Biomedical Engineering (BSE)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Grand Valley State University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering (B.S.E.) in Biomedical Engineering at Grand Valley State University combines engineering, mathematics, biology and medical science to prepare students to develop technologies that improve health and quality of life. The program suits students interested in medical devices, biomedical instrumentation, physiological systems, biomechanics, biomedical imaging and biomaterials, with the flexibility to choose an electrical, mechanical, or product design and manufacturing emphasis.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students begin with the engineering, mathematics, science and computing foundations needed for biomedical engineering through courses such as EGR 100 – Introduction to Engineering, EGR 112 – Applied Programming for Engineers, MTH 201 – Calculus I, and CHM 125/126 – Principles of Chemistry I and Laboratory. They continue with EGR 185 – First-year Engineering Design, EGR 220 – Engineering Measurement and Data Analysis, MTH 202 – Calculus II, and PHY 230 – Principles of Physics I, developing early skills in engineering design, programming, measurement and quantitative problem-solving.

Year 2

The second year builds stronger engineering foundations through coursework that varies according to the selected emphasis, while students continue developing their mathematical, scientific and technical knowledge. Depending on the emphasis, students study subjects such as EGR 224 – Introduction to Digital System Design, EGR 226 – Microcontroller Programming and Applications, EGR 209 – Mechanics and Machines, EGR 250 – Materials Science and Engineering, EGR 251 – Materials Laboratory, and MTH 302 – Linear Algebra and Differential Equations.

Year 3

Students move into biomedical-specific engineering applications while beginning the program's integrated cooperative education experience. Core biomedical studies include BMS 202 – Anatomy and Physiology, CHM 230 – Introduction to Organic and Biochemistry, and EGR 403 – Medical Device Design, while emphasis-specific study can include EGR 326 – Embedded System Design, EGR 346 – Mechatronic Systems Dynamics and Control, EGR 362 – Thermal and Fluid Systems, or EGR 367/368 – Manufacturing Processes with Laboratory.

Year 4

The final stage brings together biomedical science, engineering analysis and design through advanced courses and the senior engineering project. Students study EGR 435 – Mathematical Modeling of Physiological Systems, complete EGR 485 – Senior Engineering Project I and EGR 486 – Senior Engineering Project II, and deepen their chosen specialization through subjects such as EGR 432 – Biomedical Imaging and Image Processing, EGR 433 – Electronic Instrumentation for Biomedical Applications, EGR 447 – Engineering Mechanics of Human Motion, EGR 453 – Biomedical Materials, or advanced product-design and manufacturing courses.

Focus Areas

Medical device design, biomedical imaging and image processing, bioelectric potentials, biomedical instrumentation, mathematical modeling of physiological systems, biomechanics and human motion, biomaterials, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, product design and manufacturing.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to solve complex engineering problems using mathematics, science and engineering principles; design solutions that consider health, safety, environmental and societal factors; communicate effectively; work collaboratively; conduct experiments and interpret data; make ethical and professional engineering decisions; and acquire new technical knowledge throughout their careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Biomedical Engineering B.S.E. is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. The program's educational objectives emphasize technical competence, effective performance in industrial or academic environments, professional development and the ability to contribute to the profession and society.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Grand Valley State University states that its Biomedical Engineering graduates enjoy nearly 100% placement in industry-based careers or advanced graduate study. The university also highlights the program's position as West Michigan's only undergraduate and graduate biomedical engineering program, together with its industry collaboration, paid field experience and extensive biomedical engineering facilities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Grand Valley's Biomedical Engineering program is strongly built around practical engineering experience, combining classroom learning with research, industry collaboration, cooperative education and senior design. Students have access to biomedical engineering and science laboratories, a biomechanics and motor-performance laboratory, motion-capture systems, physiological-signal testing equipment, CAD/CAM facilities, prototyping resources and a full-scale machine shop, allowing them to work with technologies relevant to medical devices, biomechanics and rehabilitation.

Students gain practical experience through:

Mandatory engineering co-op: Every undergraduate engineering student must complete the integrated cooperative education program, with GVSU requiring one year of full-time engineering work experience before graduation.
Medical device design: EGR 403 – Medical Device Design gives students dedicated coursework focused on developing biomedical products and technologies.
Senior engineering projects: EGR 485 and EGR 486 – Senior Engineering Project I and II provide the program's two-stage capstone design experience.
Biomechanics & Motor Performance Lab: Students can work with 16 Vicon MX-T40 cameras, Nexus motion-capture software, AMTI force platforms, an AMTI force-sensing treadmill, a 16-channel EMG system, Biodex equipment, NeuroCom systems and Xsens wireless motion capture.
Biomedical data and simulation software: The Biomechanics & Motor Performance Lab uses MATLAB, Nexus, C-Motion Visual3D and OpenSim for data analysis, modeling and simulation.
Prototyping and engineering facilities: GVSU's engineering facilities include a Biomedical Engineering and Science Lab, Design, Optimization, Evaluation, and Redesign (DOER) Center, CAD/CAM laboratories, machine shop and clean-room facilities.
Industry-sponsored experience: Many engineering courses include hands-on laboratory components and industry-sponsored projects, while the required co-op program connects students with approved employers.
Medical-device industry exposure: Official GVSU co-op examples include Biomedical Engineering students working on dimensional inspection, Instron testing, hardness and torque testing, 3D printing, drawings and quality documentation at Viking Products, as well as engineering work at medical-device company Rose Medical.
Research and clinical partnerships: Biomedical Engineering research partners include Applied Medical Device Institute (AMDI), Biomechanics & Motor Performance Lab, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, MI Device and Spectrum Health/Corewell Health.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers where engineering is applied to medical devices, healthcare technology, biomedical systems, manufacturing, rehabilitation and research. GVSU reports nearly 100% placement in industry-based careers or advanced graduate study, while the program's co-op structure gives students substantial professional experience before graduation. Typical career directions include Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Engineer, Biomedical Design Engineer, Biomechanical Engineer:

Career and co-op support: GVSU's Padnos College of Engineering provides integrated cooperative education, employer connections, career fairs, information sessions, simulated employer interviews and access to co-op positions through Handshake.
Paid professional experience: Engineering students complete full-time co-op rotations, and GVSU states that the integrated co-op experience is a defining component of its engineering programs.
Industry connections: GVSU's Biomedical Engineering research partners include Applied Medical Device Institute, Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, MI Device and Spectrum Health/Corewell Health, providing connections across medical-device, rehabilitation and healthcare environments.
Employment outcomes: The university reports nearly 100% placement in industry-based careers or advanced graduate study for Biomedical Engineering graduates.
Salary potential: GVSU's career information for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers reports annual earnings of $109,366.40 at the 50th percentile, with earnings of $86,985.60 at the 25th percentile and $136,614.40 at the 75th percentile.
Professional value: ABET accreditation provides an established quality benchmark for the Biomedical Engineering B.S.E. and supports graduates seeking professional engineering and technical careers.
Career-relevant specialization: The electrical, mechanical, and product design and manufacturing emphases allow students to graduate with a more focused technical profile aligned with different biomedical engineering career areas.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into advanced study in biomedical engineering and related engineering or health-science fields. Grand Valley State University offers a Master of Science in Engineering with a Biomedical Engineering pathway, and students can also pursue graduate-level research or professional programs related to medical devices, biomechanics, biomaterials, rehabilitation, engineering and healthcare.