Biomedical Engineering (BME)

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Program Overview

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.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

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:

  • Hands-on Design Projects: First-year students work through ENGR 100 projects involving real healthcare-related problems, while later BME design courses build skills in biomedical product development.
  • Senior Capstone Design: In BME 450 or BME 451/452, students work in teams of 5–7 on projects sponsored by local industry, U-M Health System physicians, and College of Engineering research labs, developing prototypes and testing biomedical solutions.
  • Software & Digital Tools: Biomedical engineering design courses use MATLAB, SolidWorks, and COMSOL for modelling, analysis, and design projects.
  • Prototyping & Fabrication: The BME Prototyping Hub and fabrication workshop provide access to 3D printing and fabrication resources, including FDM, SLA, and multi-material 3D printers.
  • Biomedical Laboratories: The BME Design Spaces include a Biomechanics & Biotechnology Lab with mechanical testing, microscopy, instrumentation, cell and tissue culture facilities, and associated equipment, plus an Instrumentation Lab for circuit design and testing.
  • Internships & Co-ops: Students can pursue summer internships and longer co-op experiences in the medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, supported by the Engineering Career Resource Center.
  • Undergraduate Research: Students can pursue research through U-M opportunities such as SURE (Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering), with BME typically offering approximately 6–8 positions annually through SURE/SROP allocations.
  • Research Facilities: BME students have access to research environments including the North Campus Research Complex, Carl A. Gerstacker Building, Biointerfaces Institute, Functional and In-Vivo MRI Labs, and shared microscopy, tissue culture, and other biomedical facilities.
  • Student Innovation Teams: Experiential opportunities include MedLaunch, M-HEAL, Michigan Neuroprosthetics, Michigan Synthetic Biology Team, and UrBME, giving students opportunities to work on biomedical research, engineering design, and multidisciplinary projects. 

​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.  

Progression & Future Opportunities

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:

  • Career Support: U-M BME hosts a department-only career fair, networking opportunities, and resume-review and professional-advice services. Students can also use Career Forge and Career Fair Plus to explore internships, co-ops, and jobs.
  • Employment & Salary: U-M Engineering career data for B.S.E. Biomedical Engineering graduates reports an average full-time starting salary of $78,350, with a median of $80,000, based on AY 2024 data. The same source reports an average internship wage of $23.10/hour.
  • University–Industry Connections: BME's previous partner companies include Abbott Laboratories, Baxter Healthcare, Boston Scientific, Cardinal Health, Edwards Lifesciences, and DePuy Synthes, providing connections with the biomedical and medical-device industries.
  • Long-Term Accreditation Value: The B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Its program objectives specifically prepare graduates for entry-level biomedical engineering positions, graduate study in engineering, medicine, and other professional programs.
  • Graduation Outcomes: BME graduates can enter industry and government roles, pursue graduate education, or continue toward professional health programs. Recent departmental data records 164 bachelor's degrees awarded in AY 2024–25.

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. 

Program Key Stats

$18346
$18346
$68444
$75
EA, ED1

Jan Intake : 1st OctAug Intake : 1st Feb (RD) , 1st Nov (EA / ED)


26%

Eligibility Criteria

AAA - A*A*A
3.8 - 4
40 - 42
90 - 95

1150 - 1350
31 - 32
6.5
90
Optional
No

Additional Information & Requirements

How US Universities Assess Applicants

Career Options

  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Associate Researcher
  • Associate Scientist
  • Clinical Application Specialist
  • Design Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Patent Examiner
  • Process Engineer
  • Project Engineer
  • Quality Engineer
  • R&D Engineer
  • Research Support Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Medical Device Engineer
  • Pharmaceutical Engineer
  • Biotechnology Engineer
  • Biomedical Researcher
  • Neural Engineer
  • Medical Imaging Engineer

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