Biomedical Engineering, Molecular and Cellular Engineering Emphasis (BS)

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering with an emphasis in Molecular-Cellular Engineering gives students several opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical experience. Students can work on research projects, develop biomedical designs, gain laboratory experience, and explore internships with biomedical and biotechnology companies, allowing them to see how engineering principles are applied to real healthcare and life-science challenges.

Students can build practical skills through:

• Senior Design Project: In the final year, students complete BME 445aL and BME 445bL Senior Design Project, giving them an opportunity to bring together engineering, biological science, and problem-solving skills in a substantial design project.

• Undergraduate research: USC encourages students to gain hands-on laboratory experience from as early as their freshman year. Through opportunities such as BME 490 Directed Research and merit research programs, students can work independently under the guidance of a faculty member.

• Internships: The department encourages students to pursue internships during their undergraduate studies and works with local biomedical companies to help connect students with industry opportunities, particularly during their junior and senior years.

• Biomedical computer simulation: BME 210 Biomedical Computer Simulation Methods introduces students to computational approaches for studying biomedical systems, supporting the program's combination of engineering, biology, and technology.

• Molecular and cellular research: Courses such as BISC 320L Molecular Biology, BISC 330L Biochemistry, BME 430 Principles and Applications of Systems Biology, and BME 459L Introduction to Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery allow students to explore molecular, cellular, and biomedical applications in greater depth.

• Biomedical laboratory experience: USC's Biomedical Engineering Instructional Laboratory includes equipment for general laboratory work, microdevice fabrication, microscopy, and analysis of materials ranging from cells to nanoparticles.

• Cell culture facilities: The instructional laboratory includes a dedicated cell culture facility with biosafety cabinets and CO₂ incubators, providing infrastructure relevant to cellular and molecular biomedical work.

• Innovation Space: Students can access a dedicated BME Innovation Space equipped for device fabrication, including machining, 3D printing, and electronics assembly. The space also includes computers with engineering software such as SolidWorks and Altium Designer.

• Medical device design: Through student organizations such as MEDesign, students can participate in medical-device competitions, make-a-thons, and independent projects covering areas such as design, patents, and product development.

• Industry exposure: The Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering organizes events including a research symposium, networking activities, corporate events, and a medical-device design competition, giving students additional opportunities to learn about careers and the biomedical engineering industry.

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering with an emphasis in Molecular and Cellular Engineering gives graduates a flexible foundation for careers where engineering, biology, and medicine come together. USC highlights pathways into the biomedical, biotechnology, biomaterials, pharmaceutical, healthcare, government, and academic sectors, while the degree also provides strong preparation for students who want to continue into medical or graduate education.

Career progression can include:

• Biotechnology: Graduates can pursue opportunities in biotechnology, applying engineering and biological knowledge to areas such as molecular and cellular technologies.

• Pharmaceutical Industry: The Molecular and Cellular Engineering emphasis provides relevant preparation for pharmaceutical careers, including work connected with developing and testing new drug therapies.

• Biomaterials: Students can progress into work involving the development and application of materials for biomedical and healthcare uses.

• Biomedical Research: The combination of molecular biology, biochemistry, systems biology, and engineering provides a foundation for research-oriented careers.

• Medical Technology: Graduates can work in the broader biomedical technology sector, where engineers contribute to healthcare technologies and solutions. USC states that its graduates are highly sought after across the biomedical technology industry.

• Healthcare: USC identifies healthcare as one of the sectors in which BME graduates can build professional careers.

• Government and Public Sector: Graduates may also pursue professional opportunities in government organizations where engineering and biomedical knowledge are relevant.

• Academia and Research: Students interested in research and teaching can continue into academic careers and advanced research programs. USC's BME educational objectives specifically include professional development through graduate education and research.

• Medical School: USC states that the BME and BMCE degrees provide excellent preparation for medical school and include many of the courses commonly required for the MCAT pathway.

• Consulting and Other Industries: USC notes that BME graduates have also moved into consulting, finance, utilities, and other fields beyond traditional biomedical careers.

Further Academic Progression

Students who want to deepen their expertise can continue into graduate-level study at USC. The department offers an M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, which can be completed in two years or less of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree, as well as an M.S. in Medical Device and Diagnostic Engineering for students interested in medical-device and diagnostic industries.

Students can also pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, normally requiring four to five years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree. Research areas include Biosignals and Biosystems Engineering, Medical Devices, Biomedical Imaging, Systems Cellular-Molecular Bioengineering, Biomechanics, and Biomedical MEMS.

USC also provides Progressive Degree Programs, allowing eligible current USC undergraduates to begin an accelerated master's pathway. The BME department offers progressive-degree options including the M.S. in Biomedical Engineering and M.S. in Medical Device and Diagnostic Engineering.

Overall, the program is particularly valuable for students who want to keep multiple pathways open — from biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and biomaterials to biomedical research, healthcare, medical school and advanced engineering study.