Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Arizona

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona brings together engineering, biology, and medical sciences to help students develop technologies that can improve healthcare and patient outcomes. It is a great fit for students interested in medical devices, biomaterials, biomechanics, biomedical imaging, biomedical informatics, or health-related careers, while giving them the flexibility to shape their studies around their interests.

Curriculum Structure

Year One: Students start by building a strong foundation in mathematics, science, and engineering through courses such as MATH 125 Calculus I, CHEM 151 Chemical Thinking I, and ENGR 102 Introduction to Engineering. They continue with subjects such as MATH 129 Calculus II, CHEM 152 Chemical Thinking II, and PHYS 141 Introductory Mechanics, preparing them for more specialized biomedical engineering coursework.

Year Two: Students begin applying engineering concepts directly to biomedical applications through courses such as BME 214 Introduction to Biomechanics and BME 225 Introduction to Computer Programming for Biomedical Engineering. They also study MCB 181R Introductory Biology I, BME 210 Intermediate Engineering Design: Electronics, Mechanisms, Controllers, and PSIO 201 Human Anatomy and Physiology I, bringing engineering design, programming, biology, and human physiology together.

Year Three: Students progress into more advanced biomedical engineering topics and develop their ability to analyze biological systems and solve engineering problems. They can also begin shaping their studies through technical coursework connected to areas such as biomaterials, biomechanics, biomedical imaging, biomedical informatics, and biomedical technology and devices.

Year Four: In their final year, students complete advanced biomedical engineering courses and technical electives based on their interests and career plans. They also apply what they have learned through interdisciplinary design and project-based work, giving them valuable experience solving real biomedical engineering challenges before moving into employment, graduate study, or professional education.

Focus Areas

Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Biomedical Imaging, Biomedical Informatics, Biomedical Technology and Devices, Biosensors, Medical Devices, Biomedical Systems, Engineering Design, Biological Sciences, Human Physiology, Pre-Health Professions

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to apply mathematics, science, and engineering principles to biomedical problems, design and conduct experiments, analyze biological and engineering data, develop biomedical devices and systems, make measurements involving living systems, solve complex engineering problems, work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, communicate technical information clearly, understand professional and ethical responsibilities, and use modern engineering tools in biomedical applications.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program develops the engineering, scientific, design, and professional skills needed for careers in biomedical engineering and related industries. Its interdisciplinary approach also supports students interested in pre-health pathways, graduate education, professional programs, and careers involving biomedical technologies and healthcare innovation.

Reputation (Employability)

The University of Arizona's biomedical engineering program has a strong practical and career-focused approach, combining engineering education with biomedical applications and research. Students can explore areas such as medical devices, imaging, biomaterials, biomechanics, and biomedical informatics while gaining experience through research, interdisciplinary design, and senior-level projects that can help prepare them for employment or further education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona gives students many opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical engineering experience. Students can become involved in interdisciplinary research, develop biomedical devices, build prototypes, and work on projects that address real healthcare challenges. Dedicated spaces such as the Peter and Nancy Salter Medical Device Design Lab and the Engineering Design Center provide access to equipment and resources that students can use to design, build, test, and improve their ideas.

Students can gain hands-on experience through a range of practical opportunities:

Medical Device Design Lab: The Peter and Nancy Salter Medical Device Design Lab provides a dedicated environment where students can design, build, and experiment with biomedical devices.
Prototyping and fabrication: Students can work with 3D printers, laser cutters, water jets, electrical analysis equipment, and circuit-building tools to create and test biomedical prototypes.
Printed circuit boards and wearable technology: Students can fabricate printed circuit boards and develop custom enclosures and components for wearable biomedical technologies.
Biomedical imaging: Students can gain exposure to biomedical imaging and spectroscopy through research activities within the department's interdisciplinary research environment.
Senior design projects: BME students work in interdisciplinary teams to develop real-world models and products for academic and industry clients, giving them experience with the complete design process.
Engineering Design Day: Senior students can present their completed projects during Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Day, providing an opportunity to demonstrate their work and interact with industry professionals.
Undergraduate research: Students can participate in faculty-led research involving areas such as medical imaging, prosthetics, genomic testing, drug delivery, wearable technologies, and biomedical devices.
Undergraduate Biology Research Program: Selected students can undertake mentored research through the Undergraduate Biology Research Program, which provides a structured research experience and opportunities to present their findings.
Industry internships: College of Engineering students are encouraged to complete industry internships, with opportunities that can provide practical workplace experience and may be available for academic credit.
Research centers and institutes: Students can benefit from research connections with facilities and centers including the Arizona Center for Accelerated Biomedical Innovation, BIO5 Institute, Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Institute, Sarver Heart Center, Arizona Center on Aging, and UArizona Cancer Center.
Engineering Design Center: This makerspace provides access to resources for 3D printing, circuit building, soldering, and wood and metal fabrication, supporting student engineering projects and prototype development.
Medical Device Club: Students can develop additional practical skills through the Medical Device Club, which provides opportunities to work on medical device design using the Medical Device Design Lab.
Biomedical Undergraduate Mentoring Program: Upper-level students can participate in mentoring and networking activities involving faculty and alumni, helping them connect their academic experience with future professional opportunities.
Interdisciplinary healthcare environment: The close connection between the University of Arizona's engineering, medicine, and science communities gives students opportunities to see how engineering solutions can be applied to healthcare and medical innovation.
Specialized research facilities: The Biomedical Engineering department supports research across areas including biomedical imaging, bioinstrumentation, medical devices and biosensors, biomaterials and tissue engineering, neuroengineering, biomechanics, biomedical informatics, and cardiovascular biomedical engineering.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Arizona prepares graduates for careers where engineering meets medicine, healthcare, and biomedical technology. Students can move into areas such as medical device development, clinical engineering, biomedical research, healthcare technology, or continue their education through graduate and professional programs.

Typical career roles: Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Engineer, Clinical Engineer, Biomedical Researcher

Students can build their professional profile and prepare for their next step through:

Career and industry connections: The College of Engineering provides career-focused opportunities such as the iExpo Industry Career Fair, where students can meet employers recruiting for internships and full-time engineering positions.
Internship opportunities: Biomedical engineering students are encouraged to complete at least one industry internship, giving them the chance to gain workplace experience and apply their engineering knowledge to real industry challenges.
University-industry partnerships: The University of Arizona College of Engineering works with companies including Medtronic, W.L. Gore & Associates, Honeywell, Raytheon, Texas Instruments, Ventana, and Quanterix, creating opportunities for industry interaction, internships, recruitment, and student projects.
Real-world design experience: Senior BME students work in interdisciplinary teams on projects for academic and industry clients. Some student projects have progressed to patenting and commercialization, giving students valuable experience in developing practical biomedical solutions.
Employment opportunities: University of Arizona Biomedical Engineering graduates have gone on to work with organizations such as Banner Health, Cognizant, C.R. Bard, Epic Systems, Medtronic, Roche-Ventana, Sunquest, SynCardia Systems, and W.L. Gore & Associates.
Salary potential: The department highlights biomedical engineering as a high-paying field and references a Forbes ranking that placed biomedical engineering as the highest-paying college major. This is a historical ranking rather than a current program-specific graduate salary figure.
Professional accreditation: The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This accreditation demonstrates that the program meets established standards for engineering education and adds long-term professional value to the degree.
Professional development: Students can take part in the Biomedical Undergraduate Mentoring Program, which connects upper-level students with faculty and alumni for mentoring and networking. Student organizations such as the Biomedical Engineering Society and Medical Device Club also provide opportunities to develop professional connections and practical skills.
Graduate outcomes: The department reports that around 50% of students continue to graduate school after completing their undergraduate degree. Graduates also pursue medical school, physician assistant programs, law school, and other advanced professional pathways.
Research experience: Faculty-led research and undergraduate research programs allow students to develop research skills and strengthen their academic profile for graduate or professional education.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue into graduate study in biomedical engineering and related fields. The University of Arizona also offers an accelerated BME master's pathway, allowing qualified students to complete bachelor's and master's degrees in as few as five years, while other graduates can pursue doctoral, medical, health-related, or professional programs.