Biomedical Engineering, BSE

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Case Western Reserve University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University brings together engineering, science and medicine to help students develop technologies and solutions for real healthcare challenges. It is a strong choice for students interested in medical technology, engineering and healthcare, with opportunities to explore areas such as biomaterials, biomechanics, biomedical devices, instrumentation, computing and data science.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by developing a solid foundation in mathematics, science and engineering through courses such as Calculus for Science and Engineering I, Principles of Chemistry for Engineers and Foundations of Engineering and Programming. They may also start exploring the field through Introduction to Biomedical Engineering, gaining an early understanding of how engineering can be applied to healthcare.

Year 2: Students move deeper into biomedical sciences with courses such as Physiology-Biophysics I and Physiology-Biophysics II, while continuing their mathematics, physics and engineering studies. Courses such as Introduction to Circuits and Instrumentation and Statics and Strength of Materials help students understand the engineering principles behind medical devices and biomedical systems.

Year 3: Students develop more specialised skills through practical courses such as Introduction to Biomedical Materials and Introduction to Biomaterials Engineering – Laboratory, Biomedical Signals and Systems and Biomedical Signals and Systems Laboratory, and Modeling of Biomedical Systems and Biomedical Computer Simulation Laboratory. They also begin taking concentration courses, allowing them to build expertise in areas such as biomaterials, biomechanics, medical devices or biomedical computing.

Year 4: Students apply their knowledge to real engineering challenges through Principles of Biomedical Engineering Design and the Biomedical Engineering Design Experience. Advanced electives such as Biomedical Imaging, Bioelectric Engineering, Biomedical Image Processing and Analysis, Introduction to Tissue Engineering and Biomechanical Prosthetic Systems allow students to further develop their chosen area of expertise.

Focus Areas

Biomaterials, biomechanics, biomedical devices and instrumentation, biomedical computing and data science, biomedical imaging, tissue engineering, prosthetics and orthotics, biomedical signals and systems, biomedical instrumentation, physiological systems, medical technology, engineering design

Learning Outcomes

Students learn to identify and solve complex engineering problems using mathematics, science and engineering principles, design solutions that address healthcare and societal needs, conduct experiments and analyse data, communicate effectively, work as part of a team, make responsible professional and ethical decisions, and continue developing their knowledge as technology and healthcare needs evolve.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Biomedical Engineering BSE at Case Western Reserve University is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. This accreditation, combined with the program's engineering and design training, provides students with a strong foundation for careers in biomedical engineering and for further graduate or professional study.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Case Western Reserve University's Biomedical Engineering program has a long history, having been established in 1972 and accredited since its inception. The university highlights that graduates move into industry, medical centres and further graduate or professional education, while the department has a strong reputation for biomedical engineering research and innovation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Case Western Reserve University, the BSE in Biomedical Engineering gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical skills. Students gain hands-on experience through biomedical engineering laboratories, research projects, design work, and opportunities to work alongside engineers, physicians, and researchers. The program also provides access to specialized research facilities and clinical environments connected with leading medical institutions in Cleveland, helping students understand how biomedical engineering is applied to real healthcare challenges.

Students can build experience through laboratory work, undergraduate research, industry placements, and a two-semester senior design project where they develop solutions to real medical needs. The curriculum also introduces students to computational tools, programming, biomedical instrumentation, imaging technologies, and other techniques used in modern biomedical engineering. Key opportunities include:

Biomedical engineering laboratories: Students gain practical experience through laboratory courses covering biomedical materials, signals and systems, computer simulation, and biomedical instrumentation.
Biomaterials laboratory: Students investigate biocompatibility and work with techniques such as contact-angle measurement, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and optical microscopy.
Computer simulation: Students use computational modelling and simulation to explore biomedical engineering problems and develop technical problem-solving skills.
Biomedical instrumentation: Students work with biomedical measurement and instrumentation concepts through coursework that includes a dedicated laboratory component.
Senior design project: During the two-semester senior design experience, students work on developing a functioning device or product that addresses a real medical need.
Hands-on design and fabrication: Students move beyond theoretical concepts by developing, testing, and physically realizing their design projects.
Faculty-guided research: Undergraduate students can work with faculty researchers on areas such as biomaterials, tissue engineering, neural engineering, biomedical imaging, computational imaging, and medical devices.
Medical imaging facilities: The Case Center for Imaging Research provides access to technologies including MRI, CT, PET, SPECT, ultrasound, bioluminescence, and photonics/photoacoustics.
AI and machine learning: Students interested in computational biomedical engineering can engage with research involving artificial intelligence and machine learning for disease modelling, medical decision-making, and precision therapeutics.
Programming and data science: Students following the Biomedical Computing & Data Science pathway gain experience with programming in Java or Python, data analysis, data structures, and biomedical imaging or image processing.
Co-op placements: Students can take part in paid, full-time seven-month co-op experiences, where they work on substantial engineering projects while receiving professional mentoring.
Summer internships: Students can pursue summer internships as well as research and industrial employment opportunities to gain experience before graduation.
Clinical exposure: Connections with Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, MetroHealth Medical Center, and the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center provide opportunities to learn about biomedical engineering within real clinical and research environments.
Specialized research centers: Students can benefit from facilities and research groups including the Neural Engineering Center, Case Center for Imaging Research, Center for Biomaterials, Center for Computational Imaging & Personalized Diagnostics, Functional Electrical Stimulation Center, and Advanced Platform Technology Center.
Industry and physician interaction: Students can work and learn in an environment where engineers, physicians, researchers, and industry professionals collaborate on biomedical challenges.

Facilities: Case Western Reserve University provides a range of biomedical engineering research laboratories, imaging facilities, specialized research centers, and clinical partnerships that support hands-on learning and undergraduate research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BSE in Biomedical Engineering at Case Western Reserve University gives graduates a strong foundation for careers in biomedical engineering, medical technology, healthcare, and research. Students graduate with practical experience from research, internships, co-ops, and design projects, helping them move confidently into professional roles or further study. Typical career paths include Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Engineer, Clinical Engineer, and Biomedical Researcher.

The program also offers strong support for turning the degree into a long-term career:

Career support: Case Western Reserve University’s Career Center provides career counselling, career assessments, workshops, mock interviews, career fairs, and other resources to help students prepare for employment. Biomedical engineering students can also receive support with finding co-op and internship opportunities.
Co-op experience: Students can complete paid, full-time co-op placements lasting up to seven months. These placements allow students to work on substantial engineering projects, gain professional experience, and build relationships with potential employers.
Industry connections: The Biomedical Engineering department maintains employer relationships covering co-ops, internships, full-time employment, sponsored research, collaborations, and technology development. Its advisory board includes professionals from industry, government, academia, Fortune 500 companies, startups, and other organizations.
Industry employers: Biomedical engineering students can interview with companies such as Philips Medical, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic through the university’s co-op opportunities.
Employment outcomes: The Biomedical Engineering department reports a 96% placement rate over the past six years for graduates entering employment and other post-graduation opportunities.
Salary outcomes: Case Western Reserve University reports a recent median salary of approximately $75,000–$80,000 for engineering graduates overall. For the Case School of Engineering Class of 2024, the reported median salary range was $80,000–$84,999. These figures represent engineering graduates overall rather than Biomedical Engineering graduates specifically.
Experiential preparation: More than 85% of Biomedical Engineering graduates have completed some form of experiential learning before graduation, including research, internships, co-ops, or other practical experiences.
ABET accreditation: The Biomedical Engineering BSE is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This provides an internationally recognised quality benchmark for the engineering education students receive and adds value when pursuing professional engineering careers or further study.
Research and healthcare connections: Students can build professional experience through connections with organisations such as Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals of Cleveland, MetroHealth Medical Center, and the VA Medical Center.
Career flexibility: The degree can lead to opportunities in hospitals, research centres, government organisations, universities, businesses, consulting, medicine, and law, giving graduates several directions to explore as their careers develop.
Graduate outcomes: Graduates can enter the biomedical engineering workforce or continue into advanced education, allowing them to develop specialist expertise and progress into positions with greater responsibility.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BSE in Biomedical Engineering, students can continue their education through graduate or professional programs in areas such as Biomedical Engineering, Engineering, Medicine, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Business, or Law. This flexibility allows graduates to specialise in a technical research area, move toward healthcare professions, develop business expertise, or pursue other professional qualifications depending on their long-term career goals.