What it is
Biomedical engineering applies engineering to medicine and biology — designing medical devices, imaging systems, prosthetics, and biotechnology that improve healthcare. It sits at the fast-growing intersection of engineering and healthcare.
What you'll study
All engineering builds a rigorous math-and-science core, then specializes:
- Year 1–2Calculus, differential equations, physics, chemistry, intro engineering
- Year 2–3Core engineering science and biology and physiology, biomaterials, biomechanics, and device design
- Year 3–4Advanced discipline courses, labs, and a capstone design project
- ThroughoutDesign, teamwork, and often co-ops or internships (many programs ABET-accredited)
Concentrations & focus areas
- Medical DevicesDesigning devices
- BiomaterialsMaterials for the body
- BiomechanicsMovement & forces
- Medical ImagingImaging technology
- Tissue / BioengineeringBiological systems
- Clinical EngineeringHospitals
Skills you'll build
Engineers build a powerful, transferable skill set:
- Analytical problem-solvingBreaking down hard problems
- Math & modelingQuantitative rigor
- DesignCreating and testing solutions
- Technical softwareDiscipline-specific tools
- Teamwork & communicationProjects and clients
Careers & job titles
This discipline leads to roles such as:
- Biomedical engineerDevices & systems (~$106,950)
- Medical device engineerDevices
- R&D / product engineerMedtech
- Clinical engineerHospitals
- Biomaterials / tissue engineerMaterials
- Regulatory / quality rolesMedtech industry
Job outlook & demand
The BLS projects the architecture & engineering group to grow faster than average, with about 174,800 openings a year. Biomedical engineering is projected to grow faster than average, at the intersection of engineering and healthcare. Engineering skills are in demand across industry, technology, energy, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Pay: median, range & trajectory
Engineering pays well above average. Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, bioengineers and biomedical engineers had a median of $106,950 (2024) — versus the all-occupation median of about $50,980. New graduates typically start strong; earnings rise with experience, a graduate degree, and (in many fields) the Professional Engineer (PE) license. Senior engineers, specialists, and managers earn well into six figures.
Degree levels it's offered at
Offered across these levels — click a level to learn about it:
A bachelor's (BEng/BS) is the entry credential; a master's deepens specialization and a PhD leads research. The PE license matters in many fields.
Is it right for you?
You might thrive here if you enjoy math and science, like designing and building solutions, and want a well-paid, respected profession with strong job security.
Worth knowing: engineering is rigorous, and many roles benefit from the PE license (via the FE exam, experience, and the PE exam). Internships and co-ops strongly boost early careers.
Explore further
Keep exploring:
Key facts
- FocusEngineering applied to medicine & biology
- StudyPhysiology, biomaterials, biomechanics, imaging
- ProductsDevices, prosthetics, imaging, biotech
- OutlookFaster than average (BLS)
- Pay$106,950 median (BLS)
Where to learn more
Authoritative sources for careers and pay: