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.
One of the few land-, space-, and sea-grant institutions in the US, the University of Florida is a public research university founded in 1853. It is the eighth largest single-campus university in the United States. U.S. News & World Report have...
This is the best school in the state hands down, and is also a powerful name amongst all colleges in the nation, both private and public.
” – Jerry from San Antonio, FL
Arizona State University is a comprehensive public research university that measures itself by whom it includes and how they succeed; advances research and discovery of public value; and assumes fundamental responsibility for the economic, social...
Arizona State was my top choice based on the wide spread of classes offered, the great education, and the world changing young men and woman that have prospered out of ASU. My classes are challenging but with hard work A's are capable. I no longer...
” – Joel from Chandler, AZ
Founded in 1885, Arizona is the state's flagship 4-year public institution. The University of Arizona features 20 colleges, hundreds of degree options, and top-ranked online programs. Committed to innovation and impact, the university's research and...
Not all of the learning you do is academic. Much of my first year was personal growth learning. Just be expected for both.
” – Alexis from Phoenix, AZ
The University of Southern California is a high-research institution located in Los Angeles, California, where it’s been educating students since 1880. The university is comprised of two campuses, the main University Park and the Health Sciences...
University of Southern California is among the top universities in the country, and keeps getting better. The professors at the university are all at the top of their fields, and the extensive alumni list proves that the connections that you make...
” – Thomas from Houston, TX
The University of Georgia is a land- and sea-grant public research university in Athens, GA. Founded in 1785, University of Georgia is one of three public universities to hold the title of the oldest public university in the US. With 17 different...
At UGA you get what you sign up for. I am currently taking 15 hours and all 15 of those are spent taking serious notes and paying close attention to learn the new material. I am learning new stuff everyday and am tested on it every 3 weeks. Coming...
” – Paige from Blythewood, SC
Founded in 1856, the University of Maryland-College Park is a 4-year public research university in Maryland’s Capital Region and the flagship campus of the UMD system. UMD hosts 12 colleges and schools granting undergraduate degrees in 92 academic...
At the University of Maryland, you learn so much more than just facts and truths from textbooks and lectures. While the classes are extremely informational, and the professors and T.A.s are all very knowledgeable on their subjects, the real learning...
” – Anonymous from PA
Auburn University is a 4-year public research institution and the second largest university in Alabama. Auburn encompasses 12 colleges offering undergraduate degrees in over 150 academic majors. Outside of the classroom, Auburn is home to the Auburn...
I'm in the engineering program and I am learning tons about software and how computers work. I highly recommend Auburn to anyone who is looking for an engineering school.
” – Marissa from Stafford, VA
The Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, more commonly known as Louisiana State, is the most comprehensive university in the state. This public university is located in Baton Rouge and is a designated land-, space-, and...
Because LSU does have rigorous academics, I would advise, if possible, to take dual-credit courses during high school to help prepare you for the teaching styles, and hard classes that you will have to take here at LSU.
” – Jordann from Humble, TX
Founded in 1960, the University of California of San Diego is a research institution located in La Jolla, CA. The 1,200 coastal woodland campus along the Pacific Ocean is home to six undergraduate colleges, five academic divisions, 5 graduate and...
Teachers can be great, but you must go to class to actually learn. I never thought I'd be skipping classes, but it happens and I learned the hard way that this is NOT smart. Discussions with TAs can be incredibly helpful as well. I had a math class...
” – Current Student from San Diego Area
Northern Arizona University is a four-year public research institution in Flagstaff, Arizona, which is consistently named among the nation’s best college towns. A variety of award-winning student resources and support are available to all students...
The teachers that I have had for the most part have been amazing. Use upperclassman and online prof. grading sites as a resource though, because there are a few snoozers out here. If you can catch the right professor at this school, they can change...
” – Christian from Las Vegas, NV
Founded in 1839, the University of Missouri is a 4-year public school in central Missouri and the first university established west of the Mississippi River. MU is home to 13 colleges and schools conferring degrees in 97 academic majors including the...
Mizzou is a huge learning experience in every aspect. I've learned not only about my subjects but about good study habits, organizational habits and myself. The teachers are generally understanding but tough and if you take the time to talk to them...
” – Philip from Saint Louis, MO
Situated on a hilltop overlooking the Ozark Mountains, the University of Arkansas is the flagship campus of the UA system and the largest university in the state. Arkansas is home to six colleges and schools hosting undergraduate degree-granting...
I am an International Business student in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. Throughout my time at the University of Arkansas I have learned more than I ever imagined. My business classes were focused and interactive...
” – April from Fort Smith, AR
Founded in 2005, the University of California-Merced is a 4-year public research institution in northern California and the first American research university opened in the 21st century. UC Merced is home to colleges of Social Sciences, Engineering...
Obviously, just like any other school, if you put your mind to it, study, and do the work, you'll learn. Putting in effort to what you want to accomplish is the key. I am currently a freshman and am about to finish my 1st semester here. I'm taking...
” – Gabriel from Hercules, CA
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is a 4-year public school in northwest Idaho and the oldest public institution in the state. The U of I hosts 10 colleges granting undergraduate and graduate degrees in over 300 fields of study. In addition to...
The professors are approachable and friendly, and with small class sizes it isn't hard to get in touch with the teacher for help. Also, with campus wide WiFi internet and the library combined, there is easy access to whatever course data you will...
” – Nate from Payette, ID
Since our founding in 1888, Utah State University has become a premiere undergraduate research institution known throughout the world for its intellectual and technological leadership. You graduate with more than a degree, you graduate an Aggie.
All of the professors here are amazing! I truly enjoy going to class. They're witty and help you with anything you need help with. The student reviews help out a lot as well. There are always Teacher's Aids to help with any questions you might...
” – Alexis from Heber City, UT
Oakland University is a 4-year public school in the Detroit metro area that was originally established as a satellite campus of Michigan State. Oakland is now home to seven colleges and schools offering bachelor’s degrees in 143 academic programs. In...
I took a variety of classes and enjoyed each and everyone of them. My favorite class of my 2008 fall semester was intro to sociology with Dr. George Sanders. We covered a wide range of topics, and Dr. Sanders employed a wide range of teaching...
” – Stacey from Lutz, FL
The University of British Columbia is a public institution with campuses located in the city of Vancouver and the city of Kelowna. The college is deeply rooted in academic research and maintains a number of research facilities, such as the Bamfield...
1. Although UBC is huge, it is easy to feel a little bit lost at times but it but because of its big size, it's also easy to find your nietzsche.
2. UBC has one of the most gorgeous campuses in the world, hands down.
3. UBC has a great international...
Founded in 1869, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the oldest university in the state and flagship of the NU system. Nebraska is home to nine colleges conferring undergraduate degrees. In addition to classroom facilities, the NU campus hosts The...
The absolute only reason why I only put 4 stars is because as being a freshman I had to complete some general study classes that I felt was impractical for my major and felt I didn't benefit from. The classes designed for my major I would without a...
” – Alisha from Jackson , MO
The Colorado School of Mines is located in Golden, Colorado. Established in 1873, Mines has been focusing on the sciences and engineering for more than 130 years, expanding its focus to include understanding the Earth, harnessing energy, and...
For the first year at the Colorado School of Mines, the majority of the required classes are classes that many honor students have already taken in high school. The classes include calculus 1, chemistry 1 and 2, and physics 1. Granted, these classes...
” – Krista from Colorado Springs, CO
Wentworth Institute of Technology is 4-year college in Boston, Massachusetts. Wentworth is comprised of four colleges: Architecture, Design, and Construction Management; Arts and Sciences; Engineering and Computer Science; and Professional and...
The classes are a constant challenge. Everyday is a day full of knowledge.
” – Danielle from Atkinson, NH
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