Bachelor in Biomedical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Rutgers University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at Rutgers University combines engineering, biological science and medicine to prepare students to develop technologies such as medical devices, prostheses, diagnostic systems, imaging technologies and therapeutic solutions. It suits students who want a broad biomedical engineering foundation with the flexibility to specialise through one of three tracks: Biomedical Computing, Imaging & Instrumentation; Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering; or Tissue Engineering and Molecular Bioengineering.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: All Rutgers engineering students follow a common first-year curriculum, establishing the mathematics, physical sciences, engineering and problem-solving foundation required for later biomedical engineering study. This shared foundation prepares students to move into dedicated BME coursework from the second year.

Second Year: Students begin specialised biomedical engineering study with 14:125:201 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering, which introduces engineering applications in medicine and healthcare, alongside 14:125:255 System Physiology, which uses quantitative modelling to examine physiological systems. They also study Multivariable Calculus, Differential Equations, Analytical Physics IIA/IIB, General Biology I and laboratory courses, building the mathematical, biological and physical-science base needed for advanced BME work.

Third Year: Students develop core engineering capabilities through Biomedical Transport Phenomena, Biomedical Numerical Modeling, Biomechanics and Biomedical Devices and Systems. Practical work is strengthened through the Biomedical Devices Systems Lab, Biomedical Measurements Lab, Introduction to Biomaterials, and Kinetics and Thermodynamics of Biological Systems, while technical and life-science electives allow students to begin developing their preferred specialisation.

Fourth Year: The senior year centres on advanced electives and the Biomedical Engineering Senior Design I/II and Biomedical Engineering Senior Design Projects I/II sequence. Students complete a comprehensive biomedical engineering design project under faculty supervision, with projects typically involving experimental or computational investigation of a design-oriented biomedical problem.

Focus Areas

Biomedical Computing, Imaging & Instrumentation, Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering, Tissue Engineering and Molecular Bioengineering, biomedical devices, biomedical imaging, physiological systems, biomaterials, biomedical measurements, numerical modelling, transport phenomena

Learning Outcomes

Graduates are prepared to identify and solve complex engineering problems using engineering, science and mathematics; design solutions while considering health, safety, ethical, environmental and societal factors; communicate effectively; work successfully in multidisciplinary teams; conduct experiments and interpret data; and acquire new technical knowledge as needed.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Rutgers undergraduate Biomedical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. Rutgers states that the program's educational objectives prepare graduates for professional practice in biomedical or biotechnology industries, advanced study, and responsible professional teamwork.

Reputation (Official University Statistics)

Rutgers' Biomedical Engineering Department reports 350 undergraduate students, 82 graduate students, 26 faculty and staff, and $4.6 million in research funding. The department also highlights its position within New Jersey's biotechnology ecosystem, noting that New Jersey is home to more than 130 biotechnology companies and that Rutgers maintains industry connections with organisations including Siemens, Johnson & Johnson and Merck.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Rutgers combines classroom and laboratory learning with research, internships and practical engineering projects. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities supporting areas such as genomics, tissue engineering, advanced microscopy, biomedical optics and microfabrication, while the department's Industrial Internship Program provides paid engineering experience with leading biomedical corporations.

Students can develop practical skills through:

Biomedical Devices and Systems Lab: Students perform experiments and demonstrations involving medical electronics and signal analysis while examining current biomedical technologies and their applications.
Biomedical Measurement and Analysis Lab: Students measure and analyse cardiovascular and respiratory physiological quantities as well as cellular viability, metabolism, morphogenesis, protein and nucleic-acid composition.
Senior Design Projects: The Senior Design sequence provides a comprehensive design experience under faculty supervision, with projects typically involving experimental or computational investigation of biomedical engineering problems.
Industrial Internship Program: Students can undertake paid engineering positions with leading biomedical corporations and may continue internship work through senior design projects and eventually full-time employment.
Robotic Biomaterials Synthesis and Characterization Facility: A dedicated research facility supporting biomedical materials research.
BioMEMS Microfabrication Facility: Provides specialised infrastructure for biomedical microfabrication research.
High Resolution Confocal Microscopy Facility: Supports advanced microscopy research within the biomedical engineering department.
Optical Imaging Facility: Provides specialised resources for biomedical optical imaging research.
Industry collaboration: Rutgers maintains connections with companies including Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Boston Scientific and Stryker Howmedica Osteonics, which support programs through research, training and advising opportunities.
Research environment: Students are positioned within a department conducting work across genomics, tissue engineering, biomedical optics, microfabrication, animal studies and related biomedical fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering prepares students for professional roles across biomedical and biotechnology industries, hospitals, government agencies, academic institutions and biomedical startups. Rutgers specifically highlights opportunities connected with medical devices, pharmaceutical products, prostheses, artificial organs, diagnostic and therapeutic devices, and medical imaging technologies.

Typical career directions include: Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Engineer, Biomedical Design Engineer, Biomechanical Engineer

Key progression and employment opportunities include:

Industrial Internship Program: Students can gain paid engineering experience with leading biomedical corporations, applying their coursework and skills in professional settings.
Industry partnerships: Rutgers' Biomedical Engineering Department maintains relationships with Siemens, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Boston Scientific and Stryker Howmedica Osteonics, supporting research, training, advising and industry exposure.
Healthcare and biotechnology ecosystem: Rutgers highlights New Jersey's concentration of healthcare and biotechnology companies, including more than 130 biotechnology companies, giving students access to a substantial regional industry environment.
Senior-design-to-employment pathway: Rutgers reports that students often extend their industrial internship experiences into collaborations on senior design projects and, in some cases, full-time positions after graduation.
Employment sectors: Graduates can work in multinational corporations, startups, government agencies, hospitals and academic institutions involved in biomedical research and technology development.
Employment statistics and salary: Rutgers' official BME undergraduate pages reviewed for this program do not publish a specific graduate employment rate or median starting salary, so no unsupported figure is included.
Professional accreditation: ABET accreditation confirms that the undergraduate engineering program meets established educational criteria and supports preparation for professional practice and advanced study.
Graduation outcomes: Rutgers' stated educational objectives are for graduates to establish themselves as practicing professionals in biomedical or biotechnology industries or pursue advanced study, contribute positively to biomedical industries and work effectively as responsible professionals.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into advanced study in Biomedical Engineering or related fields. Rutgers offers Master of Engineering, Master of Science and doctoral degrees in Biomedical Engineering, and its Combined BS/MS Degree pathway allows eligible BME students to begin graduate-level coursework during their senior year and continue into the master's degree.