Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Texas Austin

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin brings together engineering, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and medicine to help students develop solutions to real healthcare challenges. It is a strong choice for students interested in medical technology, biomedical devices, biotechnology, medical imaging, computational biology, or creating technologies that can improve people's health.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students start by building a solid foundation in mathematics, science, biology, chemistry, and biomedical engineering. Courses such as BME 303L: Introduction to Biomedical Engineering Design, BIO 311C: Introductory Biology I, and CH 301: Principles of Chemistry I introduce students to the field while developing the scientific knowledge needed for more advanced study.

Year 2: Students progress into more specialised areas of engineering and biomedical science, with a focus on computation, biomechanics, chemistry, and biochemistry. Courses including BME 313L: Introduction to Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering, BME 344: Biomechanics, and BCH 369: Fundamentals of Biochemistry help students understand and analyse biological systems using engineering approaches.

Year 3: Students develop stronger practical and analytical skills through courses covering experimental design, biomedical signals, physiology, biomaterials, and biological transport processes. BME 245L: Experimental Principles of Biomedical Engineering Design, BME 343: Biomedical Engineering Signal and Systems Analysis, and BME 365R: Quantitative Engineering Physiology I give students opportunities to apply engineering concepts to real biomedical problems.

Year 4: In their final year, students bring together the knowledge and skills they have developed through advanced courses, technical electives, and a major design project. BME 370: Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design I and BME 371: Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design II allow students to work on biomedical solutions from concept and design through development and communication, while technical electives help them explore areas such as biomedical imaging, cellular and biomolecular engineering, computational biomedical engineering, and biomechanics.

Focus Areas

Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation, Cellular and Biomolecular Engineering, Computational Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Cellular and Tissue Biomechanics, Biomaterials, Human Physiology, Biomedical Devices, Medical Imaging, Biomechanics, Biomedical Signal Processing, Computational Biology, Tissue Engineering, Biomedical Design and Prototyping.

Learning Outcomes

Students learn to apply engineering, mathematics, biology, and science to biomedical challenges, design practical solutions, conduct experiments, analyse data, communicate technical ideas, work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, and consider professional, ethical, public health, safety, and societal factors when developing biomedical technologies.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This accreditation confirms that the program meets established standards for engineering education and provides valuable recognition for students planning to enter engineering careers or pursue further study.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Texas at Austin's Biomedical Engineering undergraduate program is ranked #10 nationally in the 2025–2026 U.S. News & World Report undergraduate rankings, according to the Cockrell School of Engineering. The Cockrell School is also ranked #11 overall among undergraduate engineering schools in the U.S., #6 among public universities, and #1 in Texas.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin gives students plenty of opportunities to move beyond the classroom and apply what they learn to real biomedical challenges. Throughout the degree, students gain hands-on experience through design labs, research projects, advanced biomedical equipment, computational resources, and a final-year team project. The program also encourages students to explore research, international study, and collaborations with engineers, researchers, physicians, and industry professionals.

Key practical opportunities include:

Design laboratories: Students complete an engineering design lab during each year of the program. The Biomedical Engineering Building includes three dedicated design labs where students can develop, test, and improve biomedical solutions.
Senior design projects: In the final year, students complete a year-long team-based capstone project, working with other BME students to address real biomedical problems. Teams develop solutions, create prototypes, prepare detailed design reports, and present their work.
Industry-mentored projects: Senior design projects can involve industry and company sponsors, giving students the chance to work on real clinical or technological needs with guidance from faculty and industry mentors.
Research opportunities: Students can gain research experience by working with BME faculty and graduate students. Research can also count toward academic credit through BME 177, BME 277, or BME 377, and students can take part in summer research opportunities.
Biomedical Engineering Building: Students have access to specialised facilities including optics laboratories, tissue-culture rooms, wet and dry laboratories, computational labs, and an electronics laboratory, supporting both teaching and biomedical research.
Texas Inventionworks: This approximately 25,000-square-foot makerspace and laboratory facility provides opportunities for hands-on prototyping, experimentation, design, and innovation.
Computational resources: Students can use advanced computing resources through the Texas Advanced Computing Center, supporting computational research, modelling, data analysis, and other technology-intensive projects.
Specialised biomedical equipment: The department provides access to advanced equipment, including a multiphoton/confocal microscope used for specialised biological and biomedical imaging and research.
Software and digital tools: Students have access to engineering software such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, and Multisim, which can be used for engineering analysis, simulation, experimentation, and laboratory work.
Study abroad: Students can gain international academic experience through study-abroad opportunities offered through the Cockrell School of Engineering. The BME program reports that nearly one-third of its students study abroad at least once before graduating.
Clinical and interdisciplinary experience: Students can connect biomedical engineering with healthcare through opportunities involving Dell Medical School and other areas across UT Austin, helping them understand how engineering solutions can address real medical needs.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin prepares students for careers where engineering, biology, and medicine come together. Graduates can use their technical, research, and design skills in areas such as medical devices, biomedical technology, healthcare innovation, biotechnology, and research, while also having a strong foundation for further study.

Typical career roles include: Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Researcher, Medical Device Engineer, Biomedical Design Engineer

Career progression and opportunities:

Career support: The Engineering Career Assistance Center helps students prepare for employment through career counselling, résumé and cover-letter support, interview preparation, job-search guidance, career fairs, employer networking, internships, co-op opportunities, and access to job postings. More than 1,500 employers recruit Texas Engineering students each year, providing students with strong opportunities to connect with potential employers.
Employment and salary: According to Cockrell School of Engineering data, B.S. Biomedical Engineering graduates have an average starting salary of $85,025. The reported average starting monthly internship salary for BME B.S. students is $3,925.
Strong research experience: More than 80% of graduating BME seniors report completing at least one semester of on-campus or off-campus research. Students can work with BME faculty and graduate researchers, earn academic credit through research courses such as BME 177, BME 277, and BME 377, and participate in summer research opportunities.
University–industry connections: Texas BME works with companies through sponsored research, workforce development, and industry-supported senior design projects. Students can work on real biomedical challenges with industry mentors, develop prototypes, and present their final designs to project sponsors.
Clinical partnerships: The department has connections with Dell Medical School, allowing students to see how engineering can be applied to real clinical needs. These collaborations provide opportunities to connect biomedical engineering with healthcare, medical research, and the development of new technologies.
Long-term accreditation value: The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This internationally recognised engineering accreditation confirms that the program meets established quality standards and provides valuable support for professional engineering careers and further study.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can enter engineering, healthcare technology, research, medical-device, and biotechnology-related careers or continue their education through graduate and professional programs. The combination of research experience, practical design work, industry exposure, and interdisciplinary training gives students flexibility when choosing their next step.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, students can continue into master’s or doctoral programs in biomedical engineering and related areas of engineering, biology, computational science, and medicine. UT Austin also offers a Bachelor’s/Master’s Integrated Program, giving eligible students a structured route into graduate-level study. Students interested in healthcare innovation can further specialise through advanced study and interdisciplinary opportunities connecting engineering with medicine.