The Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Michigan combines engineering, biology, medicine, and quantitative problem-solving to prepare students to develop technologies that address real healthcare challenges. It is a strong fit for students interested in areas such as medical devices, biotechnology, biomedical imaging, neural engineering, tissue engineering, or pursuing medical or graduate studies.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Students build their engineering and scientific foundation through subjects such as ENGR 100: Introduction to Engineering, ENGR 101: Introduction to Computers, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology. This stage develops the quantitative and scientific skills needed for more advanced biomedical engineering study.
Year 2: Students begin applying engineering concepts directly to biological and medical systems through courses such as BIOMEDE 221: Biophysical Chemistry and Thermodynamics, BIOMEDE 231: Introduction to Biomechanics, and BIOMEDE 241: Statistics, Computation, and Data Analysis for Biomedical Engineers. These courses introduce molecular processes, biomechanics, statistical analysis, computation, and biomedical applications.
Year 3: The curriculum moves into advanced biomedical engineering concepts and design through courses including BIOMEDE 350: Introduction to Biomedical Engineering Design, BIOMEDE 418: Quantitative Cell Biology, and BIOMEDE 458: Biomedical Instrumentation & Design. Students also begin developing depth in areas aligned with their interests through engineering expertise and cross-disciplinary requirements.
Year 4: Students bring their knowledge together through advanced coursework and hands-on design, including BIOMEDE 419: Quantitative Physiology and BIOMEDE 450: Biomedical Design or the two-part BIOMEDE 451/452: Biomedical Design sequence. Senior design work involves interdisciplinary teams developing, testing, and refining biomedical instrumentation and solutions.
Focus Areas:
Biocomputation, Biomedical Imaging & Bioelectrics, Biomechanics, Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Engineering, Medical Device Development, Neural Engineering, Pre-Health, Systems Biology, Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine.
Learning Outcomes:
Students develop skills in engineering, biology, human physiology, chemistry, mathematics, statistics, biomedical data analysis, biomedical design, instrumentation, problem-solving, and the analysis and design of biomedical systems.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation):
The B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the criteria for bioengineering and biomedical and similarly named engineering programs.
Reputation (Employability Rankings):
The University of Michigan reports that its Biomedical Engineering undergraduate program was ranked #6 in the U.S. in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The university also highlights career pathways into roles such as Associate Researcher, Clinical Application Specialist, Design Engineer, R&D Engineer, Systems Engineer, and Quality Engineer.
Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Michigan, students gain practical experience through design projects, laboratory work, prototyping, research, and industry-facing opportunities. The program’s Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building provides dedicated spaces for teamwork, 3D printing, fabrication, biomechanics, biotechnology, instrumentation, and simulation, while students can also participate in research and internships across medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries.
Experiential learning opportunities include:
Facilities:
Students in the Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Major at the University of Michigan have access to specialized facilities including the Lurie Biomedical Engineering Building, BME Prototyping Hub, Biomechanics & Biotechnology Lab, Instrumentation Lab, Biointerfaces Institute, Functional and In-Vivo MRI Labs, and North Campus Research Complex. These spaces support biomedical design, 3D printing and fabrication, biomechanics testing, microscopy, tissue culture, instrumentation, imaging, and interdisciplinary research.
The Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Michigan prepares graduates for careers across biomedical engineering, medical technology, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and research, while also providing a foundation for medical or graduate school. U-M reports that about 30% of BME undergraduates pursue a health profession, 20% continue into graduate education, and approximately half pursue full-time employment in government or industry.
Typical Job Roles: Product Development Engineer, Quality Engineer, R&D Engineer, Design Engineer
Career development and progression opportunities include:
Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor's degree, students can continue into graduate study in Biomedical Engineering or related fields, including U-M's Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Studies (SUGS) pathway, or pursue medical and other professional health programs. U-M BME also offers master's and doctoral-level study for students seeking deeper specialization or research careers.


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