Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
Covers the fundamentals of applying engineering principles to biological systems, including an overview of medical devices and healthcare technologies.
Difficulty
Demanding
Students rate Biomedical Engineering 3.8/5 for difficulty across 6 ratings.
Average difficultyBased on 6 students across 4 schools.View review makeup
3.8/ 5
Share of students at each rating
Class-year breakdown needs more responses.It appears after at least two class years have 5 difficulty ratings each.
What makes this major demanding?
Worth it?
83% would recommend it
Based on 6 reviews across 4 schools
What students say about the payoff
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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
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
Scores account for sample sizePreparing school differences…
University of California-Los Angeles3 reviews
- Career outlook
- 3.9
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 80%
Cornell University1 review
- Career outlook
- 4.1
- Enjoyment
- 4.4
- Recommend
- 85%
Stanford University1 review
- Career outlook
- 4.1
- Enjoyment
- 4.4
- Recommend
- 85%
University of Southern California1 review
- Career outlook
- 4.0
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 85%
Community
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Student reviews
PositiveCareers & next steps
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.
Jul 2025
MixedCourses & teaching
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.
Oct 2025
PositiveCourses & teaching
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.
Oct 2025
PositiveEnjoyment & fit
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.
May 2026
MixedDifficulty & workload
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.
May 2026
PositiveSupport & community
Its the best I love it so much. Everybody is super nice and supportive of me!!
Apr 2026
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