Biomedical Engineering

Latest review
Enjoyment 4.3Career 4.04.2Overall4.3Enjoyment4.0Career

Difficulty

Demanding

Share of students at each rating

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What makes this major demanding?

Worth it?

83% would recommend it

Recommend

“… It was great for collaboration but definitely time-intensive. Still, seeing concepts turn into tangible devices or analysis tools makes the effort worth it, and the degree opens doors to diverse paths in biotech, research, or grad school. Personally, I was involved a lot in doing research during undergrad, and I’m continuing this path as a PhD student. …”

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Recommend

“Its the best I love it so much. Everybody is super nice and supportive of me!!”

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Anonymous studentSophomore
Recommend

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Student paths

How students switch into and out of Biomedical Engineering

Switched out ofBiomedical Engineering

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What you will study and do

Curriculum and careers

Biomedical Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines principles of engineering with biological sciences to develop technologies and devices that improve healthcare. Students learn about biomechanics, medical imaging, and the creation of medical devices, preparing them to innovate in sectors like prosthetics, diagnostics, and pharmaceuticals.

Core course themes

Introduction to Biomedical Engineering

Covers the fundamentals of applying engineering principles to biological systems, including an overview of medical devices and healthcare technologies.

Biomechanics

Explores the mechanical aspects of biological organisms, focusing on the analysis of movement and the forces involved in human motion.

Biomedical Instrumentation

Focuses on the design and application of electronic devices and systems used in medical diagnostics and treatment.

Medical Imaging

Introduces the principles and techniques used in creating images of the human body for clinical purposes, including MRI, CT, and ultrasound.

Biomaterials

Examines materials used in medical applications, their interactions with biological systems, and their role in device design.

Cell and Tissue Engineering

Covers the engineering of cells and tissues for therapeutic applications, including regenerative medicine and tissue replacement.

Common roles

  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Clinical Engineer
  • Medical Device Designer
  • Research Scientist
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist

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Biomedical Engineering by school

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Community

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Student reviews

6 reviews

Careers & next stepsPositive

I chose BME as my major because I like how it combines problem solve with science. There was a heavy lab component and plenty of group projects. It was great for collaboration but definitely time-intensive. Still, seeing concepts turn into tangible devices or analysis tools makes the effort worth it, and the degree opens doors to diverse paths in biotech, research, or grad school. Personally, I was involved a lot in doing research during undergrad, and I’m continuing this path as a PhD student. I think the engineering mindset I got from BME definitely helped me a lot for doing research. Overall, if you enjoy problem-solving at the intersection of technology and health, BME is a great choice.

Anonymous studentGraduated
Career
5.0/5
Jul 2025
Courses & teachingMixed

At UCLA, BioE is a very chaotic major but I personally feel fulfilled by the things I've learned. It focuses mostly on wet lab tissue engineering which isn't what I want to go into, but has taught me lots of interesting things.

Anonymous studentSenior
Math
4.0/5
Writing
5.0/5
Oct 2025
Courses & teachingPositive

I think a lot of people expect the major to have a lot of biology and chemistry, and really hands on with medicine and studying the body. However, it is still an ENGINEERING major, which means that you do a lot of computer and code based program, looking at exercices in an engineering perspective.

Anonymous studentSophomore
Math
5.0/5
Writing
3.0/5
Oct 2025
Enjoyment & fitPositive

I think biomedical engineering is really interesting because it combines problem-solving with helping people in a real way. As a freshman, it seems exciting to learn how things like prosthetics and medical devices are designed and how they can improve patients’ lives. I like that it’s a field where you can use science and creativity to make a meaningful impact on healthcare.

Anonymous studentFreshman
Enjoyment
5.0/5
May 2026
Difficulty & workloadMixed

The biomedical engineering major is a hard major that requires a great deal of tenacity. However, upong completing the work assigned you feel a great sense of relief and accomplishment.

Anonymous studentFreshman
Difficulty
4.0/5
Workload
4.0/5
May 2026
Support & communityPositive

Its the best I love it so much. Everybody is super nice and supportive of me!!

Anonymous studentSophomore
4.3avg
Apr 2026

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