules and cells. 

Career opportunities with a BS in biomedical engineering include: Biomechanical Engineer, Rehabilitation Engineer, Clinical Engineer, Bioengineering Researcher.

It’s largely dependent on the chosen concentration, but the average starting salary in this area of study is $62,000.

Master Level

Earning a master’s degree in biomedical engineering will open up a number of career opportunities. The focus of most bioengineering master’s programs is to develop further understanding of a particular concentration. Programs are typically completed within 1 to 2 years and often include a thesis as a graduation requirement. Careers are heavily dependent on concentration and run the gamut of the medical and engineering industries. 

Doctorate Level

Many PhD programs often indicate a desire to stay within academia, but obtaining a doctorate in biomedical engineering can equally be used in practice at hospitals or in private industries. A PhD in this area of study typically takes about five years. 

Career paths for individuals with a biomedical engineering doctorate include: Professor, Biomedical Engineer, Research Scientist, Biomedical Engineering Director.

The average salary at this level of education is $85,000. 

Create a free account to find, finance and attend the college that's right for you.

Colleges

College placeholder image

Trine University is a private, 4-year institution established in Angola, Indiana. The college features a number of special academic opportunities, such as the Lifetime Guarantee program which promises graduation within 4 years, the Four Plus One...

Bunker Hill Community College

Bunker Hill Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Boston, Massachusetts. The college offers courses at all hours, including daytime, afternoon, early-evening, late-evening, midnight, and weekends, with fully-online options...

“…

Bunker Hill Community College is not only diverse, but the atmosphere over here is great. The school provides it's students with many great opportunities and with the help of the great staff.

” – Tashi from Malden, MA
University of Massachusetts-Lowell

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is the second largest public university in the state and maintains six colleges that collectively offer more than 120 majors. Programs at UMass Lowell span and interconnect the disciplines of business, education...

“…

UMass Lowell won't just teach you about writing, math, and science- it takes you beyond to learn about yourself. One must learn to manage time well with so many campus activities. The school also has a great amount of diversity, which helps students...

” – Jessica from Bradford, MA
Louisiana Tech University

Founded in 1894, Louisiana Tech University is a 4-year public school in northern Louisiana. Louisiana Tech is home to five colleges of Liberal Arts, Applied & Natural Sciences, Business, Education, and Engineering conferring undergraduate degrees...

“…

I'm an entering sophomore this year, and I can already say that I love Tech. The teachers I've had have been pretty great. I'm definitely enjoying the challenge of getting a college education. I think Tech makes the transition from high school to...

” – Tiffany from Bossier City, LA
Milwaukee School of Engineering

With campus a short walk from the Milwaukee River and Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee School of Engineering is an engineering and science college in downtown Milwaukee. MSOE confers undergraduate degrees in 18 science and business-related fields of...

“…

The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) is a much smaller school than many of the other top engineering universities in the Midwest. The size of the class is a major factor for getting a better education. Because of the smaller number of students...

” – Jeff from Carol Stream, IL
Michigan Technological University

With a campus overlooking the Keweenaw Waterway, Michigan Technological University is a public school in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. MTU is home to seven colleges and schools offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 120 academic programs...

“…

Michigan Tech has a reputation of being a tough school and it's reputation is well earned. Every class I've taken has been a challenge but nothing too extreme. The university takes academic dishonestly very seriously and strives to ensure that every...

” – Charles from Midland, MI
College placeholder image

East Mississippi Community College is a 2-year degree program and public institution based in rural Scooba, MS. The college offers associate degree programs and 1-2 year technical certification programs. Admissions are open and nontraditional...

“…

This is an excellent school to attend. Teacher's really care and try hard to help students. Its a peaceful environment to be apart of and the sports teams are great.

” – Brea from Hattiesburg, MS
College placeholder image

McLennan Community College is a public institution located in Waco, Texas, near Cameron Park and the Bosque River. MCC has an open admissions policy and offers free tutoring, online or in-person at the Center for Academic Excellence. It also operates...

“…

The professors are very nice and helpful. Whenever you have a problem or a question they are very eager to help you out.

” – Mariah from Waco, TX
University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth

Originally founded as a pair of state-chartered textile schools, the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth is a public school in southeast Massachusetts and a campus of the UMass system. UMass Dartmouth is home to seven colleges and schools...

“…

I am only a freshman here and I love it already! Academically I enjoy attending my classes. I have many friends who moan and groan about going to class and I am EAGER to do so here! I have 4 classes now in lecture halls of about 200 students but the...

” – female from Brockton, MA
University of the District of Columbia

The University of the District of Columbia is the only public institution in Washington, DC. It is a land-grant university and a member of the Thurgood Marshall Fund. UDC is an HBCU with an open admissions policy. Legal studies, foundations of...

“…

UDC is a wonderful university to attend. The instructor are very helping students reach their education goals. I recommend University of the District of Columbia for a quality education.

” – jimmie from Peoria, IL
West Chester University of Pennsylvania

The West Chester University of Pennsylvania is a public school in the Philadelphia area and the largest institution in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. WCU is comprised of seven colleges including the College of Arts & Humanities...

“…

The classes are challenging but most of the teachers are pretty cool and make learning fun. Although they don't baby you like most high school teachers so you need to stay on top of your work. Get on the teachers good side by going to class and by...

” – Amanda from Levittown, PA
College placeholder image

Founded in 1874, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is a 4-year STEM-focused institution in west central Indiana. Rose-Hulman grants bachelor’s degrees in 25 science, engineering, and mathematics-related fields of study. In addition, the institute...

“…

If you are looking for a college that have everything you will need for a career in Science, Math, Engineering, or Technology Rose-Hulman has a course for everything.

” – Jacob from New Castle, IN
LeTourneau University

LeTourneau University is a private, Christian polytechnic institution situated in Longview, Texas. On top of providing education for traditional students, LETU operates education centers for nontraditional students in Longview, Dallas, and Houston. A...

“…

LeTourneau does not offer many, if any, fluff classes. Everything is educational, and since it is a Christian university, there is actually meaning in what you learn. 
History, for example, is not a bunch of names, dates, and places that need to be...

” – David from La Crescenta, CA
Dordt University

Dordt University integrates faith into every aspect of campus, whether academics, athletics, music, or social activities. Students are challenged and invested in, which creates a vibrant and close-knit campus community. Dordt offers four-year...

“…

Dordt College has exceptional academics and wonderful professors. The professors challenge you and you learn important information about your major throughout your time at Dordt.

” – Kailee from Ripon, CA
CUNY City College

The City College of New York is a public senior college in upper Manhattan and the oldest institution of higher learning in the City University of New York system. CCNY is home to 10 academic divisions and schools conferring undergraduate degrees as...

“…

There will always be hard to understand professors wherever you go, but there are lots of places at the college that offer help, and in my experience, many fellow students are willing to group together to ace a class.

” – Denise from New York, NY
College placeholder image

Walla Walla University is a private institution founded in 1892 and is founded on Christian teachings and values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Walla Walla is rated as having a “selective” admissions process and orchestrates an honors program...

“…

Great atmosphere, lots of friendliness to go around. Beautiful campus, even if they have weird weather. Great academics, however much people like to complain. Homework is required at all colleges.

” – Sara from Dallas, OR
Oregon Health & Science University

Oregon Health & Science University is a public institution based in Portland, OR, that operates two hospitals. The university is dedicated to research and training health professionals. OHSU is credited with developing stem cells from skin cells...

“…

Love this program!! It's worth the extra year of nursing school; I feel by the time I graduate, I will be a well-prepared nurse!

” – Sarah from Turner, OR
College placeholder image

Anoka-Ramsey Community College is a public, 2-year institution with campuses established in both Cambridge and Coon Rapids, and is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. At the lowest tuition rate in the state, ARCC offers...

“…

lowest tuition in minnesota.

” – Antonia from NEW BRIGHTON, MN
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center is a educational medical institution established in the city of Dallas. The university’s expansive campus includes three different schools and four hospital facilities. UT Southwestern is home to...

The University of Texas at El Paso

Founded in 1914, The University of Texas at El Paso is a 4-year public institution situated on the US-Mexico border and the second-oldest school in the UT system. With a majority Mexican-American student body, UTEP is home to 10 colleges conferring...

“…

Classes are enjoyable, challenging, and most teachers do a great job in keeping the class interested in course material.

” – Daniel from El Paso, TX
University of Northwestern-St Paul

University of Northwestern - St. Paul is a Christian, liberal arts university established north of St. Paul in the town of Roseville. Along with traditional coursework, undergraduate students at UNW are also required to attend a daily chapel program...

“…

Northwestern offers a myriad of opportunities to learn more about almost every topic if you take advantage of everything! From a wide variety of classes, to interesting clubs, the friendly people where who are always willing to talk about their...

” – L,. Wausau, WI
College placeholder image

Medical College of Wisconsin is a private and independent medical school, graduate school, pharmacy school, and residency and fellowship center. Students at this institution study new medical technology, techniques, treatments and theories through...

University of Akron Main Campus

As one of Ohio’s most influential public urban research universities, the University of Akron is home to five colleges and three regional campuses in Orrville, Lakewood, Medina, Ohio. Akron offers highly ranked degree programs in engineering...

“…

The classes are generally small and the professors are fantastic. After you finish your electives, all the major-specific class are enticing and exciting. I'm glad I chose Akron over a smaller school. There are tons of opprotuniteis here for...

” – Abby from Bellville, OH
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is an environmental studies institution in Syracuse and the oldest forestry-related college in the United States. SUNY ESF grants bachelor’s and associate degrees in 27 ecological fields of study and...

“…

I am learning tons about the things I care about. SUNY-ESF offers only classes which concern almost any environmental field. In English we read books all about the environment, in History we learn the history of the environmental movement, in...

” – Samamtha from White Hall, MD
College placeholder image

The Community College of Rhode Island stands out as the only 2-year community college in The Ocean State. It also maintains its standing as the largest community college in New England. CCRI offers majors in 24 academic departments. Over the years...

“…

I am currently a full time student, enrolled in 4 classes; (12 credits.) 
Marketing Communications, Introduction to College Mathematics,
Social Problems, and Lighting and Sound Production. 
Each class has it's ups and downs, just like any class...

” – Dylan from Smithfield, RI
College placeholder image

The South Dakota School of Mines & Technology is a university located in the Mount Rushmore region. The institution was founded in 1885 to train students in the skilled trade of mining, and now offers a variety disciplines in the sciences. SD Mines...

“…

I have already gained alot of knowledge and it's only the end of the first semester. I'm studying for geology and took earth science in high school so I expected that I would know most of what we learned in physical geology but I really learned a lot...

” – Rebecca from Rapid City, SD
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is the largest medical center in the world. UT Health is home to several research institutions, including the Center of Excellence in Mood Disorders, the Consortium on Aging, and the...

“…

UTHSC - Houston is a well known, highly regarded school for students seeking a career in the medical field. The school is located in the Texas Medical Center, which is the largest medical center in the world. The school is dedicated to educating and...

” – Jennifer from Rowlett, TX
College placeholder image

Established in 1860, SUNY Downstate Medical Center is a private, medical education institution and urban service center established in Brooklyn, New York. The college offers over 30 health-centric degree programs through the colleges of Medicine...

University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez

The University of Puerto Rico in Mayagüez is a state institution also known as Recinto Universitario de Mayagüez. Classes at UPRM are primarily taught in Spanish, and students are required to have a moderate understanding of English as well in order...

“…

This university has great professors, beautiful agricultural research stations and amazing architecture. It is in the west side of the island where the best beaches are. People are friendly and helpful, this campus is the best.

” – Laura from Puerto Rico
College placeholder image

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio is a private, health science education institution. The college is divided into five schools: the Long School of Medicine, the School of Nursing, the School of Dentistry, the School of...

“…

UTHSCSA is a prestigious university to attend. Many hospitals are surrounded by this university and it is a great place to learn and experience. Getting admitted to this university means a lot of hard work.

” – Sara from Austin, TX
College placeholder image

Great Bay Community College is a 2-year institution with two campuses in eastern New Hampshire. GBCC confers associate degrees in 29 fields of study and is also home to 27 certificate-granting programs and the college’s Hospitality Management program...

“…

A great place to start your future. Perfect for exploring your future. The start of something great.

” – Jedidiah from Barnstead, NH
College placeholder image

The Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine is a research institution specializing in training doctors and medical scientists on three campuses in Phoenix, Jacksonville, and Rochester, Minnesota. US News & World Report ranks The Mayo Clinic Alix School...

College placeholder image

Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine is a medical teaching institution established in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The college puts emphasis on research, and all students in either the Master’s programs or PhD programs are required to complete...

“…

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a renowned tertiary care center, a level I trauma center (the region's only such center for adults and children), a teaching hospital and a medical school (with the first Humanities Department in the...

” – Krista from Mechanicsburg, PA
College placeholder image

The Universidad Politecnica de Puerto Rico (Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico) is a private institution specializing in the technical sciences with a main campus in San Juan and two Florida campuses. PUPR is home to the largest private Hispanic...

“…

I love it, great atmosphere

” – Nicole from Puerto Rico
College placeholder image

With a focus on bringing the benefits of health science study to citizens of Tennessee, The University of Tennessee-Health Science Center is a public health institution with a main campus in Memphis. UTHSC is made up of six colleges concentrating in...

CUNY Graduate School and University Center

CUNY Graduate School and University Center is rated as a Doctoral University with Highest Research Activity and set in Midtown Manhattan. The graduate school is home to several research centers and promotes interdisciplinary research and...

College placeholder image

Part of the Claremont Colleges, the Keck Graduate Institute is a grad school in southern California and the first graduate school exclusively focusing on applied life sciences. KGI is home to the Henry E. Riggs School of Applied Life Sciences and the...

College placeholder image

Delaware Technical Community College is the only 2-year community college in Delaware and its Terry campus is located in the state capital of Dover. DTCC Terry’s campus is home to seven academic buildings offering classes in eight Delaware Tech...

College placeholder image

The Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is a graduate-level medical school with three locations in Rochester, MN, Phoenix, and Jacksonville. The Mayo Clinic Graduate School offers PhD programs in seven areas of medicine as well as an...

Imperial College London

Imperial is one of the world’s 10 top universities (QS World University Rankings 2024), in one of its most iconic cities – London, UK. With students from more than 140 countries (including a growing number of US students), and a specialist community...