Biomedical Engineering, B.S.Bm.E.

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

West Virginia University

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering at West Virginia University combines engineering, biology and medicine to prepare students to solve healthcare challenges involving areas such as biomaterials, biomechanics, biomedical imaging, instrumentation and cellular technologies. It is a strong fit for students who want to develop medical technologies, work on healthcare-related engineering problems or continue into graduate, professional or industry careers.

Curriculum Structure

First Year

The first year establishes the scientific and engineering foundation through BIOL 115 Principles of Biology and Laboratory (4 credits), CHEM 115 Fundamentals of Chemistry 1 and Laboratory (4 credits) and ENGR 101 Engineering Problem Solving (2 credits). Students also begin Calculus and Physics, while ENGR 191 First-Year Seminar helps them transition into engineering study.

Second Year

Students begin applying their science and mathematics knowledge directly to biomedical engineering through BMEG 201 Introduction to Biomedical Engineering (4 credits) and BMEG 230 Numerical Methods in Biomedical Engineering (3 credits). Courses such as EE 221 Introduction to Electrical Engineering and Laboratory (4 credits), Human Physiology, Organic Chemistry, Multivariable Calculus and Statistics develop the technical background needed for advanced biomedical applications.

Third Year

The third year moves into specialist biomedical engineering topics, including BMEG 311 Biomaterials (3 credits), BMEG 310 Biomedical Imaging (3 credits) and BMEG 315 Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems (4 credits). Students also study BMEG 321 Thermodynamics and Kinetics for Biomedical Engineering (3 credits), BMEG 340 Biomechanics (4 credits) and BMEG 420 Biomedical Instrumentation with Laboratory (4 credits), connecting engineering principles with medical technologies and biological systems.

Fourth Year

The final year emphasizes design, research and professional specialization through BMEG 455 Biomedical Senior Design 1 and Capstone Project (4 credits) and BMEG 456S Biomedical Senior Design 2 (3 credits). Students complete science and engineering technical electives, with options including BMEG 482 Introduction to Tissue Engineering, BMEG 497 Research, EE 465 Introduction to Digital Image Processing, EE 455 Introduction to Microfabrication, CS 111 Introduction to Data Structures and Laboratory and MAE 211 Mechatronics and Laboratory.

Focus areas

Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Biomedical Imaging, Biomedical Instrumentation, Tissue Engineering, Cellular Machinery, Bioelectronics, Biochemistry, Digital Image Processing, Biomedical Microdevices

Learning outcomes

Students develop the ability to solve complex biomedical engineering problems using engineering, science and mathematics; design solutions while considering health, safety, ethical and societal factors; communicate effectively; work independently and in diverse teams; conduct experiments and interpret data; and acquire new knowledge throughout their careers.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.

Reputation (employability rankings)

WVU describes Biomedical Engineering as a field connected to rapidly advancing medical technologies, treatment and diagnosis strategies. The department also reports that approximately 20% of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering students participate in research, with students regularly presenting research at local, regional and national meetings and receiving awards.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

WVU places a strong emphasis on learning by doing, with students encouraged to participate in research from their first year and opportunities to work with faculty, healthcare researchers and industry partners. The program combines laboratory-based engineering courses with senior design, undergraduate research and access to biomedical engineering facilities, giving students opportunities to work with real biomedical technologies and problems.

Key practical opportunities include:

Biomedical Senior Design: Students complete BMEG 455/455S and BMEG 456S, working on senior design projects that pair students with clinical and industrial partners to address open-ended healthcare problems.
Undergraduate research from the first year: Students are encouraged to work with faculty on research projects, including projects conducted with other colleges, particularly health sciences.
Additive manufacturing: A WVU student research project has involved designing and fabricating flexible electrodes for peripheral brain recording and stimulation using additive manufacturing.
Biomedical engineering computer rooms: Dedicated computer facilities support engineering and biomedical coursework and project work.
Bioanalytical laboratories: WVU provides access to bioanalytical laboratory facilities for biomedical research and analysis.
Biomechanics and bioprinting laboratories: Dedicated facilities support work involving biomechanics and biomedical fabrication technologies.
Bioskills and spectroscopy laboratories: Students have access to specialized facilities supporting biomedical skills development and spectroscopy-related work.
BioNano Research Facilities: WVU's shared research facilities include equipment for studying fabricated materials and their interactions with mammalian cell cultures, including cell culture, microscopy, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electrophoresis and chromatography equipment.
Industry-linked projects: Projects have included work with organizations such as Alcon on particulate inspection of intraocular lenses and NIOSH on image-processing techniques for cough recordings.
Internships and co-ops: The Chemical and Biomedical Engineering department states that bachelor's students can gain industry experience through summer internships and co-op opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering prepares graduates for roles involving medical devices, biomedical technologies, research, healthcare systems and engineering development. WVU identifies careers such as biomedical engineer, biomedical technician, research engineer and process engineer, while the program also supports progression into graduate and professional education.

Typical career roles include Biomedical Engineer, Biomedical Technician, Research Engineer, Process Engineer.

Career development and progression are supported through:

Career preparation: WVU provides career pathways and career information for Biomedical Engineering graduates, including job descriptions, job titles and salary information to help students understand potential professional routes.
Salary information: WVU lists a $106,950 median salary for Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers through its career information system.
Industry partnerships: Senior design projects connect students with clinical and industrial partners, while documented student projects have involved organizations such as Alcon and NIOSH.
Research connections: Students can work with faculty and researchers across engineering and health sciences, and WVU provides funding opportunities for undergraduate researchers to attend national conferences.
ABET value: ABET accreditation provides an established quality framework for the engineering curriculum and its graduate competencies, supporting professional preparation in biomedical engineering.
Graduate outcomes: The department reports that graduates are prepared for professional engineering careers as well as graduate study and professional schools, including medicine, law and business.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can continue into WVU's M.S. in Biomedical Engineering or pursue the accelerated B.S.Bm.E./M.S.Bm.E. pathway. The accelerated bachelor's/master's route can be completed in approximately five years and combines undergraduate and graduate coursework, while students may also pursue doctoral-level biomedical engineering study or professional programs such as medicine.