Biomedical Engineering

About the biomedical engineering major

Biomedical engineering is a discipline that advances knowledge in engineering, biology, and medicine. This cross-disciplinary work integrates engineering sciences with biomedical sciences and clinical practice.

Examples of biomedical engineering include devices such as implantable cardiac pacemakers, joint replacement implants, biomedical imaging, and innovative drug delivery systems. This major requires you to have a strong interest in science, mathematics, medicine, and the life sciences.

Skills and abilities this major develops: an understanding of complex medical issues; application of math, scientific, and engineering principles to analyze and to solve problems; the use of engineering tools; creativity; and effective communication.

Engaged learning experiences

Regardless of your major or future career, engaged learning is vital to your present and future. It makes you more marketable for jobs and professional schools upon graduation, it enables you to build deeper connections with faculty and staff in your field of study, and it makes your learning personal by connecting your interests and values with the curriculum from your classes. Check out the three ideas below for places to get started, or learn more at IUPUI’s Institute for Engaged Learning website.

Student organizations

ET has many student organizations, which are a great way to build your skills, network, and grow as a professional.

Professional work experience

Grow your skills through internships, co-op, or part-time jobs.

Study abroad

ET has many program-specific study abroad opportunities—a great way to gain cultural competency and grow your skills.

Opportunities after graduation

Employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow 10% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. About 1,200 openings for bioengineers and biomedical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as retirement (Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2022).

According to the IUPUI First Destination Survey in 2021, the average starting salary for graduates from the School of Engineering and Technology with a bachelor's degree was $60,383, and the median was $60,320.

The national median annual salary for bioengineers and biomedical engineers was $97,410 in 2021 (Occupational Outlook Handbook).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

Up to two-thirds of IUPUI biomedical engineers choose to continue their studies in graduate or professional schools. The most common areas for further study include:

Biological or medical sciences
Biomedical engineering
Dentistry
Law
Mechanical engineering
Medicine
Public health

Quick facts

Sample coursework

Biomeasurements
Biomedical engineering design I and II
Biosignals and systems
Cell/tissue behavior and properties
Multivariate calculus
Organic chemistry

Possible careers

Clinical application engineer
Clinical research associate
Project development engineer
Quality assurance specialist
Senior R & D engineer

Where could I work?

Beckman Coulter
Eli Lilly and Company
IUPUI
Philips
Roche
Zimmer Biomet

Complementing interests

IInvestigative

RRealistic

CConventional

Get your interest code

Where to get more information

Department of Biomedical Engineering

(SL 220)

Biomedical Engineering Society

International Federation for Medical and Biological Engineering

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Cluster

This major belongs to the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) cluster. The STEM cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing majors in the sciences, technology, engineering, informatics, and computing. The STEM cluster partners with students on their academic advising and career plans to guide them into their degree-granting schools.

Learn about the STEM cluster

Learn about other clusters

Meet with an advisor or career consultant

Schedule an appointment