Biomedical Engineering (BS)

The Biomedical Engineering (BS) at NC State University gives students plenty of opportunities to learn through practical work, laboratory activities and engineering design projects. Throughout the degree, students work with areas such as biomedical mechanics, electronics, biomaterials, computing and medical product development, using specialized facilities and equipment available through the joint NC State–UNC-Chapel Hill Department of Biomedical Engineering. The program also builds toward a two-semester senior design experience, where students develop and implement solutions to real healthcare needs.

Students gain experience by combining classroom concepts with laboratory experiments, computational methods, research and hands-on product design. This approach helps them develop the technical and problem-solving skills needed to move from understanding biomedical concepts to creating practical engineering solutions:

• Biomedical Mechanics Laboratory: In Biomedical Mechanics Laboratory, students use experimental and computational approaches to investigate forces, moments, kinetics and kinematics related to the human body and medical devices.

• Biomedical Electronics Laboratory: Students gain practical experience with analog and digital circuits, amplifiers, logic gates, digital systems and analog-to-digital conversion while exploring their applications in biomedical engineering.

• Biomaterials Laboratory: The Materials Science of Biomaterials Laboratory allows students to work with biomaterials, including fabrication and evaluation of their physical properties, while learning how experimental results can be analyzed and interpreted.

• Biomedical Design and Manufacturing: Through Biomedical Engineering Design and Manufacturing I and II, students develop their design and manufacturing skills and learn how to turn biomedical engineering concepts into practical products and solutions.

• Senior Design Projects: During BME Senior Design: Product Development and BME Senior Design: Product Implementation and Strategy, students work on developing solutions to unmet medical needs. The experience takes students through important stages of product development, from identifying a problem to designing and implementing a potential solution.

• Faculty-Mentored Research: Students can participate in undergraduate research through Research in Biomedical Engineering for Undergraduates, giving them the opportunity to work with faculty and gain experience with real biomedical engineering research.

• Tissue Engineering Experience: Students can explore hands-on areas such as tissue engineering, including work involving tissue models, biomaterials and biological samples, depending on their selected coursework and research opportunities.

• Computational Learning: Courses such as Computer Methods in Biomedical Engineering introduce students to computational approaches used to solve biomedical engineering problems, helping them combine engineering analysis with computer-based methods.

• Engineering Building III: The NC State–UNC Department of Biomedical Engineering is based in Engineering Building III, which includes approximately 80 laboratories and provides a major environment for biomedical engineering teaching and research.

• Cross-Campus Resources: Because the program is jointly operated by NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill, students can benefit from expertise, equipment and learning resources across both universities. Students may also take appropriate courses on either campus.

• Specialized Biomedical Facilities: Students have access to biomedical engineering laboratories and specialized equipment supporting areas such as biomedical mechanics, electronics, biomaterials, tissue engineering and medical technology.

Facilities: Engineering Building III, biomedical engineering laboratories, biomedical mechanics laboratory, biomedical electronics laboratory, biomaterials laboratory, research facilities and specialized biomedical engineering equipment at NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill.

The Biomedical Engineering (BS) at NC State University prepares students for careers across healthcare, medical technology, pharmaceuticals, research, engineering and the life sciences. The degree also provides a strong foundation for students who want to continue their education through graduate or professional programs such as biomedical engineering, medicine, dentistry or pharmacy.

Typical job roles: Biomedical Engineer, Bioengineer, Medical Device Engineer, Biomedical Researcher

Students can build their careers and continue developing their professional skills through several opportunities:

• Career support: NC State's Career Development Center helps students explore career options and prepare for employment. Students can use career assessment and planning resources to identify opportunities that match their interests, skills and career goals.

• Employment opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, medical device and testing companies, government agencies, universities and medical schools. The program prepares students for professional opportunities in research, design, engineering and the life sciences.

• Industry and research connections: The joint NC State–UNC-Chapel Hill Biomedical Engineering Department gives students access to research expertise, specialized facilities, equipment and collaboration opportunities across both universities. This structure helps students connect engineering knowledge with practical applications in healthcare and biomedical technology.

• Professional accreditation: The Biomedical Engineering (BS) is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This provides long-term value by demonstrating that the program meets recognized standards for engineering education and can support graduates pursuing professional engineering careers.

• Graduation outcomes: NC State reports that Biomedical Engineering graduates have continued into graduate programs in areas such as biomedical engineering, physical therapy, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, microbiology, virology, public health and sports physiology. Students who complete the necessary prerequisite coursework can also progress to medical, dental and pharmacy schools.

• Research and specialization: Students interested in advanced research can develop expertise in areas such as rehabilitation engineering, regenerative medicine, biomedical imaging, biomedical microdevices and pharmacoengineering. NC State also offers MS and PhD programs in Biomedical Engineering, providing opportunities for students who want to continue developing their research and technical expertise.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biomedical Engineering (BS), students can continue into an MS or PhD in Biomedical Engineering or related engineering and life-science disciplines. Depending on their interests and prerequisite coursework, they can also pursue professional programs in medicine, dentistry or pharmacy, as well as postgraduate study in areas such as physical therapy, public health, microbiology, virology, mechanical engineering and industrial engineering.