Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Cornell University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Cornell University brings together engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computer science to help students understand how technology can improve human health. It is a strong choice for students interested in areas such as medical devices, biomaterials, biomedical imaging, biomechanics, biotechnology, research, or progressing to medical school.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Building the Foundation

The first year focuses on developing a strong foundation in mathematics, science, engineering, and computing. Students study subjects such as MATH 1910, MATH 1920, CHEM 2090, BIOMG 1350 – Introductory Biology: Cell and Developmental Biology, PHYS 1112, and CS 1112, while also developing communication skills through the Freshman Writing Seminar and gaining an introduction to engineering through an ENGRI course.

Year 2 – Exploring Biomedical Engineering

In the second year, students start connecting their scientific knowledge with real biomedical engineering challenges. Courses such as BME 2000 – Biomedical Transport Phenomena, BME 2010 – Physiology of Human Health and Disease, ENGRD 2020 – Statics and Mechanics of Solids, BME 2110 – MCSE Cornerstone, and BME 2310 – BMII Cornerstone introduce important engineering principles and biomedical applications.

Year 3 – Developing Advanced Skills

The third year takes students deeper into the science and technology behind biomedical engineering. They study courses including BME 3010 – Cellular Principles of Biomedical Engineering, BME 3020 – Molecular Principles of Biomedical Engineering, BME 3030 – Biomedical Circuits, Signals, and Systems, BME 2210 – Biomedical Applications of Materials, and BTRY 3010 – Biological Statistics, alongside coursework related to their chosen concentration.

Year 4 – Design and Specialisation

In the final year, students bring together the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the degree and apply them to more advanced biomedical engineering problems. Courses such as BME 4010 – Biomedical Engineering Analysis of Metabolic and Structural Systems, BME 4020 – Electrical and Chemical Physiology, and the BME 4080/4090 – Biomedical Engineering Design Laboratory sequence give students opportunities to work on biomedical design, analysis, laboratory, and research challenges.

Focus Areas

Biomaterials and Drug Delivery, Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation, Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Molecular Cellular and Systems Engineering

Learning Outcomes

Students learn to apply engineering and scientific principles to biomedical challenges, design biomedical devices and systems, conduct experiments, analyse and interpret data, work effectively in teams, communicate technical ideas clearly, consider ethical and professional responsibilities, and continue developing their knowledge throughout their careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Cornell’s Biomedical Engineering B.S. program is accredited by ABET, with accreditation awarded in 2023. The program prepares students for careers in biomedical technology, medical devices, biotechnology, research, engineering design, graduate study, and medical school.

Reputation (Employability / Career Outcomes)

Cornell reports that Biomedical Engineering graduates move into a wide range of professional areas, including medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, biomedical imaging, instrumentation, consulting, patent law, research engineering, software, sequencing technologies, and computational analysis. Graduates have gone on to work with organisations including Pfizer, Merck, Amgen, Genentech, Regeneron, Medtronic, Siemens, GE Healthcare, Illumina, Boston Scientific, Accenture, and UCSF Medical Center.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Cornell’s Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical experience. Through laboratory work, team-based design projects, research, clinical exposure, internships, and access to specialised engineering facilities, students can develop the technical and professional skills needed to tackle real biomedical challenges. Students also have opportunities to work with advanced equipment for prototyping, fabrication, experimentation, electronics, imaging, and biomedical research, helping them gain experience with the kinds of tools and environments they may encounter in their future careers.

Students can build practical experience through:

BME 2080 – Experiential Learning: Sophomore students take part in a year-long experiential learning course where they apply their academic knowledge while developing teamwork, professional skills, and experience working on practical projects.
Senior Biomedical Engineering Design: Through BME 4080/4090, students work in teams on a year-long design project based on real biomedical challenges from industry and clinical environments. They develop and test engineering solutions while working collaboratively.
Hands-on Biomedical Laboratories: Courses such as BME 3010, BME 3020, BME 4010, and BME 4020 provide practical laboratory experience in areas including biomedical nanotechnology, microfabrication, microfluidics, biosensors, biotechnology, and drug delivery.
Biomedical Engineering Design Laboratory: Students can use facilities equipped for prototyping and testing biomedical technologies. Available equipment includes 3D printers, microscopes, mini-CNC equipment, soldering stations, and data-acquisition and control systems.
Fabrication and Maker Facilities: Students can develop physical prototypes using equipment such as laser cutters, CNC milling machines, lathes, and metal-machining tools, giving them practical experience with engineering fabrication.
Undergraduate Research: Students have opportunities to work with Meinig School faculty on research projects. Depending on the project, students can present their findings at Cornell or scientific conferences and may contribute to published research.
Cornell Cardiac Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE): This 10-week summer research opportunity allows students to work with faculty and laboratory mentors on interdisciplinary cardiac science and engineering projects involving areas such as cell and molecular biology.
Clinical Immersion Program: Selected biomedical engineering juniors can participate in a two-week clinical immersion at Weill Cornell Medicine. Students shadow physicians, observe clinical procedures and hospital operations, and identify real-world healthcare needs that could be addressed through engineering.
Internships and Co-op Experiences: Students can gain professional experience through summer internships and longer co-op opportunities, helping them understand how biomedical engineering knowledge is applied in industry and research environments.
Student Engineering Projects: Students can join collaborative engineering project teams where they work on practical challenges involving design, innovation, programming, robotics, healthcare, and engineering applications.
International Engineering Experience: Opportunities such as the Cornell-Tanzania Exchange allow students to collaborate with students at Arusha Technical College on medical equipment repair and biomedical engineering projects, providing experience with healthcare technology in an international setting.
Concentration-Specific Laboratories: Students complete laboratory experiences connected to their chosen concentration. Examples include the MCSE Practicum Laboratory (BME 4190), BMMB Practicum Laboratory, and Biomechanics Laboratory, allowing students to gain more focused practical experience in their area of interest.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Cornell University can prepare students for a wide range of careers in medical technology, biotechnology, healthcare, research, and engineering. The degree also provides a strong foundation for students who want to continue into medical school, graduate engineering programs, or other advanced professional studies.

Typical career roles include Biomedical Engineer, Research Engineer, Medical Device Design Engineer, and Biomedical Research Engineer, with graduates also pursuing opportunities in consulting, patent law, regulatory affairs, product development, and biotechnology. Cornell highlights the following opportunities and career support:

Career guidance and advising: Students can access career guidance from faculty, career advisors, academic advisors, and industry professionals to help them plan their career direction and identify suitable opportunities.
Resume and interview preparation: Students receive support with developing their resumes, preparing for interviews, networking, and understanding the recruitment process.
Career fairs and employer connections: Cornell provides opportunities for students to meet employers through career fairs, information sessions, and interviews. More than 200 employers visit Cornell Engineering for career-related activities, giving students opportunities to connect directly with potential employers.
Internships and co-op opportunities: Students can gain professional experience through summer internships and longer co-op placements, allowing them to apply their biomedical engineering knowledge in professional environments.
Career platforms and resources: Students can use Cornell's career platforms, including Handshake, to search for internships, research positions, employment opportunities, and other career-related experiences.
Industry exposure: Recent Biomedical Engineering graduates have moved into positions with organisations such as Medtronic, Edwards, Boston Scientific, Pfizer, Merck, Amgen, Genentech, Regeneron, Siemens, GE Healthcare, Illumina, Agilent, and Johnson & Johnson.
Wide range of career pathways: Depending on their interests and specialisation, graduates can work in medical device design, drug delivery, biomedical imaging, instrumentation, sequencing technology, computational analysis, quality control, research engineering, and biopharmaceutical development.
Career development built into the program: Cornell has incorporated career-development activities into sophomore, junior, and senior BME courses. Students can receive guidance on internship planning, resume development, networking, job applications, evaluating job offers, and managing common challenges during the job search.
ABET accreditation: Cornell's Biomedical Engineering undergraduate program received ABET accreditation in 2023. This provides long-term professional value by demonstrating that the program meets established standards for engineering education and prepares graduates for careers in biomedical technology, graduate study, medical education, and lifelong professional development.
Graduate outcomes: Cornell reports graduates moving into areas such as consulting, patent law, medical research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, biomedical imaging, instrumentation, and engineering. Recent graduate positions include Safety and Crashworthiness Engineer, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Associate Consultant, Associate Scientist, Product Marketing Engineer, and Technical Development Cell Culture Engineer.
Employment and salary information: Cornell's official Biomedical Engineering career information provides examples of employers and graduate positions but does not publish a specific undergraduate employment rate or average starting salary on the program pages reviewed. Therefore, no unsupported salary figure has been included.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, students can continue their education through graduate or professional study. Cornell offers a one-year Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering, and BME undergraduates may have opportunities for early admission or early decision to the M.Eng. program. Depending on their career goals, graduates can also progress to medical school or pursue further graduate study in engineering, biomedical sciences, and related fields.