Biomedical Engineering (BSE)

The Biomedical Engineering BSE at Duke University gives students opportunities to turn engineering and biological concepts into practical solutions for healthcare. Students gain hands-on experience through team-based design, independent research, prototyping, laboratory work, computer modeling, and clinical collaborations, with access to specialized facilities and equipment across Duke's biomedical engineering research areas. These experiences help students build practical technical skills while working on real biomedical challenges:

• First-Year Design: Through EGR 101L Engineering Design & Technical Communication, students work on hands-on engineering activities, develop design skills, and practice solving problems as part of a team.

• BME Design Fellows: Students can design and test medical technologies based on real clinical needs identified by Duke Health clinicians. Projects can involve computer-aided design, prototyping, PCB fabrication, microcontrollers, signal processing, and testing.

• Clinical design projects: Students have worked on projects connected with areas such as Surgery, Gastroenterology, Urology, Neurology, Pediatrics, and Duke University Hospital, giving them exposure to real healthcare requirements.

• Industry internships: Students participating in the BME Design Fellows program can gain summer industry experience with biomedical engineering companies. Duke has highlighted opportunities with organizations including Stryker, Edwards Lifesciences, Zimmer Biomet, Garmin, LivaNova, and Blur.

• Independent research: Around one-third of BME students participate in independent study, working with faculty on projects involving computer simulations, laboratory experiments, medical-device development, imaging, biomechanics, neural engineering, and tissue engineering.

• Specialized research laboratories: Students can explore research facilities covering biomechanics and biomaterials, electrobiology, ultrasound imaging, biophotonics, molecular and cellular engineering, and tissue engineering.

• Computing and data science: BME 390L: BME Data Science introduces students to data-driven approaches in biomedical engineering, complementing the program's work in computational modeling and analysis.

• Design and prototyping: Students can develop practical skills in CAD, medical-device design, advanced manufacturing, electronic signal processing, and prototyping, particularly through design-focused opportunities.

• Imaging and ultrasound tools: Duke's imaging research environments include clinical and research ultrasound systems, electronics, acoustic characterization equipment, and modeling tools used to study and develop biomedical imaging technologies.

• Clinical and research collaboration: Duke BME's connection with the Duke University Medical Center allows students to learn in an environment where engineers, researchers, and physicians collaborate on biomedical and healthcare challenges.

• Entrepreneurship and innovation: Students are part of a research environment where biomedical discoveries can be developed into practical technologies, with opportunities to engage with translational research and innovation within Duke BME.

The Biomedical Engineering BSE at Duke University prepares students for careers in biomedical engineering, medical technology, biotechnology, healthcare, research, and related industries. The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate and professional study, with opportunities to build practical design, research, and problem-solving skills throughout the degree.

Typical career directions include Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Engineer, Biomedical Researcher, and R&D Engineer. Students can strengthen their career prospects through the following opportunities:

• Career and professional development: Duke's Biomedical Engineering program combines engineering design, research, computing, and biomedical applications, helping students develop practical skills that can be applied in industry, research, and healthcare.

• Industry experience: Through opportunities such as the BME Design Fellows program, students can work on biomedical engineering projects and gain experience with companies in the medical technology and healthcare sectors.

• Clinical connections: Students can work on projects connected with Duke University Hospital and clinical areas such as Surgery, Gastroenterology, Urology, Neurology, and Pediatrics, giving them exposure to real healthcare needs.

• Research opportunities: Undergraduate students can participate in research across areas such as biomechanics and biomaterials, electrobiology, imaging and measurement systems, biophotonics, and molecular, cellular, and tissue engineering.

• Employment outcomes: Duke BME reports that 94% of recent graduates were working or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The program also reports that 65% of graduates from the Classes of 2022–2025 were working six months after graduation, while 29% were continuing their education.

• Employer connections: Recent BME graduates have gone on to organizations including Edwards Lifesciences, Medtronic, Google, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, showing the range of opportunities available across medical technology, research, and technology.

• Salary information: Duke's official undergraduate BME information does not provide a specific average starting salary for BME BSE graduates. Therefore, a program-specific salary figure should not be assumed.

• Industry and innovation: Duke BME connects biomedical research with real-world applications through industry collaborations, clinical projects, design experiences, and entrepreneurship. Faculty research has also contributed to the creation of more than 28 startups, highlighting the department's strong connection between research and innovation.

• Long-term accreditation value: The Biomedical Engineering BSE is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This provides recognized professional accreditation and strengthens the degree's value for long-term careers in biomedical engineering and related engineering fields.

• Graduation outcomes: Duke's program objectives expect graduates to progress in biomedical engineering or related areas of industry, academia, and medicine, continue developing professionally, and contribute to technologies that improve human health and healthcare.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BME BSE, students can continue into master's and Ph.D. programs in biomedical engineering and related fields, or pursue medical, dental, and other professional healthcare programs. Students can also combine biomedical engineering with additional areas such as electrical and computer engineering, civil engineering, or mechanical engineering, providing opportunities for further specialization.