Biomedical Engineering BS

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University at Buffalo SUNY

Program Overview

The Biomedical Engineering BS at the University at Buffalo combines engineering, biology and medicine to help students develop solutions for real healthcare challenges. It is a strong choice for students who enjoy science and mathematics and want to work on areas such as medical devices, imaging, biomaterials, tissue engineering, sensors or other technologies that can improve human health.

Curriculum Structure

Year One: Students begin with the mathematical, scientific and engineering foundations needed for biomedical engineering. Courses such as MTH 141 College Calculus 1, CHE 107 General Chemistry 1 and BE 101 Principles of Biomedical Engineering introduce students to calculus, chemistry and the application of engineering concepts to biological and medical problems.

Year Two: Students build a stronger foundation in engineering and biomedical science while continuing their mathematics and laboratory-based preparation. Coursework includes subjects such as BE 202 Applied Medical and Engineering Biology, EAS 200 Engineering Principles and MTH 241 Calculus 3, helping students connect engineering methods with biological systems and medical applications.

Year Three: Students move deeper into the core of biomedical engineering and gain hands-on experience through laboratory and design-based coursework. The curriculum develops knowledge across areas such as biosignal acquisition, biomedical imaging, biomedical circuits, biomaterials and biofluid mechanics, giving students a practical understanding of how engineering can be applied to healthcare problems.

Year Four: The final year allows students to shape their studies around their interests through three upper-level technical electives. Students can develop advanced knowledge in areas such as Imaging, Tissue Engineering, Sensor Materials and Devices, and Computation, while completing the UB Capstone and a team-based senior design experience that takes a biomedical engineering idea from conception toward a working solution.

Focus areas

Imaging, tissue engineering, sensor materials and devices, computation, bioinstrumentation, biomechanics, biomaterials, systems physiology, clinical engineering, rehabilitation engineering, biomedical devices, biomedical imaging, biosignal acquisition

Learning outcomes

Students develop the ability to apply mathematics, science, engineering principles and experimental techniques to biological and medical problems. They gain experience with biomedical design, modeling, laboratory work and technical problem-solving while learning how engineering solutions can improve healthcare and quality of life.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The Biomedical Engineering BS is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under its criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. The program is designed to prepare graduates for professional work in areas such as research and development, product design, manufacturing, technical sales and marketing, consulting and healthcare, while also providing a foundation for graduate study or medical school.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University at Buffalo is a major research university, and its Biomedical Engineering program brings together the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. UB's department reports that its graduates are prepared for careers in industry, laboratories and further academic study, with opportunities to work alongside faculty on research projects and explore how medical discoveries move from the laboratory toward clinical applications.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Biomedical Engineering BS at the University at Buffalo gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical engineering skills. Students gain experience through laboratory work, biomedical research, design projects and internships, while also having access to engineering makerspaces, 3D printing equipment, electronics tools and specialized research facilities. As students progress through the program, they work on increasingly advanced projects that connect engineering principles with real healthcare and medical challenges.

Students can develop practical skills through several hands-on opportunities:

Biomedical engineering laboratories: Students complete laboratory-based coursework that allows them to apply biomedical and engineering concepts to practical problems and develop experimental skills.
Senior Design Project: In their final year, students work on a senior design project where they apply knowledge from different areas of biomedical engineering to solve a real-world problem. Projects can involve teamwork and collaboration with external organizations or industry partners.
DREAM Lab: Students can use the DREAM makerspace to develop and prototype their ideas. The facility provides resources such as 3D printers, laser cutters, electronics kits and design software.
Digital manufacturing and prototyping: The Digital Manufacturing Laboratory provides 3D scanning, professional and desktop 3D printers and additive manufacturing equipment, along with tools for digital design, modeling and analysis.
Undergraduate research: Students can work with Biomedical Engineering faculty on research projects and gain experience with experimental methods used to address medical and healthcare challenges.
Faculty research laboratories: Biomedical Engineering students can engage with faculty research laboratories working across areas of biomedical engineering, including medical devices, therapies and other healthcare technologies.
Internships and co-ops: Engineering students can take part in internships and co-op experiences to gain professional workplace experience and apply their engineering knowledge outside the classroom.
Industry-connected projects: External companies and organizations can sponsor student projects, particularly through senior design activities. This gives students experience working on practical engineering challenges and interacting with industry professionals.
Engineering Machine Shop: The Engineering Machine Shop supports student projects and research with equipment such as CNC machines, lathes, TIG welding equipment and 3D printing resources, along with technical assistance.
Biomedical research environment: The program brings together the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, creating an interdisciplinary environment where engineering students can connect their work with medicine and biomedical research.
Collaborative Design Studio: Students can use the Design Studio in Bonner Hall as a collaborative space for engineering projects, student organizations and hands-on activities.

Facilities and resources: Students have access to biomedical engineering research laboratories, the DREAM Lab, Digital Manufacturing Laboratory, Engineering Machine Shop, Design Studio and other engineering facilities that support research, prototyping and design work.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Biomedical Engineering BS at the University at Buffalo prepares students to use engineering, science and technology to solve real healthcare and medical challenges. After graduation, students can move into biomedical engineering, medical technology, research and healthcare-related careers, while others may choose to continue into graduate school or medical school.

Typical career options include biomedical engineer, medical device engineer, clinical engineer and biomedical research engineer:

Career support: UB's Career Design Center provides career advising, resume support, internship and job opportunities, employer connections and other resources to help students prepare for employment. Students can also use Bullseye powered by Handshake to explore jobs and internships.
Employment and salary: UB's official undergraduate admissions information reports a mean annual wage of $115,020 for bioengineers and biomedical engineers, based on 2024 U.S. Department of Labor and O*NET data. The university also identifies the field as having strong growth potential.
Graduate outcomes: UB reports that biomedical engineering graduates commonly follow different paths after completing their degree, including entering employment, continuing into engineering graduate programs or progressing to medical school.
Industry and research connections: Students can participate in biomedical research with UB faculty and explore how discoveries can move from laboratory research toward clinical applications. Department research includes medical devices and therapies related to areas such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancer.
Career flexibility: Graduates can explore opportunities in research and development, medical device design, product testing, manufacturing, technical sales and marketing, healthcare, education and research. Potential employers include companies, hospitals, universities and government organizations.
Professional accreditation: The Biomedical Engineering BS is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This provides recognized professional quality assurance and supports graduates who want to build long-term careers in biomedical engineering or pursue further education.
Professional development: Students develop technical, problem-solving and communication skills that can support continued professional development, further education and future professional credentials.
Recent program size: UB reported 228 students enrolled in Biomedical Engineering in Fall 2025, with 41 Biomedical Engineering BS degrees awarded during the 2025–26 academic year.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Biomedical Engineering BS, students can continue their education through graduate programs in biomedical engineering and related engineering fields or apply to medical school. At UB, students can pursue Biomedical Engineering MS and PhD programs, as well as combined pathways such as BS/MS and BS/MBA options for eligible students.