The Biomedical Engineering BS/MS at the University at Buffalo brings together engineering, biology and medicine to help students understand and develop solutions for real-world healthcare challenges. It is a good choice for students who enjoy mathematics, science and engineering and want to explore areas such as medical imaging, tissue engineering, biomedical devices and computational biomedical engineering while progressing toward a master's degree.
Curriculum Structure
Year One: Students start by building a solid foundation in mathematics, science and engineering. Courses in areas such as calculus, physics, chemistry and biology help students develop the scientific knowledge needed for more advanced biomedical engineering coursework.
Year Two: Students begin connecting engineering principles with biological and medical applications through courses such as BE 201 Principles of Biomedical Engineering and BE 202 Applied Medical and Engineering Biology. These courses introduce key biomedical concepts and help students understand how engineering approaches can be used to study biological and medical systems.
Year Three: Students move further into biomedical engineering and develop stronger skills through laboratory work, design and quantitative analysis. Coursework covers areas such as biomedical instrumentation, biosignal acquisition, biomechanics and biomedical materials, while technical electives allow students to explore topics that match their interests.
Year Four: Students complete advanced undergraduate requirements while beginning graduate-level study through the combined BS/MS pathway. BE 501 Human Biology for Biomedical Engineers and BE 502 Quantitative Analysis in Biomedical Engineering form part of this transition and replace two senior technical electives, allowing students to get an early start on master's-level coursework.
Year Five: Students concentrate on the graduate portion of the program and complete the remaining master's requirements. The MS includes 30 graduate credits and allows students to finish through a comprehensive examination, engineering project or research thesis, giving them the opportunity to develop deeper technical or research expertise.
Focus areas
Biomedical engineering, medical imaging, tissue engineering, sensor materials and devices, computational biomedical engineering, biomechanics, biomedical instrumentation, biological systems, medical technology, biomedical research and engineering design.
Learning outcomes
Students learn to apply mathematics, science and engineering principles to complex biomedical and medical problems while developing skills in laboratory research, quantitative analysis, modeling, design and biomedical technology development. The combined pathway also gives students the opportunity to build advanced knowledge through graduate-level coursework, technical electives and research or project work.
Professional alignment (accreditation)
The Biomedical Engineering BS provides a strong foundation for professional work in biomedical engineering and further graduate study. The BS/MS pathway adds advanced graduate coursework and opportunities for research or engineering projects, helping students prepare for more specialized technical and research-oriented careers.
Reputation (employability rankings)
The program combines academic study with laboratory work, engineering design and research opportunities. Graduates can pursue careers in areas such as research and development, product design, manufacturing, operations, technical sales and marketing, consulting and education, while the program's advanced coursework can help students develop the skills needed for specialized biomedical engineering roles.
The Biomedical Engineering BS/MS at the University at Buffalo gives students many ways to turn what they learn in class into practical experience through laboratory work, research, design and internships. Students can work with faculty on biomedical research, develop prototypes in engineering spaces and complete design projects that address real biomedical challenges. The combined BS/MS structure also gives students additional opportunities to develop advanced research and project skills during the master's portion of the program.
Students can gain practical experience through opportunities such as:
Biomedical engineering laboratories: Students take part in laboratory-based coursework where they apply engineering principles to biological and medical problems.
Senior Design Project: Students complete a senior design project that brings together the knowledge and skills developed throughout the biomedical engineering curriculum to address a real biomedical engineering challenge.
Faculty research: Students can work with BME faculty on research related to medical devices, therapies and biomedical technologies, including molecular, cellular and tissue engineering, sensors, instrumentation and diagnostics.
Undergraduate research: Options such as BE 298 Research and BE 498 Senior Research allow students to participate in research projects for academic credit.
Independent study: Students can complete BE 299 Independent Study or BE 499 Senior Independent Study to explore a specific biomedical engineering topic through an individual project.
Internships: Courses such as BE 296 Internship and BE 496 Senior Internship provide structured opportunities to gain professional experience while completing the degree.
DREAM experiential learning: Students can work with CAD, 3D printing, soldering, reverse engineering and Arduino programming while developing hands-on engineering projects. The facility also provides design software, 3D printers, laser cutters and electronics kits.
Digital Manufacturing Laboratory: Students can explore 3D scanning, additive manufacturing, digital modeling and rapid prototyping, helping them turn digital designs into physical parts.
Design Studio: The Design Studio in Bonner Hall provides a collaborative space where engineering students can work on projects and participate in student activities.
Engineering Machine Shop: The facility includes CNC machining equipment, digital-readout lathes, a TIG welder and a 3D printer, giving students access to tools for engineering projects and research.
Industry-connected projects: UB's Senior Design program can involve industry partners, allowing students to work on real engineering design problems and present their completed projects at the Engineering Senior Design Expo.
Interdisciplinary biomedical research: The program connects engineering with medicine and biomedical research through collaboration between the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
Graduate research and projects: During the MS portion, students can develop advanced skills through a research thesis, engineering project or comprehensive examination, depending on their selected master's pathway.
Facilities and experiential learning resources: University at Buffalo School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Experiential Learning Spaces and Facilities.
The Biomedical Engineering BS/MS at the University at Buffalo gives students a strong foundation for careers in biomedical engineering, medical technology, research, healthcare and related industries. The program also offers flexibility for students who want to enter the workforce, continue into advanced research or pursue professional education such as medical or dental school.
Typical career options include biomedical engineer, research and development engineer, medical device engineer and clinical engineer. Students can strengthen their career prospects through opportunities such as:
Career support: UB's Career Design Center helps students with resumes and cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, networking, interview preparation, job searches and career fairs. The annual STEAM Job and Internship Fair brings more than 120 employers together with around 3,000 UB students.
Employment resources: Students can use UB's employment resources to explore industry trends, employers, salaries, technical skills, job titles and career opportunities. UB also provides access to Bullseye powered by Handshake for finding jobs and internships and connecting with employers.
Employment outlook: UB cites a $106,950 median annual salary for biomedical engineers, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The university also notes that approximately one-third of biomedical engineering students nationally continue to graduate school, one-third go to medical school and one-third enter industry.
Industry opportunities: Graduates can work with companies involved in medical devices and healthcare technologies, as well as universities, hospitals, research facilities and government regulatory agencies.
Research and professional development: The BME department connects the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences with the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Students can take part in faculty research involving medical devices, therapies, biomedical technologies and other healthcare challenges.
Graduation outcomes: UB reports that its biomedical engineering graduates move into industry, research and further education. The BS program had 228 students enrolled in Fall 2025, with 41 degrees conferred during the 2025–26 academic year.
Professional accreditation: The Biomedical Engineering BS is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. This accreditation adds professional value to the engineering degree and supports eligibility for professional engineering licensure pathways where applicable.
Further Academic Progression: The BS/MS pathway allows students to earn both degrees in approximately five years, giving them a direct route into advanced biomedical engineering study. The MS requires at least 30 graduate credits and offers options including a research thesis, engineering project or comprehensive examination. After the master's degree, students can continue toward a PhD in Biomedical Engineering or another related engineering or biomedical field, or use their advanced education as preparation for medical or dental school.


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