Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Johns Hopkins University

Program Overview

The Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Science at Johns Hopkins University combines engineering, biology, medicine, and quantitative sciences to prepare students to develop technologies and solutions for challenges in healthcare. The program suits students interested in areas such as medical devices, biotechnology, computational medicine, and biomedical research, with opportunities to build a strong foundation before pursuing advanced study or careers in the field.

Curriculum Structure:

First Year:
Students begin with a foundation in mathematics, natural sciences, and engineering through subjects such as Calculus I, Introduction to Chemistry, and Introduction to Biomedical Engineering. These courses establish the quantitative and scientific knowledge needed for more advanced biomedical engineering study.

Second Year:
The curriculum progresses into core biomedical engineering concepts, with courses such as Molecules and Cells, Signals and Systems, and Biomedical Engineering Design. Students develop an understanding of biological systems while learning how engineering principles can be applied to biomedical problems.

Third Year:
Students move into more specialized biomedical engineering coursework and laboratory experiences, studying areas such as Biomedical Engineering: Physiology and Cellular Systems, Biomedical Engineering: Signals and Systems, and Biomedical Engineering Design and Innovation. Elective choices allow students to explore areas aligned with their interests and career plans.

Fourth Year:
The final year emphasizes advanced specialization, design, and independent application of biomedical engineering knowledge. Students complete advanced technical electives and senior-level design or research experiences that allow them to tackle real biomedical engineering challenges.

Focus Areas:

Biomedical engineering design, molecular and cellular systems, biomedical instrumentation, biomechanics, computational biology, medical imaging, systems biology, and biomedical research.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop strong foundations in engineering, biology, mathematics, and quantitative analysis while gaining skills in biomedical design, problem-solving, experimentation, research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, providing an internationally recognized quality standard for engineering education and supporting preparation for professional engineering pathways.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Johns Hopkins University has a strong global reputation in biomedical engineering and healthcare, supported by its close connection with Johns Hopkins Medicine and its research environment. The university's biomedical engineering program is also consistently recognized among leading programs in the United States by major university-ranking publications.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Science at Johns Hopkins University offers substantial hands-on learning through project-based courses, clinical immersion, design teams, and laboratory work. Students can join the BME Undergraduate Design Team Program as early as their second semester, working with clinical and industry partners to develop prototypes and address real healthcare challenges, while summer internships can be integrated into the curriculum with continued guidance from industry mentors.

Students can gain practical experience through:

BME Design Studio: A dedicated space for students to brainstorm, design, prototype, build, and test biomedical solutions.
Team-based projects: Undergraduate Design Teams work with clinical and industry sponsors, faculty mentors, professional designers, engineers, lawyers, and researchers on real healthcare challenges.
Industry internships: Students have the opportunity to integrate summer internships into the curriculum and continue industry projects during the academic year with industry mentors.
Cell & Tissue Lab: The undergraduate facility provides hands-on experience in cell culture, bench sciences, and cell-based engineering, with fluorescence microscopes, a cell counter, plate reader, and biosafety cabinets.
Prototyping equipment: Studio West includes FDM 3D printers, soldering stations, sewing machines, electronics equipment, and hand tools, while Studio East includes a laser cutter and multi-material 3D printer.
Machine Shop: Students can use equipment including a CNC router, vertical milling machine, metal lathe, bandsaw, and drill press after completing the required safety training.
Computational and digital projects: Project-based courses include Precision Care Medicine, where students use machine learning and statistical modelling, and NeuroData Design, where teams develop machine-learning and statistical tools and open-source software for neuroscience research.
Research ecosystem: Students can connect with facilities and institutes including the Institute for Computational Medicine, Center for Computational Biology, Center for Imaging Science, Center for Bioengineering Innovation and Design, and Translational Therapeutics and Regenerative Engineering Center.

Facilities and resources:

The Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Science, students have access to dedicated facilities such as the BME Design Studio, Undergraduate Instructional Lab, Cell & Tissue Lab, and Machine Shop, supporting hands-on experimentation, prototyping, cell culture, and biomedical design. They can also use equipment including 3D printers, laser cutters, microscopes, electronics tools, and other prototyping resources, along with the university’s wider biomedical research centers and institutes.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Johns Hopkins University Biomedical Engineering, Bachelor of Science prepares graduates for careers across biomedical engineering, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, healthcare, research, and related fields. The program also provides a strong foundation for students who want to pursue graduate or medical education, with opportunities for research, internships, design projects, clinical exposure, and mentoring.

Typical Job Roles: Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Researcher, Medical Device Engineer, Biomedical Data Scientist.

Career development and future opportunities include:

University Career Support: Hopkins BME supports career exploration through seminars, panel sessions, alumni visits, internships, research opportunities, and personalised mentoring. Students can also gain practical experience through the BME Design Team and industry-linked projects.
Employment & Salary: Hopkins BME reports that its undergraduate career destinations include 34% industry, 6% consulting, 4% government, 50% graduate or medical school, and 6% other destinations. The department also states that biomedical engineering careers have a median annual salary of more than $90,000.
University–Industry Partnerships: Students can work with clinical and industry partners through the undergraduate Design Team, where partners sponsor projects, mentor students, participate in design activities, and help introduce students to the workforce. Hopkins BME lists organisations such as Abbott, Boston Scientific, Genentech, Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Pfizer, Philips, Siemens Healthineers, and Stryker among its partners and employers.
Long-Term Accreditation Value: The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under criteria for bioengineering and biomedical engineering programs, providing recognised accreditation for the engineering education.
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates can progress into industry, research, medicine, government, academia, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare, while the program also encourages lifelong learning through graduate and professional education.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the B.S., students can continue into graduate or professional education, including a Master of Science in Engineering (MSE) in Biomedical Engineering, Ph.D. programs, or medical school. Johns Hopkins also offers a combined BS/MSE pathway, allowing eligible undergraduate students to begin master's-level coursework before completing the bachelor's degree and potentially finish both degrees within or before five years.