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The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California brings together engineering, mathematics, biology, physiology, and biochemistry to help students develop solutions to real-world challenges in healthcare and medicine. It is a strong choice for students interested in medical technology, biomedical research, biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, and other fields where engineering and life sciences come together.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Students begin by developing a solid foundation in mathematics, chemistry, engineering, and communication. Courses such as BME 101: Intro to Biomedical Engineering, CHEM 105aL: General Chemistry, MATH 125: Calculus I, MATH 126/MATH 129: Calculus II, and WRIT 150: Writing and Critical Reasoning introduce the core scientific and analytical skills needed for biomedical engineering.
Year 2: Students move into subjects that connect engineering concepts with biological systems and human health. They study courses including BME 202: Control & Communication in the Nervous System, BME 210: Biomedical Computer Simulation Methods, BISC 220L: General Biology: Cell Biology and Physiology, along with advanced mathematics and physics.
Year 3: The program becomes more specialized, allowing students to apply engineering principles to biomedical challenges. Courses such as CHEM 322aL: Organic Chemistry, EE 202L: Linear Circuits, BME 423: Statistical Methods in Biomedical Engineering, and BME Anchor courses introduce areas such as Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Systems Biology, Biosensors and Diagnostic Devices, and Biomedical Microdevices.
Year 4: In the final year, students focus on advanced biomedical engineering applications and professional preparation. Courses such as BME 302L: Medical Electronics, BME 413: Bioengineering Signals & Systems, BME 403L: Physiological Systems, and BME 415: Regulation of Medical Products build specialized knowledge, while the BME 445aL/BME 445bL Senior Design Project gives students the opportunity to work on an engineering design challenge.
Focus Areas
Bioelectronics and Computers, Biochemical Molecular and Cellular Engineering, Biomechanics, Biomedical Imaging, Biomedical Devices, Biosensors and Diagnostic Devices, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Systems Biology, Medical Electronics, Physiological Systems, Medical Product Regulation, Biomedical Microdevices
Learning Outcomes
Students develop the ability to apply mathematics, science, and engineering principles to biomedical problems, design solutions that consider health and safety, conduct experiments and analyze data, communicate effectively, work as part of multidisciplinary teams, make responsible professional decisions, and continue developing their technical knowledge throughout their careers.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, reflecting the program's alignment with established engineering education standards. Its combination of engineering and life sciences also prepares students for opportunities in biomedical engineering, biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare, research, government, and related industries.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
USC's Biomedical Engineering program has an established history, with undergraduate biomedical engineering education dating back to 1974. The department reports a strong undergraduate community, with 236 students enrolled in Spring 2025 and 68 students graduating between Fall 2023 and Summer 2024, while highlighting the high academic achievement of students attracted to the program.
The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical skills. Students can gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, medical-device design, undergraduate research, internships, and team-based projects, with access to dedicated biomedical engineering facilities and equipment for prototyping, electronics, 3D printing, and laboratory experimentation. The program also connects students with research environments covering areas such as biomedical devices, biomedical microsystems, neural engineering, imaging, and biomaterials.
Students can develop practical experience through the following opportunities:
BME Instructional Laboratory: Located in Biegler Hall, the instructional laboratory supports biomedical engineering courses and provides equipment for hands-on laboratory activities.
BME Innovation Space: Located in the Denney Research Building, this facility provides equipment for biomedical device development, including machining, 3D printing, and electronics assembly.
3D Printing and Prototyping: Students can use 3D printing and fabrication resources to develop and test physical prototypes for biomedical engineering projects.
Electronics Development: The Innovation Space includes electronics assembly facilities, giving students practical experience with technologies used in biomedical device development.
Medical Device Design: Through student design activities such as MEDesign, students work in teams on medical-device projects and develop ideas from identifying a healthcare need through design and prototyping.
Senior Design Project: The B.S. program includes a senior design experience where students apply their engineering knowledge to develop solutions for biomedical challenges.
Undergraduate Research: Students can become involved in research from an early stage of their undergraduate studies. Opportunities include directed research under faculty supervision, allowing students to gain experience with real biomedical research projects.
Research Facilities: USC Biomedical Engineering research covers areas including biomedical microsystems, biomedical simulation, medical-device development, neural modeling, and neural interfaces.
Internships: The department encourages students to gain industry experience through internships and connects students with opportunities in biomedical and biotechnology companies.
Team-Based Learning: Students work collaboratively on biomedical engineering design projects, gaining experience in teamwork, problem-solving, prototyping, and communicating technical ideas.
Laboratory Experience: Coursework gives students opportunities to work with biomedical engineering laboratory equipment and apply concepts from biology, physiology, electronics, engineering, and medical technology in practical settings.
The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California prepares students for a wide range of careers across biomedical engineering, healthcare, biotechnology, research, and technology. The combination of engineering and life sciences also gives graduates the flexibility to move into professional careers or continue into advanced study in biomedical engineering and related fields.
Typical career roles include: Biomedical Engineer, Process and Quality Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Biomedical Researcher
Career development and employment opportunities:
Career support: USC Viterbi provides career support to help students explore internships, co-op opportunities, and full-time employment. Students can access guidance as they prepare for careers both during and after their degree.
Industry connections: The Biomedical Engineering department maintains connections with biomedical companies in Southern California and helps connect students with internship opportunities. The department also supports industry engagement through activities such as its annual corporate luncheon.
Industry exposure: Studying biomedical engineering at USC gives students access to the Southern California biomedical and biotechnology environment, providing opportunities to develop professional connections and gain industry experience.
Research experience: Students can become involved in research during their undergraduate studies, including faculty-supervised research and BME 490 Directed Research. These opportunities allow students to gain experience working on real biomedical research projects.
Alumni network: USC Biomedical Engineering graduates have moved into roles such as process and quality engineering, manufacturing engineering, research, healthcare, and other professional fields. The department's alumni network can also help students explore career paths and build professional connections.
Career flexibility: The skills gained through the degree can be applied beyond traditional biomedical engineering positions. USC reports that BME graduates have also pursued opportunities in areas such as consulting, finance, utilities, healthcare, and other industries.
Accreditation value: The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This provides graduates with a professionally recognized engineering qualification and supports the long-term value of the degree.
Graduation outcomes: USC's Biomedical Engineering department reported 236 undergraduate students enrolled in Spring 2025 and 68 students graduating between Fall 2023 and Summer 2024. Graduates are prepared to work in biomedical industry, other industries, healthcare, government, and academia while continuing to develop professionally through further education and industry involvement.
Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue their education through USC's M.S. in Biomedical Engineering, which can be completed in two years or less of full-time study. USC also offers a Progressive Degree Program for eligible undergraduate students, along with graduate options in Medical Device and Diagnostic Engineering, Biomedical Data Analytics, and Medical Imaging and Imaging Informatics, as well as a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.
For students interested in advanced research, the Ph.D. pathway offers opportunities to specialize in areas such as Biosignals and Biosystems Engineering, Medical Devices, Biomedical Imaging, Systems Cellular-Molecular Bioengineering, Biomechanics, and Biomedical MEMS. This provides a strong pathway toward advanced research, university teaching, and research and development careers.
Applicants apply through the Common Application and must submit official academic records. For first-year admission, students should complete the equivalent of U.S. high school education (Grades 9–12).
IB: Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance, with scores of 5–7 in all Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL) subjects. Predicted grades should be included with the transcript.
Applicants should have completed I/GCSE examinations and two years of GCE A-Level study in at least three subjects. The most competitive applicants typically achieve grades of 7–9 in I/GCSE subjects and predicted grades of A/A* at A-Level US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Engineering applicants are generally assessed on the strength of their preparation in advanced Mathematics and laboratory sciences, particularly Physics and Chemistry. Calculus, technical projects, robotics, engineering competitions, research and evidence of practical problem-solving can strengthen the application. Universities may also look for creativity, teamwork and the ability to apply scientific concepts to real-world challenges.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Biomedical Engineering Product Development EngineerField Support SpecialistScience and Technology EngineerQuality EngineerSoftware Project ManagerR&D Informatics SpecialistTechnical Sales EngineerApplications DeveloperAssociate EngineerConsultantBiomedical Device EngineerResearch ScientistPharmaceutical EngineerMedical Device Engineer
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