Biomedical engineering is a rapidly growing field with immense potential. The best biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree can open the door to many rewarding career options. Biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree jobs are available in a variety of fields, including medical device development, healthcare management, artificial organs development, and biomedical research.
While there are many Bachelor’s Degrees in Biomedical Engineering programs available, not all of them are equivalent. Some programs may be better suited to your interests and career goals than others. In this guide, we will take a look at some of the best Bachelor’s Degrees in Biomedical Engineering based on factors such as tuition, graduation rate, and accreditation.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
Some of the best schools to get a biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree at are Arizona State University, Drexel University, and California State University, Long Beach. You can also consider Purdue University and The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
What Schools Offer the Best Biomedical Bachelor’s Degrees?
- Arizona State University
- California State University, Long Beach
- Drexel University
- Purdue University
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical?
The admission requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering include a high school diploma or equivalent credential. You’ll need to fill out and submit an online application form and submit high school transcripts or a self-reported academic record (SRAR). Some schools require a minimum grade-point average, while others don’t.
You may be required to submit Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT) scores. In addition, there are universities that require letters of recommendation and a personal essay. If you’re an international student from a non-native English-speaking country, you will need to provide proof of English proficiency.
Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Application form
- Minimum GPA
- Official school transcripts or self-reported academic record
- SAT or ACT scores
- Letter of recommendation
- Personal essay
- Proof of English proficiency (for international students)
How to Get a Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
You get a biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree by fulfilling all of the graduation requirements. You’ll need to complete a four-year accredited program with at least 120 credits of coursework. Most programs will require you to maintain a certain GPA and finish a capstone project in your final year.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
To earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering, you typically need to complete 120 to 140 credits. These credits are divided into general education courses, major courses, and elective courses.
Biomedical Engineering Degree Requirements
- 40-50 credits of general education courses
- 35-40 credits of major courses
- 30-35 credits of elective courses
- Maintain a minimum GPA score
- Capstone design project and/or internship
Best Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona State University | Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Biomedical Engineering (Biomedical Devices) | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Higher Learning Commission |
| California State University, Long Beach | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Drexel University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Pennsylvania State University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Purdue University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools |
| San Jose State University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| University of Central Oklahoma | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Higher Learning Commission |
| The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical and Health Sciences Engineering | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Wichita State University | Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering | Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools |
Best Schools for Biomedical Engineering: Top Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
In this section, we detail the schools offering the best biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree programs. We also provide information on tuition fees, graduation rates, admission requirements, and the application process.
What Is a Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
A biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree is a four-year credential that prepares biomedical engineering students for a career in the medical field. Biomedical engineers work with patients, doctors, and other professionals to design and create new medical devices and treatments. They also conduct research to find new ways to improve existing medical devices.
Since this is a bachelor’s degree program, the majority of its foundational courses are math, biology, and chemistry. Its core biomedical engineering courses typically focus on topics like biomedical imaging, computer applications, biomechanics, and biomedical devices. Biomedical engineering students also learn engineering physiology and materials science.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
A Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering is very important as it can help you get a job in the medical field. The demand for biomedical engineers is high. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 1,400 jobs for biomedical engineers will be opened every year from 2020 to 2030. A bachelor’s degree gives you an edge as you apply for these jobs in the market.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degree Can You Get in Biomedical Engineering?
There are two types of bachelor’s degrees that you can get in biomedical engineering, including a bachelor of science (BS) and a bachelor of science in engineering (BSE). A BS degree is more commonly offered than a BSE degree in biomedical engineering programs. The BS degree is a general program that has a better balance between engineering and science courses, such as chemistry and biology. A BSE is more specialized and has more math and engineering emphasis.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science Degree or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
A Bachelor of Science Degree in Biomedical Engineering is better if you want to work directly with patients to design and create new medical devices and treatments for them. If you want to be more focused on engineering medical devices in the backend, a BSE degree would be better for you. Ultimately, the best decision will depend on your specific interests and career goals.
What Is the Difference Between a Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree and a Biomedical Certificate?
The differences between a Bachelor’s Degree and a Certificate in Biomedical Engineering are their duration and intensiveness. A bachelor’s degree is a four-year program providing in-depth training and education in biomedical engineering. In contrast, a biomedical certificate is a one to two-year program focusing on basic topics like medical terminology and clinical practices.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
The cost of a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering is $28,775, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. This covers the average tuition fees and other expenses for a four-year program. The cost may change depending on the school you choose, your residency status, and your financial aid eligibility.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years to get a biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree. However, this duration may vary based on your course load, program requirements, and part-time or full-time enrollment. To get a bachelor’s degree, students typically need to earn 120 credits of study. To get the degree in four years, they need to complete 15 credits of coursework per semester.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
It’s not hard to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering. The biomedical engineering curriculum may be highly demanding and students are expected to complete a rigorous course load. However, if you have strong science and math skills and have a passion for the biomedical field, you can complete the degree through dedication and hard work.
Why Should You Get a Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
You should get a biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree because it equips you with combined hard skills for biomedicine and engineering. Apart from technical skills, biomedical engineering students also develop analytical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity for innovating medical devices and treatments. The knowledge and skills can be useful for various applications in the medical field. These can also be used to pursue a career in research, medical school, teaching, or clinical practice.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Biomedical Engineering?
The courses you may need to take for a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering include an introduction to biomedical engineering and biomedical engineering design and development. You may also encounter biomechanics, biomedical imaging, and fundamentals of cells and molecules. Below is a brief overview of each course.
Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
In this course, students learn the basic concepts of biomedical engineering. The course covers topics, such as the history of biomedical engineering and its fundamental principles and impact on the medical field. Students also get to know its relationship to other engineering disciplines.
Biomedical Engineering Design and Development
This course focuses on designing and developing biomedical engineering devices and systems. Students learn about various stages of the design process. These stages include needs assessment, feasibility studies, concept generation, prototyping, and testing.
Biomechanics
This course covers the basic concepts and theories of biomechanics, including structure-function relationships in the human body. Topics may include kinematics, musculoskeletal system mechanics, neuromuscular control, energetics, and motion analysis.
Biomedical Imaging
In this course, students explore the principles and technologies behind various imaging methods used in biomedical engineering. They learn about topics like computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, x-ray imaging, and ultrasound imaging. They also learn about diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine.
Fundamentals of Cells and Molecules
This course teaches students the basics of cells and molecules relevant to biomedical engineering. Topics may include cell structure and function, cell signaling processes, biomolecules, and biochemical reactions. Students also study cellular metabolism and genetic engineering.
Continuing Education Paths for Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
Biomedical engineering graduates may pursue advanced education and training in the form of a master’s or doctorate degree in biomedical engineering. These programs typically take two to four years to complete. These advanced degrees also offer more specialized coursework and intensive research and clinical trials.
Related Biomedical Engineering Degrees
[query_class_embed] online-*subject-associate-degrees
What to Look For in the Best Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The things to look for in the best biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree programs are accreditation, cost and financial aid, and program and school reputation. You may also want to consider its career services and dual-degree option for students. Let’s discuss them in detail below.
Accreditation
The best biomedical engineering program is accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). It’s the recognized accreditor for college and university programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology. ABET accreditation means the program passed the quality standards of education for its respective field.
Cost and Financial Aid
The best biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree programs typically have affordable tuition fees. They also offer financial aid or scholarships to help qualified students cover the costs of their biomedical engineering education. Other programs also have flexible financing options to pace the students’ tuition spending.
Reputation
The school and program must also have a good academic reputation among industry experts. You can find out about their reputation by looking at the reputation score of universities. You may also read reviews from recent graduates to compare the school and program reputation.
Dual-Degree Option
Some schools offer dual-degree options that allow students to combine their biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree with a master’s degree in a related field. This option fast-tracks a student’s education, letting them get two degrees in a short time. It also enables biomedical engineering majors to acquire massive knowledge and skills from dual degrees.
Career Services
The well-established and reputable schools typically offer career services to help graduates find jobs after graduation. These services may include job placement assistance, resume writing tips, and interview preparation. Some schools also conduct job fairs to let their new graduates select the best biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree job.
What Is the Most Affordable Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree is offered by California State University, Long Beach at $3,425 per semester. The tuition and fees for this program are $6,850 per year. The tuition fee for the full program will cost you approximately $27,400.
Salary and Job Outlook for Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
After completing the degree, the next step for biomedical engineering graduates will likely be to pursue employment through networking and job search tools. To do this, you can use online job boards and free job apps. You can also avail of the career services that your school provides or join professional associations like the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES).
The Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) was founded in 1968. Society advances the field of biomedical engineering by providing its members with networking and career opportunities, publications, and educational resources. The BMES also advocates for issues affecting the profession, such as workforce development and access to healthcare.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
It’s a little hard to get a job with a biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree because it requires high technical expertise that can be applied to the medical field. To increase your chances of getting a job, you should consider pursuing a dual degree or completing an internship to get hands-on experience. You can also participate in research projects during your time in school.
What’s the Average Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The median salary for biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree jobs is $77,000 annually, according to PayScale. This salary varies depending on the role and career field. For instance, a research and development engineer earns around $76,300 a year, while a research scientist earns $81,800 a year.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
The types of jobs you can do with a biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree are medical and health service manager, nuclear medicine technologist, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist. You can also be a health education specialist and clinical laboratory technologist. These jobs are mostly in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
Biomedical Engineering Degree Jobs
- Medical and health service manager
- Nuclear medicine technologist
- MRI technologist
- Health education specialist
- Clinical laboratory technologist
Potential Careers With a Biomedical Engineering Degree
[query_class_embed] how-to-become-a-*profession
How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
With a bachelor’s degree, you can earn somewhere between $57,000 and $101,000 per year. The salary may vary depending on your level of education, experience, and expertise. Below is the list of some of the best and high-paying jobs for biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree holders looking for a career in the medical, healthcare field, and biomedical imaging fields.
Highest-Paying Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Medical and Health Service Manager | $101,340 |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologist | $78,760 |
| MRI Technologist | $77,360 |
| Health Education Specialist | $60,600 |
| Clinical Laboratory Technologist | $57,800 |
Best Jobs for Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Grads
Below is a list of some of the best jobs for biomedical engineering bachelor’s degree holders, along with their annual salary, job outlook, number of available jobs, and highest-paying states.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
[query_class_embed] jobs-for-*subject-majors
Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering is worth it, as it’s a great stepping stone if you seek a career in healthcare. With this degree, you’ll gain medical and engineering skills to help you succeed in this profession. The right combination of experience, education, and expertise empower you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and their families.
Additional Reading About Biomedical Engineering
[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/jobs-for-biomedical-engineering-majors/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/online-biomedical-engineering-masters/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/best-biomedical-engineering-associate-degrees/
Biomedical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Yes, biomedical jobs are in high demand with a job outlook of six percent from 2020 to 2030, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is due to the growing need for skilled professionals who can help address various health and medical issues.
Some of the common concentrations for a Bachelor’s Degree in Biomedical Engineering include clinical imaging, bioinformatics and biotransport, biomechanics, and tissue engineering. Other schools also offer regenerative medicine, biomolecular engineering, medical devices and diagnostics, biomedical data science, and biomedical computing.
A BS-MS dual-degree program in biomedical engineering is an accelerated degree program. It allows students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in biomedical engineering in five years or less. This type of program can be a great option for those seeking to further their education and career in the biomedical field.
Yes, a master’s degree in biomedical engineering can be worth it if you’re looking to boost your education from a bachelor’s degree and eventually advance your career. Getting a degree from a graduate school equips you with advanced knowledge and skills to improve your expertise in clinical practice, research, or academia.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
