Biomedical Engineering (BS)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Harding University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Harding University is a four-year, 127-credit-hour, on-campus program that combines mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology and engineering to prepare students for careers in industry, research, medicine and healthcare technology. It is particularly suited to students who want to use engineering to address medical challenges, with opportunities to explore medical devices, biomaterials, biomechanics, imaging and healthcare solutions through design-focused study.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by establishing the mathematical, scientific and engineering foundations needed for biomedical engineering. Coursework such as Introduction to Engineering, Programming for Engineers and Engineering Chemistry develops early problem-solving, programming and scientific skills, while engineering design is introduced from the first semester and continues throughout the degree.

Year 2: Students move toward more specialized biomedical applications while continuing to strengthen their engineering knowledge. Biomedical Engineering Industrial Practice provides an industry-oriented component, while subjects such as Intro to Biomaterials introduce students to materials used in biomedical applications and begin connecting engineering principles with healthcare needs.

Year 3: The curriculum becomes increasingly practical and technically focused, with students working through Biomedical Engineering Lab, Biomaterials and Medical Electronic Design. These areas develop experience with biomedical experimentation, materials and electronic systems relevant to medical technologies and devices.

Year 4: Students bring together their engineering and biomedical knowledge through advanced subjects such as Medical Imaging and Applied Biomechanical Engineering, alongside the program's continuing design emphasis and senior capstone experience. This stage prepares students to apply engineering, science, experimentation and design skills to complex healthcare problems and supports progression into industry, research or further study.

Focus Areas

Biomedical engineering design, medical devices, biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, biomedical instrumentation, engineering science, healthcare technology, engineering problem-solving, human-centered design.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates are expected to identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems using engineering, science and mathematics; apply engineering design to solutions that consider public health, safety and welfare; communicate effectively; work successfully in teams; conduct experiments and interpret data; recognize ethical and professional responsibilities; and acquire new knowledge for continued professional development.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Bioengineering, Biomedical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. Harding states that the engineering programs underwent their most recent evaluation in 2024–2025 and were officially re-accredited; the biomedical engineering program has held ABET accreditation since 2014.

Reputation (Employability)

Harding reports that 91% of graduates have recognized professional outcomes within six months of graduating, while its Center for Career Connections provides career fairs, employer connections, internships and job opportunities through Handshake. This gives biomedical engineering students access to university-wide career support as they move toward professional employment or further study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Harding places substantial emphasis on applying biomedical engineering concepts to real problems rather than keeping learning entirely classroom-based. Students work with engineering design from the beginning of the degree and progress toward practical experiences involving medical devices, biosignal capture, biomechanics and motion-capture analysis, supported by dedicated engineering laboratories and project-manufacturing facilities.

Students can build and test physical projects in the department's Project Lab, which includes electronic assembly and testing equipment, light-fabrication tools, two 3-D printers and a laser cutter; engineering students can also use the Ulrey Engineering Shop and circuits laboratories for fabrication, testing and analysis. Biomedical engineering students have access to coursework and laboratory experiences including Biomedical Engineering Lab, Biomedical Engineering Industrial Practice, Biomaterials, Medical Electronic Design and Medical Imaging.

Practical opportunities include:

Biomedical Engineering Lab: Students gain laboratory-based experience directly related to biomedical engineering through the dedicated BENG 3700L course.
Biomedical Engineering Industrial Practice: BENG 2100 provides an industry-oriented component within the biomedical engineering curriculum.
Medical-device design: Harding specifically highlights hands-on work involving the design of medical devices as part of the biomedical engineering experience.
Biosignal and biomechanics work: Students can develop practical skills in capturing biosignals and analyzing biomechanics using motion-capture technology.
Biomaterials: Students study biomaterials relevant to medical applications, including materials used for implants such as artificial knee replacements.
Medical Imaging: BENG 4100 provides specialized study in medical imaging, with the course appearing in Harding's current class schedule.
Project Lab: Students can manufacture and test engineering projects using electronic assembly equipment, test equipment, fabrication tools, two 3-D printers and a laser cutter.
Circuits laboratories: The Analog Circuits Lab provides discrete test equipment for measuring component values, voltage, current and waveforms, while the Digital Circuits Lab uses a computer-based test system with software-controlled measurements.
Human-Centered Design projects: Harding's engineering students have worked on community-focused projects, including water-well apparatus, security improvements and city infrastructure projects, providing an opportunity to connect engineering design with real community needs.
Biomedical Engineering Society: The Harding chapter of BMES gives biomedical engineering students a professional community focused on advances, discoveries, inventions and professional development in biomedical engineering and life-science technology.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of Harding's Biomedical Engineering program can pursue careers that combine engineering, medical technology and healthcare, including biomedical engineer, medical device engineer, biomedical instrumentation engineer and biomaterials engineer. Harding specifically identifies opportunities in biomedical instrument design, medical device design, orthopedic prosthesis design and engineering support for healthcare services, while also preparing students for graduate study in biomedical engineering or medicine.

Career development is supported through:

Career services: Harding's Center for Career Connections provides resume and cover-letter reviews, mock interviews, professional headshots, career planning, career fairs, employer information sessions and access to jobs and internships through Handshake.
Employment outcomes: Harding reports that 91% of graduates have recognized professional outcomes within six months of graduation. Its career fairs also report a 1.9:1 student-to-employer ratio, giving students opportunities to interact directly with prospective employers.
Employer connections: Employers can use Handshake to advertise full-time positions, part-time roles, internships and seasonal opportunities, while career fairs and on-campus events provide additional opportunities for student-employer interaction.
Professional community: The Harding chapter of the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) connects students with a professional organization focused on biomedical engineering, life-science technology, professional development and communication of advances and discoveries.
Long-term professional value: ABET accreditation provides an important professional foundation for graduates, with Harding's biomedical engineering BS accredited by ABET's Engineering Accreditation Commission. Harding also states that its biomedical engineering program meets the educational requirements for engineering licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, although additional testing or work experience may be required.
Graduate and professional pathways: The university specifically states that Biomedical Engineering graduates are prepared for graduate study in biomedical engineering or medicine, in addition to industry and research careers.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, students can continue into graduate-level study in biomedical engineering or related engineering fields, or pursue further professional education in medicine. Harding's program is deliberately structured to provide the mathematics, sciences and engineering foundation needed for continued academic and professional development.