Biomechanical engineering, sometimes called bioengineering, is a biomedical engineering sub-discipline that focuses specifically on movement. Bioengineering programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) are recommended.
Top 10 Bioengineering Schools
Biomedical engineering, biomechanical engineering and bioengineering degrees are offered at these universities.
| College/University | Location | Institution Type | Degrees Offered | Tuition (2018-2019)* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $53,740 (Undergraduate); $53,740 (Graduate) |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $12,424 (In-state Undergraduate); $33,020 (Out-of-state Undergraduate); $13,788 (In-state Graduate); $28,568 (Out-of-state Graduate) |
| University of California - San Diego | La Jolla, CA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $14,167 (In-state Undergraduate); $43,159 (Out-of-state Undergraduate): $11,442 (In-state Graduate); $26,544 (Out-of-state Graduate) |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $55,695 (Undergraduate); $53,540 (Graduate) |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge, MA | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $51,832 (Undergraduate); $51,520 (Graduate) |
| Stanford University | Stanford, CA | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Master's, Doctoral | $50,703 (Graduate) |
| University of California - Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | 4-year, Public | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $14,184 (In-state Undergraduate); $43,176 (Out-of-state Undergraduate); $11,442 (In-state Graduate); $26,544 (Out-of-state Graduate) |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $55,584 (Undergraduate); $34,882 (Graduate) |
| Boston University | Boston, MA | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $53,948 (Undergraduate); $52,816 (Graduate) |
| Rice University | Houston, TX | 4-year, Private not-for-profit | Bachelor's, Master's, Doctoral | $47,350 (Undergraduate); $37,855 (Graduate) |
Source: *National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
School Selection Criteria
Biomechanical engineering programs offering facilities for biological motion research, skeletal and soft tissue studies, microsystems studies or other specializations can help students gain research experience according to their specific interests.
Students interested in biomechanical engineering programs may want to keep these considerations in mind.
- Programs that provide hands-on research opportunities and on-campus facilities give students an advantage.
- Students who graduate from ABET-accredited programs are taught according to industry standards and prepared to take licensure or certification examinations.
- Tuition costs vary widely based on whether the student is local, or if the institution is public or private, and that may be a factor when choosing a school.
- Not all schools have undergraduate and graduate degrees, so it may be important to consider the levels of study you intend to pursue and select a school that has all levels of study you plan to pursue.
Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Bioengineering students take core courses in math and engineering principles. Concentrations may include neural engineering, tissue and cell engineering, bioinformatics, bioelectronic engineering and rehabilitation bioengineering. Graduates may pursue employment in engineering fields, apply to medical school or advance to graduate school, among other options.
Master of Science in Bioengineering
Master's candidates aren't required to have an undergraduate degree in biomechanical engineering, but a degree in chemistry, physics or engineering is helpful. Students can choose from programs with thesis and non-thesis options. Some programs with a non-thesis option are designed for working professionals and are tailored to the student's individual requirements.
Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering
Students who choose doctoral-level programs in bioengineering are often aspiring researchers. Earning a Ph.D. in Bioengineering demonstrates the ability to design and carry out independent, original research. Students typically write and defend a dissertation that makes a significant contribution to the field of bioengineering. Research areas can include areas such as tissue engineering, biomaterial mechanics and neuromuscular control.
Many institutions offer bioengineering programs, so it may be important to consider other factors, such as location, cost, accreditation and opportunities for hands-on learning, when selecting a program. Most schools offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in this discipline, although some only offer graduate studies.
