Best Colleges For Biomedical Engineering: Biomedical Engineering is a new, fast-paced field that requires knowledge from multiple fields, including optical, chemical, and mechanical engineering, as well as molecular biology, cell biology, and genetics.
The curriculum in this major is usually one of the most difficult ones, as it includes physics, Math Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Chemistry, as well as Biology-related courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Cell Biology.
Table of Contents
- Opportunities in Biomedical Engineering
- How Did We Rank The Best Biomedical Engineering Colleges?
- Best Colleges for Biomedical Engineering
- John Hopkins Unversity, Baltimore, MD
- Duke University, Durham, NC
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
- Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
- Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
- Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
- RPI – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
- Boston University, Boston, MA
- Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
- Key References
Opportunities in Biomedical Engineering
A biomedical engineering degree can potentially allow the student to enter various fields:
- Biomedical engineering coursework includes material required for entering medical school.
- Biomedical engineering graduates can work in companies developing medical devices and devices intended for a research lab.
- Biomedical engineers can be involved in high-tech research.
- Biomedical engineers can work as quality engineers.
- Biomedical engineers can potentially work in sales connected with promoting medical devices, laboratory equipment, and pharmacological products.
Choosing the right biomedical degree is not an easy thing to do. A good degree in this field must offer certain flexibility of curriculum, so the students would be able to select courses, internships, and projects that would fit their chosen pathway.
According to student’s opinion, schools with a solid engineering background can be preferable to schools that hold an overall high ranking in most review systems and have a certain prestige attached to their names, such as Duke or Rice University.
How Did We Rank The Best Biomedical Engineering Colleges?
The ranking we (BioExplorer) have chosen to apply while choosing the top ten biomedical engineering colleges is composed of the following:
- The overall ranking of the school at USNews and other reputable review sites.
- The presence of a right career advice center and connection to potential employers.
- The offers of useful minors and additional courses.
- Hands-on approach in the curriculum, presence of capstone projects.
- Quality facilities and research equipment.
- Good student reviews.
- Awards and publications of the faculty/graduate students of the Department.
- Presence of graduate degrees in biomedical engineering.
Best Colleges for Biomedical Engineering
Here are the top 10 best colleges of Biomedical Engineering in the States:
John Hopkins Unversity, Baltimore, MD
John Hopkins University is known worldwide for its strong foundations in Biological and Medical Sciences. It is also known mainly as a strong research university. Currently, John Hopkins University offers the following degrees:
The Department offers the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical engineering.
- 3+1 Bachelor of Science/MSE program.
- Master of Science and Engineering program.
- Master of Science in Engineering, Innovation, and Design.
- Dual degree program with Tsinghua University.
- Ph.D. program
Specialization areas:
- Biomedical engineering
- Computational medicine
- Genomics and Systems Biology.
- Imaging and medical devices.
- Immunoengineering
- Neuroengineering
- Translational Tissue and Cell Engineering.
The courses are offered jointly by two colleges on the campus. Engineering courses are taught at the Whiting School of Engineering. In contrast, medical and biology-related courses are taught at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The Program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (ABET).
Why study BME at JHU:
- Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering is ranked 24 among the world’s best universities.
- Currently, there are 4 Nobel laureates among the University’s teaching staff – three in Biology (Molecular Biology and Genetics) and one in Physics and Astronomy.
- For students that aspire to be a design engineer, there is a Design Team at the faculty which allows participation of undergraduate students.
- The center of bioengineering innovation and design at JHU collaborates with leading medical device companies in the USA.
- Whiting School of Engineering has a high academic reputation.
- The Department has an Industrial Liason program that assists with projects, internships and other types of collaboration for students.
Duke University, Durham, NC
Similar to John Hopkins University, Duke University is known for its medical programs. The biomedical engineering program at this University is also highly ranked – top 5 in U. S.News Report (#3 for undergraduate, #4 for graduate). The Program is offered by Pratt School of Engineering and is ABET-accredited. The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- 4+1 B. S and M. S Program.
- Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering.
- MD-Master of engineering
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.
- Dual Degrees:
- Biomedical engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE).
- Biomedical engineering and Mechanical Engineering.
- Biomedical engineering and civil environmental engineering.
Why study BME at Duke University:
- There are 3 members of the National Academy of Inventors and 2 members of National Academy of Engineering among the tenured staff.
- There is a specialized design fellows’ Program for students aiming to go into design engineering.
- The students have multiple research opportunities in cutting edge fields such as tissue engineering, biomechanics, and biosensors.
- The school offers assistance with career search and internships.
- BME teams at Duke University earn awards for their inventions.
- The University is commended for focusing on the whole undergraduate experience and having various sports and student groups, for instance, Bass Connections.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is reputed for its focus on cutting edge science and technology. It offers an ABET-accredited Biological Engineering program that focuses on using molecular biology for various engineering applications. The Department offers the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering.
- Masters degree in Biomedical Engineering.
- Ph.D. in Biological engineering.
Why get a degree in Biological Engineering from MIT:
- The coursework provides broader preparation for work in biological engineering compared to solely medical applications.
- Unanimous satisfaction with the education provided.
- The focus of the curriculum is on the cutting edge fields such as biomolecular systems and synthetic biology.
- The Department has a communications lab that prepares students for effective communication in work settings.
- MIT offers various career resources that assist with networking, resume/CV writing, and applications.
Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
Case Western Reserve University is a relatively expensive private school. It offers a variety of degrees but focuses on STEM-related subjects. The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Case School of Engineering at CWRU offers the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.
Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.
Why study Biomedical Engineering at CWRU:
- The University is considered one of the most focused colleges in biomedical engineering.
- Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland Clinic launched the biomedical engineering alliance last year.
- Case school of engineering provides paid co-op experience programs for engineering students.
- The students have excellent assistance: librarians, student Navigators, and maker spaces.
- CWRU is known for its Neural Engineering Center.
Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
The Wallace H. Coulter Department of Engineering was jointly created by two prominent Atlanta Institutions – Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University. Its undergraduate program is consistently highly ranked at USNews Reports (The Program was ranked 1 in 2016, and is ranked 3 in 2020). The Department offers the following degrees:
- Georgia Tech Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- Georgia Tech Minor in Biomedical Engineering.
- Master in Biomedical Engineering (MS BMED).
- Master of Biomedical Innovation and Development (MBID).
- Joint Ph.D. program in Biomedical Engineering from Georgia Tech and Emory University.
- Joint Ph.D. program from Georgia Tech, Emory, and Peking University.
- Interdisciplinary Ph.D. programs from both universities in:
- Bioengineering
- Bioinformatics
- Computational Science
- Machine Learning
- Robotics
Why study Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech/Emory University:
- Undergraduate students start with an introductory course, Problems in biomedical engineering, built on the problem-driven learning approach.
- The school is known for rigorous, high-quality academics.
- Georgia Tech has various student groups that can assist students from BME mentoring program to BME machine shop and BME Robotics.
- The school has a specialized Learning Commons space aimed at facilitating networking and mutual learning support.
- The senior courses are hands-on and devoted to designing: Robotics, Cell, and Tissue Engineering Laboratory, Neuroengineering.
- There are several award-winning young faculty members at the BME department.
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Terre Haute, IN
Rose Hulman Institute of Technology is a highly ranked engineering school. All of its engineering programs are ABET-accredited. Its Department of Biology and Biomedical engineering is highly ranked and offers the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- Bachelor of Science in Biology.
- A second major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
- Masters Degree in Biomedical Engineering.
- Minor in Biology/Biomedical Engineering/Biochemistry/microbiology.
Why study Biomedical Engineering at the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology:
- There are faculty members nominated for Fulbright and other awards, as well as specialists in Physics, Nanotechnology, and Biomaterials.
- The coursework is design – and engineering-oriented.
- All students are provided research and design opportunities.
- Students can participate in the International Genetically Engineered Machine competition.
- The school is acclaimed for having small class sizes and a robust support system.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a well-known private university focused on engineering and STEM. All of its engineering programs, including Biomedical Engineering, are ABET-accredited. Its Biomedical Engineering Department offers the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- Master of Biomedical Engineering.
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.
- MEng in Biomedical Engineering.
Why study biomedical engineering in WPI:
- The school is renowned for its hands-on approach and project-based learning.
- The classes are small, and professors are said to be invested in their success.
- The school has an active career development center.
- The school has only three specialization paths, which contributes to less broad and more focused learning:
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering.
- Biomechanics and Nanobiology
- Bioinstrumentation and Signal processing.
- The school has an innovative Biomanufacturing Education and training center.
RPI – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is in the top 50 of American engineering schools. The Department of biomedical engineering views the discipline as an approach where engineering techniques are applied to human physiology. The school offers the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering with a minor in management.
- B.S. in Biomedical Engineering with a Minor in Data Science.
- B.S.Pre-health
- Physician Engineer program – joint with Albany Medical College.
- Co-terminal Graduate degree program.
- Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- MEgng in Biomedical Engineering.
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.
Concentrations available for the Bachelor of Science degree:
- Biomaterials
- Biomechanics
- Biomedical Data Science
- Bioimaging and Medical devices.
Why study Biomedical Engineering at RPI:
- The Department of Biomedical Engineering at RPI is one of the oldest in the nation. Therefore, the faculty has accumulated teaching and practical experience.
- The school faculty and students participate in cutting edge research in biomaterials and innovative medical devices.
- The school provides quality assistance in finding internships, co-op experiences, and other types of career assistance.
- The school has so-called HASS integrative Pathways coursework centered around crucial topics, such as A. I., Neuroscience, Creative design, Arts, Game Design, and others.
- RPI has a reputation for producing hard-working professionals in their respective fields.
Boston University, Boston, MA
Boston University is a relatively large private university with a variety of programs. Its Department of Biomedical Engineering is large and offers the following degrees, concentrations, and special programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering.
- Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- Master of Science in Robotics and Autonomous Systems.
- Minor in Biomedical Engineering.
- Minor in Engineering Science.
- Post – B.S.Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.
- Post- M. S.Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.
- MD/Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering.
Concentrations for undergraduates:
- Concentration in Manufacturing for undergraduate students.
- Concentration in Technology Innovation.
- Concentration in Nanotechnology
- Concentration in energy technology.
- National Association of Engineers Grand Challenge Scholars Concentration.
Special programs:
- Modular Medical/Dental Integrated Curriculum.
- STEM Educator/Engineer program
- Master’s Program for non-Engineers (LEAP).
Why study Biomedical Engineering at Boston University:
- Boston University graduates have a 95% employment rate/graduate school acceptance.
- The faculty of the Department leads ground-breaking research and is even featured in documentaries.
- The University has modern research centers absent in other schools, such as Nanotechnology Innovation Center, Hearing Research Center, Precision Diagnostics Center.
- Senior Design Project offers senior students hands-on design and development experience.
- The students at the B. U.are offered a general education HUB program to figure out interests and pursuits.
Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Purdue University is well recognized for its engineering programs. Its Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering is ABET-accredited and offers the following degrees:
- Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering.
- Master of Science in Biomedical engineering.
- Combined BS/MS in Biomedical Engineering with thesis.
- M. S.in Biomedical Engineering professional option (without thesis).
- MS BME and MBA dual degree.
- MS BME and M. D.dual degree.
- Master of Science in Engineering / M. S.with a concentration in Biomedical Engineering.
- Ph. D.Biomedical Engineering (Post BS/post M. S.).
- Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Biomedical Sciences.
- Combined Clinical MD-Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering (Medical Scientist Training Program).
- Bioengineering interdisciplinary training in Diabetes Research Program.
- Interdisciplinary training program in Auditory Neuroscience.
- Biomedship – educational Program in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Why study Biomedical Engineering at Purdue University?
- The University partners with industry and medical establishments for providing internships and mentorships to students.
- The University supports translational research, for instance in diabetes and hearing loss treatment.
- The building that houses the school is recently built and has both modern facilities and necessary equipment.
- The students and the faculty have participated in research and development that resulted in more than 100 US patents.
- The Program provides excellent preparation for med school.
All of the schools listed above share the main features the prospective students would need to get the most value from a degree in Biomedical engineering: flexible curriculum, opportunities to be trained in design, excellent facilities, well-trained faculty, links to both industry and research, as well as excellent chances of employment for graduates.
Among the school listed, MIT is undoubtedly the best due to its high reputation, rigorous training, and excellent equipment. But reputed engineering schools such as Georgia Tech and RPI also come close and are highly recommended by former graduates.
Cite This Page
Key References
- “Biomedical Engineering (no desire to become a doctor) – Page 2 – College Confidential”. Accessed July 19, 2020. Link.
- “Biomedical Engineering Ranked #3 in U.S. News Graduate Rankings for 2020 | Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory University”. Accessed July 19, 2020. Link.
- “Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute”. Accessed July 19, 2020. Link.
- “Why is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute considered to be a good college, even though it has such low rankings? – Quora”. Accessed July 19, 2020. Link.
