Biomedical engineering is the use of science and engineering to make strides and improve outcomes in the medical field.
Those wanting to become biomedical engineers can do so through many universities. Keep reading for our top 10 biomedical engineering undergraduate universities in the U.S.
Top 10 Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Universities in the U.S.
Several excellent universities offer undergraduate degrees in bioengineering or biomedical engineering in the United States.
We've listed our top picks below in alphabetical order. All programs listed are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
1. Duke University
Duke University is a private research university in Durham, NC. It offers a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering through its Pratt School of Engineering.
The program trains students to apply engineering science to problems in biology and medicine. The curriculum focuses on topics like:
- Biomechanics of blood flow, cells, and hard and soft tissues
- Electrobiology of the heart and nervous system
- Medical imaging systems and biomedical optics
- Medical informatics
- Molecular, cellular, and biosurface engineering
The program offers opportunities for students to double major or choose an elective course sequence in a specific area of biomedical engineering.
Graduate programs in biomedical engineering are also available.
2. Georgia Institute of Technology
The Georgia Institute of Technology, better known as Georgia Tech, is a public research university in Atlanta, GA. Its College of Engineering offers degrees in biomedical engineering.
The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering integrates engineering and life sciences to support the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease.
The program uses problem-based learning to develop problem-solving skills in a team-based environment.
131 total credits are required, and graduate biomedical engineering programs are available as well.
3. Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University is a private research university in Baltimore, MD. It offers biomedical engineering programs through its Whiting School of Engineering.
Students can earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Both programs include multiple areas of concentration.
Each year of the curriculum has a different focus. These are:
- Year 1: Science foundation courses
- Year 2: Immersive biomedical engineering boot camps
- Year 3: Residency, made up of half-semester focus area core courses
- Year 4: Practice through advanced coursework, research projects, and design opportunities
Students can continue their education with master's and Ph.D. programs in biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins as well.
4. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university in Cambridge MA. Its School of Engineering offers biological engineering programs.
This includes a Bachelor of Engineering in Biological Engineering and a minor in biomedical engineering, which teaches students to apply fundamental engineering principles to solve problems in biology and medicine.
The university offers research opportunities in several areas, including cancer medicine, neuro-engineering, and the microbiome. A Ph.D. program is also available.
5. Northwestern University
Northwestern University is a private research university in Evanston, IL. It offers biomedical engineering programs through its McCormick School of Engineering.
The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering provides students with core biomedical engineering fundamentals. It offers three optional areas of focus:
- Biomechanics and rehabilitation
- Biomaterials and regenerative medicine
- Imaging and biophotonics
Students can also participate in research opportunities, a cooperative program, or study-abroad experiences. Master's and PhDs in biomedical engineering are offered at the graduate level.
6. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university in Los Angeles, CA. Its Samueli School of Engineering offers programs in bioengineering.
The Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering provides fundamental scientific knowledge and engineering tools whether they want to go directly into a career or continue to graduate school.
Two optional tracks are available for students: biomedical devices and biomaterials and regenerative medicine.
Graduate biomedical engineering programs are also available to interested students.
7. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, MI. It offers biomedical engineering programs through its Department of Biomedical Engineering.
The undergraduate biomedical engineering program trains students to use science and engineering to solve important challenges in medicine and life sciences.
A master's program is also available, as is an accelerated bachelor's-to-master's program in biomedical engineering.
8. University of Virginia
The University of Virginia is a public research university in Charlottesville, VA. Its College of Engineering offers biomedical engineering programs.
The undergraduate program in biomedical engineering focuses on discovering new things, designing new technologies, and training the next generation of leaders.
The program emphasizes biology, data sciences, and modeling. Master's and doctoral programs are also available in biomedical engineering.
9. Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is a private research university in Nashville, TN. It offers biomedical engineering programs through its School of Engineering.
The Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering uses a community-centered approach to create leaders in academia, industry, and medicine.
The program offers multiple specialization options for students. Graduate programs in biomedical engineering are also available through the school.
10. Washington University in St. Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is a private research university in St. Louis, MO. Its McKelvey School of Engineering offers degrees in biomedical engineering.
The four-year Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering prepares students for a variety of career paths in biomedical engineering. It requires 120 credits.
The university also offers nationally-ranked biomedical engineering graduate programs, including a Master of Science and Ph.D.
FAQs About the Top 10 Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Universities in the U.S.
Below, you'll find the answers to frequently asked questions about the top 10 biomedical engineering undergraduate universities in the United States.
What's the Difference Between Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering?
Bioengineering is a more broad topic that covers the application of engineering to different areas of natural science.
Biomedical engineering is a specialized field of bioengineering that focuses on the application of engineering to medicine.
Many bioengineering degrees offer specialties in biomedical engineering.
What Can I Do With an Undergraduate Degree in Biomedical Engineering?
Students with an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering may go on to medical school or they may work in the medical or veterinary industries.
How Long Are Undergraduate Biomedical Engineering Programs?
Most bachelor's programs in biomedical engineering take four years for students who are taking a full-time course load.
Discover the Top 10 Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Universities in the U.S.
Students can earn a degree in biomedical engineering through many esteemed universities throughout the United States.
Check out the programs above to find the right one for you today!
