Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering (BSBME)

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Tufts gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical experience through research, design projects and workplace learning. Students can work on biomedical engineering projects, take part in faculty research, complete a senior capstone or honors thesis, and gain professional experience through Tufts' cooperative education program.

Students can build hands-on skills through opportunities such as:

• Senior capstone project: Students complete a senior design experience where they apply their biomedical engineering knowledge to open-ended problems and develop practical solutions.

• Biomedical design: Courses such as BME 100 Design of Medical Instrumentation give students the opportunity to explore the design of technologies used in healthcare and biomedical applications.

• Research projects: Students can participate in biomedical engineering research and receive academic credit for approved research work. Research areas include regenerative medicine, biomaterials, tissue engineering, cellular engineering and biomedical optics.

• Senior Honors Thesis: Eligible students can complete a year-long research project during their senior year while working with a faculty-led advisory committee.

• Cooperative education: Students entering their third or fourth year can participate in a six-month co-op with a biomedical or biological science company. Students also take ES85: Professional Preparation for Cooperative Education to prepare for the workplace.

• Industry experience: Tufts BME students have completed co-ops and internships with organizations including Vertex, Insulet, Bristol Myers Squibb, Moderna, Takeda, Tessera Therapeutics, Vaxess Technologies, SQZ Biotechnologies and Nova Biomedical.

• Biomedical research: Students can gain experience in areas such as cardiovascular tissue engineering, biomaterials, tissue engineering, cellular engineering and biomedical optics.

• Research facilities and centers: Students can benefit from resources such as the Tufts Tissue Engineering Resource Center, which supports research across areas including biotechnology, biomaterials, tissue engineering, biomedical instrumentation, biomedical optics and drug discovery.

• Innovation and prototyping: The Innovation Hub for Food and Materials provides research and development infrastructure that supports prototyping, testing and collaboration between academic and industry researchers.

• Career preparation: Students can access internship and recruiting opportunities through Tufts, including co-op opportunities and career services that help them prepare for professional roles in biomedical engineering.

Facilities and research resources: Tufts University School of Engineering facilities, research centers and Biomedical Engineering resources.

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Tufts prepares students for careers in biomedical engineering, healthcare technology, research and related industries. It also gives students a strong foundation for those who want to continue into medical school, graduate study or other professional programs.

Typical career options include biomedical engineer, medical device engineer, biomedical researcher and biotechnology professional. Students can build their career prospects through opportunities such as:

• Career and employment support: The Tufts Career Center and School of Engineering provide career fairs, engineering internship fairs, recruiting opportunities and networking events that help students connect with employers and explore career options.

• Cooperative education: Eligible BME students in their third or fourth year can complete a six-month, full-time co-op with a biomedical or biological science company. Students also receive preparation in professional skills, workplace ethics, resumes and interviewing before beginning their placement.

• Industry experience: Recent BME co-op and internship placements have included Vertex, Insulet, Bristol Myers Squibb, Moderna, Takeda, Tessera Therapeutics, Vaxess Technologies, SQZ Biotechnologies and Nova Biomedical, giving students experience across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and medical technology.

• Internship experience: Tufts reports that nearly 80% of engineering students participate in at least one internship during their undergraduate studies, allowing them to apply their classroom knowledge in professional settings.

• Professional development: Co-op students develop workplace skills before their placement and gain practical experience through meaningful projects, mentoring and feedback from employers.

• Long-term professional value: The program prepares graduates to solve complex biomedical engineering problems, work on design and research projects, continue developing their skills and contribute to industry, research laboratories, healthcare and professional fields.

• Accreditation: Tufts University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). This institutional accreditation provides an established quality framework for the university and supports the academic value of the degree.

• Graduation outcomes: Tufts BME graduates move into professional careers, industry, research and start-up environments, while others continue their education through PhD programs and other advanced studies.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor's degree, students can continue their studies through Tufts' M.S. in Biomedical Engineering or Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, as well as related graduate programs. Students interested in healthcare can also use their undergraduate studies as a foundation for medical school, dentistry or other professional programs, depending on their chosen coursework and career goals.