Using engineering practices along with biological and medical data, biomedical engineers conduct research to develop medical equipment and products. Keep reading to find out more about bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in biomedical engineering.
Biomedical Engineering Overview
Biomedical engineering is the use of engineering methods to research and develop various medical products, from prosthetic limbs to anesthesia units. While there are a small number of programs that award Bachelor of Science degrees in biomedical engineering, most people get a bachelor's degree in general engineering and work towards a postsecondary degree in an engineering specialty. The most common degrees in biomedical engineering are a Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.).
<h3 id="section---ImportantInformationAboutThisFieldOfStudy">Important Information About This Field Of Study</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Biomedical engineer, professor, surgeon</td></tr>
<tr><td> Prerequisites </td><td> Bachelors - high school diploma or equivalent, Masters/Ph.D. - bachelors degree in science (preferably engineering)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Common Courses </td><td> Cell mechanics, bioengineering, bioengineering design</td></tr>
<tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Math skills, analytical skills, communication skills</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (May 2021)</td><td> $97,410</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Growth (2021-2031)</td><td> 10% (faster than average)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---BachelorOfScienceInBiomedicalEngineering">Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering</h3><p>A Bachelor of Science degree in biomedical engineering usually serves as an entry into a postsecondary program, through some entry-level jobs are available to graduates who have only a bachelor's degree. Since most engineering students obtain bachelor's degrees in general engineering, electrical engineering or mechanical engineering before choosing a specialty for their postgraduate degree, undergraduate programs for biomedical engineering are relatively rare.
</p><h3 id="section---MasterOfScienceInBiomedicalEngineering">Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering</h3><p>There are many more job openings in biomedical engineering for graduates with a master's degree than for those who only have a bachelor's degree. The courses required for a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering generally focus more on the biological and medical aspects of the field, since most undergraduate programs deal with engineering principles. Some classes at the master's degree level include coursework on electrophysiology, bioinstrumentation, rehabilitation engineering and bone mechanics.
</p><h3 id="section---DoctorOfPhilosophyInBiomedicalEngineering">Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering</h3><p>A Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering builds on the foundations provided by bachelor- and master-level programs and allows students to focus on a specialized aspect of the field. Some specialties include biomedical imaging, biomechanics, advanced physiology and molecular biophysics. Job candidates with a Ph.D. may have more narrow options, but will be extremely well-qualified for positions in their specialty and are usually paid a higher salary than people with less education.</p>
