Biomedical Engineering, BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Columbia University

Program Overview

The Biomedical Engineering B.S. at Columbia University brings together engineering, biology, and medicine to help students develop solutions to real healthcare challenges. It is a strong choice for students interested in areas such as medical imaging, tissue engineering, biomechanics, biotechnology, and data-driven healthcare, while building practical skills through coursework, research, and design projects.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build a strong foundation in mathematics, science, engineering, computing, and communication. Courses such as Calculus II, Introduction to Computing for Engineering/Applied Science, and The Art of Engineering help students develop the analytical and technical skills needed for biomedical engineering.

Second Year: Students begin connecting engineering principles with biological systems and biomedical applications. Courses including Introduction to Biology I: Biochemistry, Genetics, Molecular, Introduction to Biology II: Cell Biology, Development/Physiology, Introduction to Applied Mathematics, and Introduction to Biomedical Engineering Design introduce students to biology, applied mathematics, and biomedical design.

Third Year: Students move into more advanced biomedical engineering study and strengthen their laboratory and quantitative skills. Courses such as Biomedical Engineering I, Biomedical Engineering II, Biomedical Engineering Lab I, Biomedical Engineering Lab II, Quantitative Physiology I, and Biostatistics for Engineers allow students to explore engineering applications, physiological systems, experimentation, and biomedical data analysis.

Fourth Year: Students apply their knowledge to more advanced technical subjects and real-world biomedical engineering challenges. The required Biomedical Engineering Design sequence gives students the opportunity to work as a team on an open-ended biomedical engineering project, while technical electives allow them to develop deeper knowledge in areas that match their career interests.

Focus Areas: Biomedical engineering design, biomechanics, biomaterials, cell and tissue engineering, biomedical imaging, bioinstrumentation, quantitative physiology, biosignals, biotechnology, medical technology, neural engineering, data-driven healthcare

Learning Outcomes: Solve complex biomedical engineering problems using engineering, science, and mathematics, design solutions that address healthcare needs, conduct experiments and analyze data, apply quantitative approaches to biological systems, communicate technical information effectively, work successfully in teams, understand professional and ethical responsibilities, develop and apply new technical knowledge

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The Biomedical Engineering B.S. at Columbia University is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The program combines engineering fundamentals, experimentation, design, teamwork, communication, and professional responsibility, providing students with a strong foundation for engineering careers and further study.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): Columbia's Biomedical Engineering program prepares graduates for opportunities across pharmaceuticals, medical devices, artificial organs, prosthetics, diagnostics, medical instrumentation, medical imaging, biotechnology, engineering consulting, and biomechanics. Columbia also reports that graduates progress into graduate and professional education as well as careers with organizations such as the FDA, NIH, and OSHA.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biomedical Engineering B.S. at Columbia University gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical experience. Students work with biomedical laboratory equipment, take part in engineering design projects, conduct research, and explore real healthcare applications through Columbia’s engineering and medical facilities. The program also provides opportunities for internships, summer research, and academic research credit, helping students develop practical skills while working on real biomedical engineering challenges.

Students can gain hands-on experience through:

Biomedical Engineering Wet Lab: Students use Columbia’s undergraduate wet laboratory in Engineering Terrace for hands-on biomedical experiments and practical laboratory training.
Cell and Tissue Culture: Students can work with equipment such as biological safety hoods and CO₂ incubators for cell and tissue culture activities.
Biomedical Imaging: Laboratory resources include advanced microscopy equipment, including confocal laser-scanning microscopy systems, inverted microscopes, fluorescence imaging equipment, and related imaging software.
Biomedical Testing: Students can gain experience using materials-testing equipment, UV-Vis spectrophotometers, osmometers, viscometers, centrifuges, pumps, and flow chambers.
Data Collection and Analysis: Laboratory work involves signal-conditioning equipment, data-acquisition systems, computers, and other tools used to collect and analyze biomedical measurements.
Team-Based Design Projects: The required two-semester Biomedical Engineering Design sequence gives students the opportunity to work in teams on open-ended, real-world biomedical engineering challenges.
Prototyping and Fabrication: Students can develop and build prototypes using machine-shop and fabrication equipment, including milling machines, lathes, drill presses, grinders, and various hand and power tools.
3D and CNC Manufacturing: Students have access to advanced fabrication equipment, including a 3-axis CNC milling machine and a toolroom lathe, supporting the development of functional biomedical prototypes.
Electronics and Instrumentation: Students can work with breadboards, multimeters, oscilloscopes, waveform generators, electronic components, and data-acquisition equipment.
Medical Imaging Facilities: Senior laboratory activities can make use of research MRI and 2D and 3D cardiac ultrasound facilities at Columbia University Medical Center.
Rapid Prototyping: Students can access rapid-prototyping equipment available through Columbia’s Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering facilities.
Undergraduate Research: Qualified students can work as research assistants in Biomedical Engineering laboratories, including opportunities supported through work-study or paid research positions.
Research for Academic Credit: Students can undertake approved research through BMEN E3998 and receive academic credit while developing research skills and completing a research report.
Summer Research: Students can participate in summer research through internships, research assistantships, work-study positions, and research opportunities with BME faculty.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship: Many Biomedical Engineering faculty participate in Columbia’s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, providing opportunities for students to gain intensive research experience.
Internships: Students can undertake relevant part-time internships during the academic year or full-time internships during the summer. Approved internships may also provide academic credit.
Interdisciplinary Research: Students can work across Columbia’s engineering, biological sciences, and medical communities, supporting practical exploration of areas such as biomechanics, biomedical imaging, tissue engineering, biotechnology, and medical technology.