B.S. in Biomedical Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Virginia

Program Overview

The University of Virginia’s B.S. in Biomedical Engineering brings together engineering, biology, medicine, design, and computing to help students develop technologies that can improve human health. It is a strong choice for students interested in medical devices, biotechnology, biomedical research, healthcare technology, or medicine, while also allowing them to explore specialised areas based on their career interests.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students begin by building a solid foundation in mathematics, chemistry, programming, and engineering. Courses such as APMA 1090 Single Variable Calculus I, CHEM 1410/1411 Introductory Chemistry I & Lab, and ENGR 1010 Engineering Foundations 1 help students develop the scientific and problem-solving skills they will need for more advanced biomedical engineering study.

Year 2: Students start applying engineering concepts more directly to biological and healthcare challenges. Courses such as BME 2101 Physiology I for Engineers and BME 2000 Biomedical Engineering Design and Discovery introduce students to human physiology and biomedical design while they continue developing their mathematics, physics, and engineering knowledge.

Year 3: Students move into more advanced biomedical engineering concepts and begin shaping their studies around their interests. Through BME and technical electives, they can explore areas such as BME Data Science, Molecular Data Science, Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering, and other specialised topics connected to biomedical research and technology.

Year 4: In the final year, students bring together the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout the degree through advanced coursework and practical design work. BME Capstone Design I and BME Capstone Design II give students the opportunity to work on substantial biomedical engineering challenges while advanced electives help them prepare for their chosen career or further study.

Focus Areas

Biomedical engineering design, medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceutical engineering, biomaterials, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, biomechanics, mechanobiology, biomedical imaging, systems biology, biomedical data science, computational biology, drug discovery, drug and gene delivery, bioinstrumentation, biomanufacturing, medical technology

Learning Outcomes

Apply engineering, mathematical, computational, physical, and biological principles to biomedical challenges, design and evaluate biomedical solutions, conduct research and analyse biomedical data, use modern biomedical engineering tools and techniques, communicate technical ideas effectively, work successfully in multidisciplinary teams, consider ethical and professional responsibilities, develop innovative solutions that can contribute to improved human health

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, providing students with a recognised professional standard for undergraduate engineering education. The program develops skills in engineering design, problem-solving, research, teamwork, communication, ethics, and professional development that are valuable for careers in biomedical engineering and related fields.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The program reports strong graduate outcomes, with more than 80–90% of graduates securing their post-graduation position three weeks before graduation. The department also reports that more than 80% of BME students participate in undergraduate research and more than 70% complete at least one internship, giving students valuable experience before they graduate.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Virginia’s B.S. in Biomedical Engineering gives students plenty of opportunities to take what they learn in class and apply it to real biomedical challenges. Students can gain hands-on experience through laboratory research, biomedical design projects, clinical exposure, internships, and collaboration with faculty, physicians, and industry partners. The program is closely connected to UVA’s engineering and medical communities, giving students access to a strong research environment and opportunities to explore how engineering can improve healthcare.

Students can build practical skills through a range of experiences:

Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design: Through BME 4063 Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design I and BME 4064 Biomedical Engineering Capstone Design II, students work on year-long biomedical design projects. Projects may be sponsored by faculty members, physicians, or companies, allowing students to work in teams and develop solutions to real biomedical problems.
Undergraduate research: Students can participate in research within Biomedical Engineering and across UVA’s engineering and medical departments. BME 4995 Biomedical Engineering Advanced Projects provides an opportunity to complete a year-long research project involving laboratory experiments, computational or theoretical analysis, and a final research report under faculty supervision.
BME Open Lab Fridays: Students can visit participating BME research laboratories, see demonstrations, learn about ongoing research, and gain a better understanding of the research environment. They can also attend laboratory meetings to learn directly from faculty and research teams.
Clinical exposure: The department’s close connection with UVA’s medical community allows students to interact with clinicians and gain insight into real healthcare needs. This can be particularly valuable for students interested in medical devices, healthcare technology, or pursuing medicine after graduation.
Internships and research placements: More than 70% of BME graduates complete at least one internship. Students can also pursue summer research opportunities, NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates, or STEM-related employment, with opportunities such as the Coulter Fellows Program providing additional support for undergraduate research and professional development.
Biomedical design and computational skills: Students develop practical skills in engineering design, programming, computation, experimental measurement, and biomedical data analysis. These skills can be applied to biomedical technologies, medical devices, research projects, and healthcare-related challenges.
Industry-connected projects: Some capstone projects are sponsored by companies, giving students the chance to work on industry-relevant biomedical engineering problems. Students develop experience in research, design, teamwork, communication, and presenting solutions to real-world challenges.
Design & Innovation in Medicine: BME 3030 Design & Innovation in Medicine uses a project-based approach where students work individually or in teams on industry-inspired challenges. Topics can include AI-driven drug discovery, medical technologies, and medical-product regulation, with opportunities to visit companies and organisations in the surrounding region.
Alumni and professional connections: Students can connect with UVA BME’s alumni community of more than 2,300 graduates through networking opportunities and the BME Connect Alumni Mentorship Program. The department also has alumni working as clinicians, which can be particularly useful for students interested in healthcare careers or medical school.
Research facilities and areas: Students can explore research in areas including Biomechanics and Mechanobiology, Biomedical Imaging, Drug Discovery and Drug and Gene Delivery, Systems Biology and Biomedical Data Science, Biomaterials, Tissue Regeneration, and Advanced Biomanufacturing. These research areas provide opportunities to see how engineering, biology, medicine, and technology come together to address healthcare challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The University of Virginia’s B.S. in Biomedical Engineering prepares students for careers that bring together engineering, biology, medicine, design, and technology. Graduates can move into areas such as medical devices, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedical research, software, healthcare, and other technology-driven fields, or continue their education through graduate and professional programs.

Typical career roles include Biomedical Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Quality Engineer, and Clinical or Field Engineer. Depending on their interests and experience, graduates can also explore research, software engineering, product development, regulatory affairs, technical sales, and healthcare technology:

Career support: UVA’s Center for Engineering Career Development helps students explore career options and prepare for life after graduation. Support includes career planning, internship and job searches, resume and cover-letter guidance, interview preparation, and advice on graduate-school opportunities.
Internships and research: More than 70% of UVA BME graduates complete at least one internship, while more than 80% participate in undergraduate research. Opportunities such as the Coulter Fellows Program can provide additional support for students interested in gaining research or industry experience.
Employment outcomes: UVA reports that more than 80–90% of BME graduates have secured their post-graduation position three weeks before graduation. Graduates can find opportunities across medical devices, medical imaging, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, software, genomics, bioinformatics, hospitals, government, consulting, and regulatory affairs.
University–industry connections: UVA Engineering’s 40Core industry engagement program connects industry partners with students and faculty through recruiting, internships, externships, research opportunities, and other forms of collaboration. BME students can also work on capstone projects sponsored by faculty members, physicians, and companies, giving them experience with real biomedical engineering challenges.
Alumni network: Students can connect with more than 2,300 BME alumni through networking opportunities and the BME Connect Alumni Mentorship Program. The department also has a strong network of practicing clinicians, which can be useful for students considering healthcare careers or medical school.
Professional accreditation: The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This provides lasting professional value by showing that the program meets recognised standards for engineering education, including design, problem-solving, research, teamwork, communication, ethics, and professional development.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates commonly progress into industry, graduate school, or professional school. Other possible directions include entrepreneurship, data science, finance, consulting, government, healthcare, and other interdisciplinary careers.
Specialised career preparation: Students can tailor their studies toward areas such as biotechnology and pharmaceutical engineering, medical device development, biomechanics and mechanobiology, biomedical imaging, and biomedical data science, helping them build knowledge that matches their intended career path.

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 disciplines. UVA offers graduate study in Biomedical Engineering, including the M.E., M.S., and Ph.D., allowing students to develop advanced technical, research, or industry-focused expertise. Students interested in becoming physicians can also use the BME degree as preparation for medical school and other professional healthcare programs.