Read full review“… 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. …”
Difficulty
Demanding
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
Read full review“Its the best I love it so much. Everybody is super nice and supportive of me!!”
Students’ starting certainty
No starting-certainty answers have been shared yet.
No written experiences from students who were very certain are available yet.
Compare majors
Compare with Biomedical Engineering
Suggested instead
Alternatives named by students who wouldn’t recommend Biomedical Engineering.
No student-suggested alternatives with enough ratings to compare yet.
Student paths
How students switch into and out of Biomedical Engineering
Went to
Share of leaversStudents who left are counted from other majors’ reviews, so they aren’t among these respondents.
Students haven’t shared enough career or study plans yet.
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
Why salary figures are not shownSalary data appears only when its source, geography, occupation mapping, and date can be verified.
Biomedical Engineering by school
Scores account for sample size- Career outlook
- 3.9
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 80%
- Career outlook
- 4.1
- Enjoyment
- 4.4
- Recommend
- 85%
- Career outlook
- 4.1
- Enjoyment
- 4.4
- Recommend
- 85%
- Career outlook
- 4.0
- Enjoyment
- 4.3
- Recommend
- 85%
Community
Big questions in Biomedical Engineering
Go beyond ratings and ask students about the decisions, tradeoffs, and experiences that matter to you.
Loading community questions…
Student reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Its the best I love it so much. Everybody is super nice and supportive of me!!
Make the next decision
Compare the evidence—or improve it.
Put Biomedical Engineering beside another major, or share the experience future students need.
