Biomedical Engineering Major
Biomedical Engineering is the application of engineering to medicine, biology, and healthcare devices. It is a major within Engineering & Technology.
Biomedical engineering applies engineering principles and methods to solve problems in medicine, biology, and healthcare. Students in this major learn to design and develop medical devices, diagnostic equipment, and treatment systems—from artificial joints and heart valves to imaging machines and drug-delivery systems. The field asks practical questions: How can we make a prosthetic limb move more naturally? What materials work best inside the human body? How should a device be built so doctors can use it safely and effectively? Students develop skills in both engineering fundamentals and biological sciences, learning to think like engineers while understanding how the human body works.
Students drawn to biomedical engineering typically enjoy solving real-world problems that directly affect human health and quality of life. They often have strong interests in both science and engineering rather than leaning heavily toward one or the other. The major typically begins with core coursework in mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology, establishing the foundation needed to understand both engineering systems and biological processes. As students progress, they move toward more specialized courses and projects that apply these fundamentals to specific biomedical challenges, often including design work, lab experience, or capstone projects that resemble problems they might encounter professionally.
Typical coursework
Course requirements vary by school, but a Biomedical Engineering program commonly includes topics such as:
- Biomechanics
- Biomaterials
- Medical imaging
- Biomedical instrumentation
- Physiology for engineers
- Tissue engineering
Most programs also include general-education requirements and, in many fields, a capstone project, internship, or research experience.
Degree levels
Biomedical Engineering is commonly offered at these levels:
- Bachelor's
- Master's
- Doctoral
Availability differs by institution, and program names can vary (for example, a Bachelor of Arts versus a Bachelor of Science track).
Common career directions
Graduates with a Biomedical Engineering background pursue a range of paths. Some roles related to this field of study include:
- Biomedical engineer
- Clinical engineer
- Medical device engineer
- Research engineer
Many careers require additional steps beyond the major — such as a graduate degree, a license, or a certification — and many graduates work in fields unrelated to their major. What you study is one factor among many in where your career goes.
General career information is drawn from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook. Career paths vary widely by person, school, and region; this is not a list of guaranteed jobs or earnings.
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Find degree programs →Frequently asked questions
What is a Biomedical Engineering major?
Biomedical Engineering is the application of engineering to medicine, biology, and healthcare devices. It is part of engineering & technology, and combines foundational coursework with more focused study as you advance.
What courses do Biomedical Engineering majors take?
Coursework varies by school, but commonly includes topics such as biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging, biomedical instrumentation, and others, plus general-education requirements.
What can you do with a Biomedical Engineering major?
Graduates pursue a range of paths, including roles such as biomedical engineer, clinical engineer, medical device engineer. Many roles require additional steps such as a graduate degree, license, or certification. This is general information, not a guarantee of any job or salary.
What degree levels is Biomedical Engineering offered at?
It is commonly offered at the bachelor's, master's, doctoral level, though availability varies by institution.