Biomedical Engineering
Are you interested in biology, medicine and engineering but can't decide which one to pick? UB's biomedical engineering (BME) program lets you explore all of your interests in one do-it-all major. If you get excited about things like making 3D models of the brain to improve cancer care, designing wearable medical sensors, and using artificial intelligence to prevent cardiac deaths—and you’re good at science and math—then BME could be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
What will I learn?
As a biomedical engineering major, you’ll start by taking core classes in biomedical principles, as well as basic math and science courses. You’ll get hands-on experience with design and modeling (typically using 3D printers and other technology), then move on to lab experiments and more advanced topics, including electives that let you go deeper in areas such as cell engineering, cardiovascular biomechanics and orthopedic science. And yes, you’ll typically also have opportunities to take some classes outside of your major.
What can I do with a biomedical engineering degree?
Typically, about one-third of our students get a job after they graduate, one-third go to graduate school in an engineering field and one-third go to medical school.
Given that you’ll have a background in both engineering and medicine, you’ll likely find yourself in a career that overlaps these fields. For example, our alumni have worked on systems to prevent orthopedic implant infections, used artificial intelligence to improve respiratory care and analyzed data from clinical trials.
Whether you choose to work for a hospital, university, government regulatory agency or private company, you’ll find opportunities in a variety of areas, including:
- Research and development.
- Product design and testing.
- Manufacturing and operations.
- Sales and marketing.
- Education.
- Research.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $113,360.00 | N/A | Rapid Growth |
| Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers | $99,120.00 | $47.66 | Rapid Growth |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,040.00 | $31.27 | Rapid Growth |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.