Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Colorado Boulder

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder brings together engineering, biology, human physiology, materials, electronics, and design to help students develop solutions for healthcare and medical challenges. It is a strong choice for students interested in medical devices, biomedical research, healthcare technology, or engineering, with pathways that can also support students planning to pursue medical school.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by developing a solid foundation in mathematics, science, engineering, and biomedical engineering. Courses such as Calculus 1 for Engineers, Biology for Engineers, Computer-Aided Design & Fabrication, and Exploring Biomedical Engineering introduce students to the fundamentals of engineering while showing how these concepts can be applied to biological and healthcare problems.

Year 2: Students move into more specialized engineering concepts and strengthen their understanding of how engineering principles relate to the human body and biomedical applications. Courses such as Biomedical Engineering Principles and Methods, Biomaterials, Statics and Structures, and Introduction to Engineering Computing help students build the technical skills needed for advanced biomedical engineering study.

Year 3: The third year focuses more directly on biomedical systems, human physiology, instrumentation, and data. Students study subjects such as Biotransport, Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineering, Bioinstrumentation, and Biomedical Signals and Systems, while Applied Data Analysis helps them develop skills for working with and interpreting biomedical data.

Year 4: In their final year, students bring together the knowledge and skills developed throughout the program through advanced coursework and practical design work. Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design I and Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design II allow students to work on a comprehensive engineering project, while technical electives give them an opportunity to explore areas that match their career interests.

Focus areas

Biomedical engineering, biomedical design, biomechanics, biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, biomedical signals and systems, biotransport, human physiology, medical devices, biomedical imaging, biotechnology, engineering computing, data analysis

Learning outcomes

Students develop the ability to identify and solve complex biomedical engineering problems using engineering, mathematics, and science. They learn to design solutions with consideration for health, safety, ethics, environmental and social factors, communicate effectively, work as part of a team, conduct experiments, analyze data, and apply engineering principles to biomedical devices, systems, and processes.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the applicable criteria for bioengineering and biomedical engineering programs. This provides students with a professionally recognized engineering education and supports preparation for careers in the biomedical engineering field.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Colorado Boulder highlights Biomedical Engineering as the #6 most in-demand major according to the Princeton Review's 2025 rankings. The university also reports a $106,950 median annual salary for bioengineers and biomedical engineers based on 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, along with 7% projected job growth through 2033 and access to more than 90 biomedical companies in Colorado.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder gives students plenty of opportunities to apply what they learn through hands-on design, laboratory work, research, and engineering projects. Students start developing practical skills early through computer-aided design, fabrication, engineering computing, and biomedical laboratory courses. As they progress, they can use dedicated biomedical engineering and engineering facilities to build prototypes, conduct experiments, analyze data, and explore real biomedical challenges.

A major highlight is the Senior Design experience, where students work in small teams to develop solutions to real biomedical engineering problems. Students can also gain experience through undergraduate research, internships, industry co-ops, company tours, networking activities, and mentoring from industry professionals. Key opportunities include:

Computer-aided design and fabrication: BMEN 1025, Computer-Aided Design & Fabrication, introduces students to designing and fabricating engineering solutions early in the degree.
Biomedical engineering teaching lab: The BME Teaching Lab provides a dedicated space for students to develop practical biomedical engineering skills through laboratory-based learning.
Integrated Teaching and Learning Laboratory (ITLL): Students can use this engineering facility for hands-on design, experimentation, prototyping, and project development.
Idea Forge: This facility supports hands-on engineering design and prototyping, giving students a space to turn ideas into working solutions.
Biomedical research laboratories: Students have opportunities to work around advanced research facilities and equipment within the university's engineering environment.
Biological research laboratories: Courses such as From Dirt to DNA: Phage Genomics Laboratory I and Antibiotics Discovery Through Hands-On Screens I provide students with direct laboratory experience in biological and biomedical research.
Computing and data analysis: Coursework in engineering computing and applied data analysis helps students develop computational and data-analysis skills that can be applied to biomedical problems.
Team-based Senior Design: In their senior year, students typically work in teams of three to five to solve biomedical engineering problems involving areas such as biomedical instrumentation, biosensors, tissue engineering, signal processing, clinical imaging, and biological modelling.
Hardware and software development: Senior Design students take projects from the initial concept through planning, development, testing, and refinement of actual hardware or software solutions.
Industry-sponsored projects: Some Senior Design projects involve industry partners, allowing students to work on authentic biomedical engineering challenges.
Industry mentorship: Senior Design teams receive guidance from a faculty advisor as well as an industry professional, helping students understand professional engineering practices.
Undergraduate research: Students can participate in research with biomedical engineering researchers at CU Boulder, giving them valuable experience in conducting research and exploring graduate-study opportunities.
Internships and industry co-ops: The program provides opportunities for students to gain professional experience through internships and industry co-op positions.
Professional exposure: Company tours, networking opportunities, professional development activities, and industry mentoring help students connect their classroom learning with real biomedical engineering careers.
Engineering Expo: Students can showcase their completed Senior Design projects at the CU Boulder Engineering Expo and present their work to a wider audience.

Facilities: University of Colorado Boulder Biomedical Engineering Educational Facilities

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder gives graduates a strong foundation for careers in medical devices, biotechnology, biomechanics, biomedical imaging and other healthcare-related engineering fields. Graduates can enter the workforce directly or use the degree as a pathway to advanced study and professional programs such as medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine.

Typical career roles include Biomedical Engineer, Medical Device Engineer, Clinical Engineer, Biomedical Engineering Consultant. Students can also build valuable professional experience and industry connections through the university’s career resources, internships, research opportunities and industry-focused activities:

Career support: CU Boulder’s Engineering Career Hub provides career advising, resume and cover-letter support, interview preparation, job and internship opportunities, career fairs and employer events to help students prepare for employment.
Internships and practical experience: Students can pursue engineering internships and co-op opportunities to gain hands-on experience, develop professional skills and build connections with potential employers. These experiences can also help students move into full-time positions after graduation.
Employment and salary outlook: According to the university, bioengineers and biomedical engineers have a median annual salary of $106,950, based on 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The university also highlights 7% projected employment growth through 2033 and more than 90 biomedical companies in Colorado.
University–industry connections: Biomedical engineering students can take part in senior design projects, some of which are supported by industry sponsors. The university also provides opportunities to interact with organizations such as Medtronic, Terumo BCT, Conmed, 3D Systems, Children's Hospital Colorado, NIST and Veterans Affairs Hospital.
Professional development: Students can participate in undergraduate research, internships, professional activities and the Biomedical Engineering Society. The BME Career Symposium also provides opportunities to meet organizations working in areas such as biotechnology, biomechanics and medical technology.
Long-term accreditation value: 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 can add professional value to the degree when pursuing engineering careers or further study.
Graduation outcomes: The university's expected long-term outcomes include graduates working in professional positions with increasing responsibility, completing graduate degrees and developing careers in industry or academia. Graduates may also continue into medical, dental, veterinary and other professional schools.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor's degree, students can continue their education through graduate programs in Biomedical Engineering or related engineering and scientific fields. CU Boulder also offers a Bachelor's–Accelerated Master's (BAM) pathway for eligible students who want to work toward a master's degree on an accelerated timeline. Students interested in healthcare can also use the degree as preparation for medical, dental, veterinary or other professional programs.