Program Overview
Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
The Biomedical Engineering program at Vanderbilt University is a pioneer in its field, offering the Bachelor of Engineering degree in Biomedical Engineering since 1968. This program combines math, science, engineering, design, and a broader education in the liberal arts to prepare biomedical engineers who will advance human health.
Why Study Biomedical Engineering?
Biomedical engineering brings together engineering, science, and technology to solve problems in medicine and healthcare. Biomedical engineers develop and design biomedical devices, systems, and processes for fundamental discovery as well as clinical translation in medicine. Students in this program want to be involved in improving health, developing solutions to major health concerns, and building devices that will allow for innovative surgical procedures.
Vanderbilt Engineering Advantage
The Vanderbilt biomedical engineering program is one of the most well-respected programs nationally. Students in this program will be engineers with fundamentals in chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics. From the first day of class, students will be actively engaged in projects that require integration of classroom knowledge with physical application. Working closely with faculty in instructional labs, research labs, and in various makerspaces around campus, students will be part of cutting-edge research to develop new solutions to real problems.
Special Opportunities in Vanderbilt Engineering
With many options to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Students can add a minor or double major to put an emphasis on their specialty. They can get involved in research from their first year and continue through graduation. The immediate proximity of Vanderbilt BME department and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, both top research institutions, provide a tremendous wealth of opportunities for student involvement in BME research. High achieving students are encouraged to participate in the honors program, completing a research project and graduate level coursework. During the summer, students can participate in internships or research summer programs.
Career Opportunities
Whether students want to go into industry, academia, or medicine, a BME degree from Vanderbilt will get them there. Graduates take positions with employers focused on medical equipment, medical computing, biomedical imaging, regulatory affairs, biomedical research, software, and teaching as well as government and military service. They receive excellent job offers, go to prestigious graduate schools, and attend top medical schools.
Research Areas
Biomedical engineers at Vanderbilt learn about:
- Biophotonics
- Medical imaging and devices
- Synthetic biology and cellular design
- Neural engineering
- Computational modeling
- Nanobiotechnology
- Biomaterials
- Computer-aided drafting for BME design
Program Details
The Biomedical Engineering program at Vanderbilt University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in biomedical engineering. The program includes a capstone senior design project, which demonstrates students' engineering expertise, creative problem-solving, scientific communication skills, and possibly their entrepreneurial endeavors. The program is home to 35 primary faculty and more than 70 secondary faculty, each with the Vanderbilt educational and research mission at heart. With small classes and ample opportunity to work in research labs, faculty will know students well and help them find the best application of their talents and interests.