Biomedical Engineering
What this engineering major studies in college, how to prepare in high school, the licensing exams, and careers open with a bachelor’s degree. Every fact below names its source.
Last checked:
What it is
The biomedical engineering curriculum emphasizes the continuous integration of classical and modern engineering principles with the life sciences and health care. [1]
Biomedical engineers apply these skills to innovation in the health care industry, the basic biological sciences and the underpinning of medical practice. [1]
Typical college courses
ABET-accredited programs in this major must include experience in applying principles of engineering, biology, human physiology, chemistry, calculus-based physics, mathematics (through differential equations) and statistics, and in making measurements on and interpreting data from living systems. [2]
The B.S. requires Fundamentals of Cells and Molecules, Analysis of Physiological Systems, Bio-continuum Mechanics, Thermodynamics for Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Instrumentation and Measurements, and Statics and Strength of Materials, among other courses. [1]
The rows below show one named program as an example: the Penn State bachelor of science in this major, 2026–2027 bulletin. Course descriptions are in our own words. Course names and numbers differ at every college; confirm each college’s own list.
| Course | Status | What it covers (example: Penn State bulletin) | Comes after |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Cells and Molecules | Required in this example program[1] | Fundamentals of Cells and Molecules (BME 201) teaches cell and molecular biology from an engineering perspective. [3] | It comes after BIOL 141 or BIOL 240W, CHEM 112 and MATH 141, with PHYS 212 and CMPSC 200 taken before or at the same time. [3] |
Get ready with these topics: The molecules of life · Cell structure: prokaryotes and eukaryotes · The cell membrane and transport · Cellular respiration · The cell cycle, mitosis and differentiation | |||
| Analysis of Physiological Systems | Required in this example program[1] | Analysis of Physiological Systems (BME 301) covers the analysis of physiological signals and the modeling of physiological systems. [3] | It comes after BIOL 141 or BIOL 240W, PHYS 212, MATH 250 or MATH 251, and CMPSC 200. [3] |
Get ready with these topics: Homeostasis and feedback loops · Nervous tissue and the nerve impulse · The heart and the cardiac cycle · The respiratory system and gas exchange · Electric current, voltage and resistance | |||
| Statics and Strength of Materials | Required in this example program[1] | Statics and Strength of Materials (EMCH 210) covers the equilibrium of particles, rigid bodies, frames, trusses, beams and columns, and the analysis of stress and strain in rods, beams and pressure vessels. [4] | It comes after MATH 140. [4] |
Get ready with these topics: Newton's first law and forces · Newton's second law: net force, mass and acceleration · Friction and inclined planes · Torque, rotation and equilibrium · Vectors: components and operations · Dot product and applications · Vectors and navigation | |||
| Bio-continuum Mechanics | Required in this example program[1] | Bio-continuum Mechanics (BME 303) covers the mechanical properties of fluids and solids, applied to tissue mechanics. [3] | It comes after BIOL 141 or BIOL 240W, EMCH 210 (or EMCH 211 and EMCH 213), MATH 230 (or MATH 231 and MATH 232) and MATH 251. [3] |
Get ready with these topics: Describing motion: position, velocity and acceleration · Newton's second law: net force, mass and acceleration · Projectile motion · Torque, rotation and equilibrium · Joints and movement · The muscular system and movement | |||
| Thermodynamics for Biomedical Engineering | Required in this example program[1] | Thermodynamics for Biomedical Engineering (BME 313) covers chemical processes, including material and energy balances and heat transfer. [3] | It comes after BIOL 141 or BIOL 240W, CHEM 112, MATH 230 (or MATH 231 and MATH 232) and MATH 251. [3] |
Get ready with these topics: Heat flow and thermal equilibrium · Thermodynamics: the laws and heat engines · Conservation of energy: modeling energy in a system · Energy in chemical reactions · Calorimetry and specific heat · Entropy, free energy and why reactions happen · Gas laws | |||
| Biomedical Instrumentation and Measurements | Required in this example program[1] | Biomedical Instrumentation and Measurements (BME 402) covers biomedical measurements, including techniques, equipment and safety. [3] | It comes after MATH 250 or MATH 251, and one of BME 301, EE 210, EE 212 or PHYS 402. [3] |
Get ready with these topics: Electric current, voltage and resistance · Series and parallel circuits · Digital information and waves · Electromagnetic radiation and health · Emerging technologies in medicine | |||
Typical high school preparation
- In addition to university requirements, its applicants need 4 units of high school math, including Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry, and pre-calculus/trigonometry or calculus, and 3 units of high school science that must include physics and chemistry, and they must also meet one of its ACT or GPA standards. [5]
- If the minimum admission has not been met, a student may be admitted based on an individual review. [5]
This is one university’s admission list for its engineering college, not a rule for every college. Confirm each college’s own list.
Health tracks this can lead to
Each card opens that track’s page. A reason is shown only where a cited source gives one. Every program sets its own prerequisites, so confirm them with each school.
Pre-Med (MD / DO)
Many graduates of its biomedical engineering B.S. go on to pursue advanced degrees in medicine, engineering and related fields such as biostatistics, public health and health administration. [1]
Students in the major who are interested in medical school should take Biology: Function and Development of Organisms in place of Introduction to Human Physiology and its lab, and Organic Chemistry I is required for them. [1]
Pre-Dental (DDS / DMD)
A specific undergraduate major is not required for acceptance to dental school, and many dental schools have accepted students with majors in music, art history, engineering and math. [6]
Other engineering majors
Each card opens that major’s page. Compare the courses before you choose, and confirm each college’s own list.
Engineering: the first-year core
First-year courses, ABET accreditation and licensing, with sources.
Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines, and it is divided into two broad areas: mechanical systems and thermal systems. [7]
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is the application of electronics, electrical science and technology, and computer systems to the needs of society. [8]
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers are employed in a broad array of industries, from pharmaceutical and biotechnical companies to semiconductor manufacturing. [9]
Where this degree can lead with a bachelor’s
National figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay varies by state, setting and experience. This is not a promise of pay or a job.
Examples from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Other careers may need more study after the bachelor’s degree.
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers combine engineering principles with sciences to design and create equipment, devices, computer systems and software. [10]
The median annual wage for bioengineers and biomedical engineers was $109,370 in May 2025. [10]
Employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. [10]
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in bioengineering or biomedical engineering or in a related engineering field. [10]
Architectural and engineering managers
Architectural and engineering managers plan, direct and coordinate activities in the fields of architecture and engineering. [11]
The median annual wage for architectural and engineering managers was $171,270 in May 2025. [11]
Employment of architectural and engineering managers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. [11]
Architectural and engineering managers typically need at least a bachelor's degree and considerable work experience as an architect or engineer. [11]
Getting licensed: the FE and PE exams
Overview only. For dates, registration, rules and scoring, see each test maker's own site.
The FE exam
The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is generally the first step in the process of becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE). [12]
The FE exam is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. [12]
The PE exam
The Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam tests for a minimum level of competency in a particular engineering discipline and is designed for engineers who have gained a minimum of four years of post-college work experience. [13]
The path to a PE license
To use the PE seal, engineers must earn a four-year degree in engineering from an accredited engineering program, pass the FE exam, complete four years of progressive engineering experience under a PE, and pass the PE exam. [14]
Exam names are trademarks of their owners. NCEES and NSPE are not affiliated with and do not endorse UpOnly Learning.
Questions people search
Chosen from our search-question research. Every answer is cited.
What can you do with a biomedical engineering degree?
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in bioengineering or biomedical engineering or in a related engineering field. [10]
Many graduates of its biomedical engineering B.S. go on to pursue advanced degrees in medicine, engineering and related fields such as biostatistics, public health and health administration. [1]
Is biomedical engineering a good major for pre-med?
There are no required or even preferred majors that medical schools are looking for; students should make sure they fulfill the prerequisite coursework for the schools they want to apply to. [15]
Students in the major who are interested in medical school should take Biology: Function and Development of Organisms in place of Introduction to Human Physiology and its lab, and Organic Chemistry I is required for them. [1]
Your next step
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Sources
- The Pennsylvania State University. Biomedical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/biomedical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- ABET. Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs, 2026–2027. https://www.abet.org/2026-2027_eac_criteria. 2026–2027 review cycle (Engineering Accreditation Commission). Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Biomedical Engineering (BME) course descriptions. https://bulletins.psu.edu/university-course-descriptions/undergraduate/bme/. University Bulletins, 2026–27 edition. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Engineering Mechanics (EMCH) course descriptions. https://bulletins.psu.edu/university-course-descriptions/undergraduate/emch/. current University Bulletins (the MATH and EDSGN course pages show the 2026–27 edition). Checked .
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln, College of Engineering. Admission Requirements. https://engineering.unl.edu/undergraduate-programs/admission-requirements. no edition stated (page footer © 2025). Checked .
- American Dental Education Association (ADEA), GoDental. College Major. https://www.adea.org/godental/Apply/tips-for-preparing-to-enter-dental-school/preparing-for-dental-school/college-major. no edition stated (footer © 2026). Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Mechanical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/mechanical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Electrical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/electrical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- The Pennsylvania State University. Chemical Engineering, B.S.. https://bulletins.psu.edu/undergraduate/colleges/engineering/chemical-engineering-bs/. 2026–2027 Undergraduate Bulletin. Checked .
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm. OOH page last modified August 27, 2026 (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35). Checked .
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook Handbook: Architectural and Engineering Managers. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/architectural-and-engineering-managers.htm. OOH page last modified August 27, 2026 (pay data May 2025; projections 2025–35). Checked .
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). FE exam. https://ncees.org/exams/fe-exam/. no edition stated. Checked .
- National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). PE exam. https://ncees.org/exams/pe-exam/. no edition stated. Checked .
- National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). What is a PE? https://www.nspe.org/about/about-professional-engineering/what-pe. no edition stated. Checked .
- Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). How to Choose the Best Premed Major. https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/how-choose-best-premed-major. no edition stated (page footer © 2026). Checked .
Format: Publisher. Page title. URL. Edition or catalog year. Checked date.