Biomedical Engineering BSE

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee

Program Overview

The Biomedical Engineering BSE at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee combines engineering, biological sciences and computer-based approaches to prepare students to design medical devices, equipment and intelligent systems that improve human health. It is a strong choice for students interested in areas such as biomechanics, medical imaging, medical instrumentation, assistive technology and rehabilitation engineering, with opportunities to work across engineering, healthcare and research.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students build their foundation in biomedical and engineering concepts through courses such as BME 101 Fundamentals of Biomedical Engineering, MECHENG 110 Engineering Fundamentals I, and COMPSCI 202 Introductory Programming Using Python. These subjects introduce physiology, biomedical signal processing, biomechanics and biomedical design while developing core engineering, programming and problem-solving skills.

Second Year: Students deepen their scientific and engineering foundation through BME 296 Fundamentals of Biomaterials, BME 302 Analysis and Modeling of Dynamic Systems, and BME 306 Introduction to Engineering Biomechanics. They explore biomaterials, tissue engineering, biological responses to implants, dynamic-system modeling and the mechanics of biological tissues and structures.

Third Year: Students move into specialized biomedical systems through BME 310 Biomedical Signals and Systems, BME 320 Engineering of Biomedical Devices I, and BME 325 Engineering of Biomedical Devices II. The coursework introduces sensors and actuators, physiological and biomechatronic systems, signal processing, feedback and control systems, prosthetic technologies and medical devices such as implants and assistive systems.

Fourth Year: Students bring their engineering knowledge together through BME 495 Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory and BME 595 Capstone Design Project, supported by technical electives that allow them to specialize. The final stage emphasizes experimental work, biomedical instrumentation, multidisciplinary design and the development of solutions for real healthcare challenges.

Focus areas: Assistive Technology, Biomechanics, Medical Imaging, Medical Instrumentation, Rehabilitation Engineering.

Learning outcomes: Students develop the ability to apply mathematics, engineering, physical sciences and life sciences to biomedical problems, perform measurements and interpret data, contribute to medical-device design and development teams, communicate across disciplines, conduct experiments and translate engineering principles into clinical methods.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The Biomedical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Reputation (employability): UWM identifies biomedical engineering as a growing field and reports that biomedical engineer was ranked among the top 10 Best Jobs in the engineering sector for 2026 by U.S. News & World Report. The university also reports a 2024 median pay of $106,950 for biomedical engineers/bioengineers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

UWM's Biomedical Engineering program gives students extensive opportunities to move beyond theory through hands-on laboratories, design projects, research and industry experience. Students work with biomedical measurement systems, motion-capture technology, force platforms, electromyography, microscopy and biomaterials, while internships and co-ops connect classroom learning with companies and healthcare organizations such as GE HealthCare, Medtronic, Stryker and the Medical College of Wisconsin.

The practical experience becomes increasingly design-focused as students progress through the degree:

Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory: Students use sensors and data-acquisition tools to record and analyze brain waves, including EEG equipment and virtual-reality headsets used to study cognitive processes and translate brain activity into movement.
Biomechanics and Human Motion Analysis Lab: Students investigate the musculoskeletal system using motion capture technology, a force platform, wireless electromyography and mechanical testing equipment to study gait, wheelchair use, sports and upper-body movement.
Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering Laboratory: Students work with biomaterials fabrication and characterization, cell culture and microscopy; the laboratory includes a Class II biosafety cabinet, cell-culture incubator, optical microscopes and a fluorescence microscope.
Biomedical Instrumentation Laboratory: BME 495 provides dedicated laboratory experience in biomedical instrumentation, experimentation, measurement and data analysis.
Biomedical device design: BME 320 and BME 325 develop practical understanding of sensors, actuators, signal processing, feedback and control, prosthetic limbs, implants, respiratory aids and other biomedical devices.
Year-long senior design: BME 595 Capstone Design Project requires students to work in teams and apply the skills developed throughout the degree to a substantial biomedical engineering design project.
Product Realization: Students can participate in multidisciplinary teams working from an industry-supplied product brief and budget to design, build and present a prototype, with industry engineers mentoring the teams.
Internships and co-ops: UWM provides paid internship and co-op opportunities, including experiences with Abbott Laboratories, GE HealthCare, Medtronic, Philips, Siemens Healthineers, Stryker, the Medical College of Wisconsin and Welch Allyn.
Undergraduate research: Students can work with faculty in biomechanics, biorobotics, bone healing, intelligent assistive devices, medical imaging, medical instrumentation and rehabilitation engineering.
SURF research opportunities: The Support for Undergraduate Research Fellows program allows students to work closely with faculty on research projects; UWM reports that almost $1.5 million was awarded to more than 700 College of Engineering students from 2012–2023 through the program.
Biorobotics research: The Biorobotics Lab develops wearable robots designed to rehabilitate and assist people with upper- and lower-extremity impairments, giving students exposure to robotics and rehabilitation technology research.
Computational and AI research: The Big Data Analytics and Visualization Lab and Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory develop computational approaches and software tools for data processing, visualization and health-related problems.
Biomedical research facilities: Additional research environments include the Advanced Mobility Biomechanics Lab, Mobility Lab, Mechanobiology and Vascular Biomechanics Lab and Bone Lab, covering connected health, rehabilitation, disease mechanics, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Progression & Future Opportunities

UWM's Biomedical Engineering BSE prepares graduates for careers spanning medical-device development, clinical engineering, manufacturing, research, quality and technical sales, while also providing a strong foundation for advanced study. The university specifically identifies career paths including clinical or field engineering, staff engineering, manufacturing engineering, research, quality engineering and sales engineering, with biomedical engineering students also gaining experience through industry partners and healthcare organizations.

Typical career directions include Clinical or Field Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Quality Engineer and Researcher:

Career services: UWM's College of Engineering & Applied Science provides dedicated career support, including Handshake, career fairs, student resources and industry connections. The college reports more than 700 employers recruiting from UWM engineering, giving students opportunities to connect with potential employers.
Employment experience: Biomedical engineering students have completed internships, co-ops or launched careers with Abbott Laboratories, GE HealthCare, Medtronic, Philips, Siemens Healthineers, Stryker, Welch Allyn and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Salary outcomes: UWM's 2024–25 First Destination Survey reports an $88,000 average starting salary for College of Engineering & Applied Science graduates. Students also often earn more than $10,000 in full-time, work-related summer internships. These figures are college-wide rather than BME-specific.
Career readiness: UWM reports that 95% of College of Engineering & Applied Science graduates launch their careers or continue their education within six months of graduation based on the 2024–25 First Destination Survey.
Industry connections: UWM BME faculty collaborate with organizations including the Medical College of Wisconsin and local industry, while the university highlights proximity to Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center and GE HealthCare for biomedical research collaboration.
Professional accreditation: ABET accreditation provides long-term professional value by confirming that the BME program meets established engineering education criteria for bioengineering and biomedical engineering programs.
Entrepreneurship: Students can participate in the UWM Startup Challenge, directed by the Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, where they can develop innovative ideas individually or as part of a team.
Graduate preparation: The program's research opportunities and multidisciplinary design experience provide a pathway into advanced biomedical engineering study, research careers and professional specialization.

Further Academic Progression: After the BSE, students can continue into UWM's Engineering MS with a Biomedical Engineering concentration, available through thesis and non-thesis options. Qualified BME undergraduates can also enter the Accelerated Graduate Degree pathway, which allows up to six graduate credits to be taken during the senior year and can reduce the time and cost required to complete the master's degree; the BME accelerated pathway requires a 3.2 minimum cumulative GPA, approximately 36 or fewer undergraduate credits remaining and faculty approval. Students interested in research can progress toward doctoral study, with UWM offering a Biomedical Engineering PhD and research opportunities in areas such as biomechanics, biorobotics, medical imaging, medical instrumentation and rehabilitation engineering.