BIOMEG:BS - Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Florida International University

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Florida International University combines engineering, biology and medicine to prepare students to design biomaterials, medical instruments and devices that address real healthcare challenges. It suits students interested in areas such as tissue engineering, biosignals and systems, and biomaterials and biomechanics, with opportunities to tailor the degree through specialized concentrations and hands-on design and research experiences.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish their engineering and scientific foundation through subjects such as BME 1008C Introduction to Biomedical Engineering, BME 1054L Introduction to Biomedical Engineering Computing and MAC 2281 Calculus I for Engineering. Biology, chemistry and physics courses build the life-science and quantitative knowledge needed for later biomedical engineering study.

Second Year: Students move into more analytical biomedical engineering work with courses such as BME 2740 BME Modeling and Simulation, BME 3403 Engineering Analysis of Biological Systems I and BME 3632 BME Transport. These subjects help students understand how engineering principles can be used to model biological systems and analyze processes relevant to medicine.

Third Year: The curriculum becomes increasingly focused on biomedical technologies through courses such as BME 4050L BME Lab I, BME 4100 Biomaterials Science and BME 4503C Medical Instrumentation: Application and Design. Students develop practical laboratory, materials and instrumentation knowledge while beginning to apply engineering concepts to medical applications.

Fourth Year: Students bring their knowledge together through advanced work and the required BME 4908 Senior Design Project, a two-semester capstone involving customer needs, design requirements, prototyping, testing, regulatory considerations and project presentation. Depending on their selected pathway, students can further specialize in areas such as tissue engineering and pre-med, biosignals and systems, or biomaterials and biomechanics.

Focus Areas

Tissue Engineering, Biosignals and Systems, Biomaterials and Biomechanics, Molecular Engineering, Immunology, Genetics, Analytical Chemistry, Medical Devices, Biomedical Instrumentation, Biomedical Systems.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to apply engineering, science and mathematics to complex biomedical problems, design solutions with consideration for safety and societal factors, conduct experiments, analyze data, communicate effectively and work successfully in multidisciplinary teams. The program also develops professional judgment, ethical awareness and the ability to acquire and apply new technical knowledge.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under its General Criteria and Program Criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. This provides a strong professional foundation for engineering practice in biomedical and healthcare-related fields.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

FIU's College of Engineering & Computing currently identifies its Biomedical Engineering graduate program as No. 45 among public institutions in U.S. News & World Report rankings. The department also highlights its research strength, modern laboratories and real-world biomedical engineering projects, providing a strong environment for students preparing for biomedical industry and research careers.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

FIU's Biomedical Engineering program places substantial emphasis on learning by doing. Students work on research, laboratory activities, internships and industry-connected design projects, culminating in a two-semester Senior Design Project where teams develop and test solutions to real biomedical problems with guidance from faculty and industry professionals.

The department also provides dedicated biomedical research environments and paid undergraduate research opportunities, allowing students to experience both academic research and industry-oriented engineering practice:

Senior Design Project: The required two-semester capstone has students work in teams on real biomedical problems, including product design, implementation, budgeting, prototyping and testing.
Industry-sponsored projects: Student teams work with biomedical device companies, rehabilitation centers and clinical research organizations on sponsored projects.
Coulter Undergraduate Research Excellence (CURE): Entry-level students can gain paid, hands-on research experience under the guidance of a faculty mentor.
Biomedical Engineering laboratories: Department research facilities include the Biomedical Engineering Core Labs, Airehab, Hutcheson Cardiovascular Matrix Remodeling Lab and other specialized research environments.
Undergraduate Internship – BME 4940: Students can undertake engineering practice in biomedical device manufacturing, research and development, healthcare delivery or related areas, with an approved objective, final report and supervisor evaluation.
Biomedical Engineering Co-op – BME 4949: Students can undertake engineering practice at an industrial partner's site and conduct collaborative research under faculty supervision.
Senior Design Expo: Students present completed designs and prototypes to engineering professionals, industry representatives and the wider community, creating opportunities to demonstrate technical and teamwork skills.
Research presentation: Students can present their work at the Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Research Celebration and connect with alumni and other researchers.
Specialized concentrations: Students can focus practical and technical study on tissue engineering and pre-med, biosignals and systems, or biomaterials and biomechanics.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering prepares graduates for professional practice in biomedical and healthcare-related engineering as well as advanced study in engineering, medicine and applied sciences. FIU specifically identifies pathways into medical-device R&D, product development, regulatory and quality functions, sales, pharmaceutical and consumer-product industries, as well as research roles in organizations such as the FDA, NIH and USPTO.

Typical career directions include Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device R&D Engineer, Product Development Manager, Quality Assurance/Regulatory Engineer, with additional opportunities in biomedical research, pharmaceutical industries and technical sales.

Students can strengthen their transition from university into professional practice through:

Career and Talent Development: FIU provides career advising and career-development resources to help students prepare for employment and connect with opportunities.
Industry-connected Senior Design: Students collaborate with real organizations on biomedical projects, gaining experience with product development, manufacturing, quality control and regulatory considerations.
Internships and co-op: BME 4940 provides internship experience in areas such as device manufacturing, R&D and healthcare, while BME 4949 places students at industrial partner sites for collaborative research.
Research opportunities: CURE and other undergraduate research initiatives provide faculty mentorship, hands-on experience and opportunities to present research to specialized and multidisciplinary audiences.
Industry and clinical connections: FIU's Biomedical Engineering department maintains industry and clinical advisory structures and collaborates across healthcare and research institutions, including the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and other partners.
Professional accreditation: ABET accreditation supports the program's alignment with recognized engineering education standards and its preparation for professional biomedical engineering practice.
Employment preparation: The Senior Design Expo brings students together with business leaders, recruiters, government agencies and other members of the professional community, giving graduating students a platform to demonstrate their work.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into the M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, Ph.D. study or other advanced programs in engineering, applied sciences and medicine. FIU also offers an accelerated BS/MS in Biomedical Engineering pathway in which eligible students can count up to nine graduate-level credits toward both degrees, as well as a combined BS in Biomedical Engineering/MS in Engineering Management pathway.