B.S. in Biomedical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Cal Poly combines engineering, biology, chemistry and mathematics to prepare students to design medical devices, biomedical technologies and solutions that improve healthcare. It is a strong choice for students who enjoy hands-on engineering and want to apply their skills to areas such as medical devices, imaging, biomaterials, biomechanics and healthcare innovation.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students begin by building a strong foundation in biomedical engineering and the supporting sciences through courses such as BMED 1101 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering, CHEM 1120 Fundamentals of Chemical Structure and Properties, and MATH 1261 Calculus I. They then develop their engineering and scientific understanding through BMED 2310 Introduction to Electrical Design in Biomedical Engineering, BMED 2311 Introduction to Electrical Design in Biomedical Engineering Lab, Chemistry, Calculus II and Physics.

Second Year: The curriculum moves into applied biomedical and engineering concepts through BMED 2212 Introduction to Mechanical Design in Biomedical Engineering, BIO 1151 Life: Molecules and Cells, and ENGR 2211 Introduction to Mechanics. Students also study BMED 2420 Principles and Applications of Biomaterials, Human Anatomy and Physiology, Engineering Dynamics and Linear Analysis, connecting engineering principles with biological systems.

Third Year: Students begin working with more advanced biomedical engineering concepts through BMED 3430 Biomedical Modeling and Simulation, BMED 3410 Biomechanics, and BMED 4440 Bioelectronics and Instrumentation, depending on their chosen pathway. Coursework also develops their understanding of engineering statistics, fluid mechanics, biomedical transport and professional practice.

Fourth Year: The final year focuses on integrating technical knowledge into biomedical engineering design and application. Students complete BMED 3425 Biomedical Engineering Transport, BMED 4460 Medical Physiology for Engineers, and the two-part BMED 4465 Senior Project: Design I and BMED 4466 Senior Project: Design II, alongside concentration or technical electives that allow them to develop a more specialized area of expertise.

Focus areas: Bioinstrumentation, mechanical design, biomedical devices, biomaterials, biomechanics, biomedical modeling and simulation, bioelectronics, biomedical transport, medical physiology, tissue engineering and individualized biomedical engineering study.

Learning outcomes: Students develop the ability to apply engineering principles to biomedical problems, design and evaluate biomedical technologies, work across engineering and life sciences, use experimental and analytical methods, and develop practical solutions for healthcare and medical applications.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering Programs.

Reputation (employability): Cal Poly Biomedical Engineering reports that 71% of graduates enter employment, 19% continue to graduate school and 10% have other outcomes, with an average salary of $93,566 and a median salary of $100,730. The department also reports graduates working with employers including Abbott, Amgen, Boston Scientific, Edwards Lifesciences, Genentech, Intuitive Surgical and other biomedical and technology organizations.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Cal Poly’s Biomedical Engineering program follows its “Learn by Doing” approach, giving students substantial opportunities to apply engineering concepts through laboratory work, research, design and real-world biomedical projects. Students can work on projects involving prosthetics, tissue-engineered blood vessels and cerebral aneurysm devices, while biomedical device industry partnerships provide opportunities to contribute to confidential, real-life development projects. The program also provides access to specialized laboratories supporting biomedical imaging, bioinstrumentation, biomaterials, biofluidics, tissue engineering, electrophysiology and vascular regeneration.

Students can build practical experience through:

Advanced Instrumentation Facility: Provides a specialized environment for biomedical instrumentation and engineering applications.
Biofluidics Lab: Supports practical and research work involving fluid-related biomedical systems.
Biomedical Imaging and Bioinstrumentation Lab: Provides facilities for studying biomedical imaging and instrumentation technologies.
Biomedical Materials Characterization Lab: Supports investigation and characterization of materials used in biomedical applications.
Electrophysiology and Neural Electronics Lab: Provides opportunities to work with biomedical electrical and neural systems.
In Vitro Systems Laboratory: Supports research involving laboratory-based biological and biomedical systems.
Microcirculation and Vascular Regeneration Laboratory: Provides research opportunities focused on vascular health and regeneration.
St. Jude Bio Engineering Laboratory: Supports biomedical engineering research and hands-on project work.
TECHE – Transforming Engineers Through Hands-On Engagement: Provides a dedicated hands-on engineering learning environment.
Tissue Analysis Laboratory: Supports analysis of biological tissues for biomedical research.
Tissue Engineering Laboratory: Gives students opportunities to explore tissue engineering and regenerative applications.
Industry development projects: Partnerships with biomedical device companies allow students to contribute to real-world development projects as part of their studies.
Senior design projects: The two-part Senior Project sequence gives students an opportunity to integrate their engineering knowledge into a substantial biomedical design project.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Cal Poly’s B.S. in Biomedical Engineering can move directly into the medical device and healthcare industries, pursue advanced study, or use their engineering background to develop new biomedical technologies and businesses. The department reports graduates progressing into roles such as Biomedical Test Equipment Engineer, Human Factors Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer and R&D Engineer, with alumni also entering software, product development, clinical and quality-focused positions.

Students can build their career through:

Career outcomes: Cal Poly Biomedical Engineering reports 71% of graduates entering employment, 19% entering graduate school and 10% recording other outcomes. The department reports an average salary of $93,566 and a median salary of $100,730.
Career destinations: Reported job titles include Account Executive, Analyst, Applications Engineer, Biomedical Test Equipment Engineer, Clinical Specialist, Human Factors Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Product Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Project Engineer, Quality Engineer, R&D Engineer, Research Assistant and Software Engineer.
Industry connections: The program states that partnerships with the biomedical device industry allow students to participate in confidential, real-life development projects. Reported employers include Johnson & Johnson, GE Healthcare, Medtronic, Abbott Laboratories, Edwards LifeSciences, Stryker and Boston Scientific.
Practical preparation: The curriculum combines laboratories, lectures, research, networking and design-based learning, helping students develop engineering skills that can transfer into medical-device and healthcare environments.
Accreditation value: ABET accreditation provides professional recognition of the program’s engineering education and supports graduates pursuing engineering careers and further professional development.
Graduate and professional pathways: Cal Poly reports graduates progressing into M.S./Ph.D. programs, M.D. programs, J.D. programs, physical therapy programs and engineering consulting firms. Some graduates have also founded or co-founded startup companies.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue into Cal Poly’s M.S. in Biomedical Engineering through the university’s Blended B.S. & M.S. pathway. Graduates may also pursue doctoral programs, medical school, law school, physical therapy programs or other specialized graduate and professional education depending on their career goals.