Program Overview

Biomedical Engineering Program

Overview

The Biomedical Engineering program at Virginia Commonwealth University applies engineering expertise to analyze and solve problems in biology and medicine, enhancing healthcare. Students learn to work with living systems and apply advanced technology to complex medical care problems. Biomedical engineers collaborate with healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, therapists, and technicians, to improve diagnostic, therapeutic, and health delivery systems.

Program Description

Biomedical engineers design medical instruments and devices, develop medical software, and engage in tissue and cellular engineering. They may also develop new procedures or conduct research to solve clinical problems. The program includes hands-on REAL laboratories and a year-long capstone with REAL experience.

Career Opportunities

Biomedical engineers develop devices and procedures to solve medical and health-related problems by combining biology and medicine with engineering principles. Many conduct research with medical scientists to develop and evaluate systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, and medical information systems.

Change of Major Requirements

To change majors, students must have a VCU GPA of 3.0 or greater, with a minimum of 12 VCU credit hours earned. They must also complete specific courses with grades of "B" or higher.

Bachelor-Level Job Titles

• Business consultant
  • Clinical engineer
  • Human factors engineer
  • Manufacturing engineer
  • Patent examiner
  • Policy analyst
  • Product development engineer
  • Quality engineer
  • Regulatory affairs specialist
  • Research and development engineer
  • Sales engineer

Graduate and Professional Level Job Titles

• College Professor
• Device Engineer
• Director of Clinical Research
• Medical Equipment Design & Development Engineer
• Project Leader
• Research & Development Engineer
• Research Scientist

Professional Associations and Resources

• American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering Society

Degree Requirements

The Biomedical Engineering program offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. An accelerated Bachelor's-to-Master's program is also available.

Plan of Study

The plan of study for the Biomedical Engineering program includes a series of courses and experiences designed to prepare students for careers in biomedical engineering.

Requirements

• Highest level of math required: MATH 307, STAT 212
• Science required: 5+ additional science courses
• Foreign language requirements: No
• Additional tuition/fees: Yes
• GPA requirements: Students with a cumulative institutional GPA of 3.0+ and with grades of B or better in math and science courses are good candidates for this major.

Yearly Program Outline

Year 1: Explore

• MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enroll in a student success course
  • Map out a 4-year course plan
  • Meet with a writing consultant
  • Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor
  • Sharpen study skills
  • Register for the highest level math and EGRB 101 and EGRB 102
• GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Apply to live in a program-in-residence or living learning community
  • Consider applying to the Honors College
  • Get involved in student clubs and organizations
  • Participate in RAM CAMP
  • Register to vote and explore Richmond's museums and parks
  • Join an engineering student organization
• DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Check out the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs
  • Connect with the Global Education Office
  • Join RAMmalogues
  • Review Global Learning's Major Advising Sheets
  • Explore membership in NSBE, SHPE, SWE, VINE, or oSTEM
• EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Activate a Handshake profile
  • Apply to be a Division of Student Affairs peer leader
  • Seek research opportunities
  • Set up a profile in the Student Opportunity Center
  • Attend alumni and industry presentations
  • Take ENGR 395
• PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Access a free credit report
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile
  • Explore "What Can I Do With This Major"
  • Join Students Today Alumni Tomorrow
  • Make a 4-year affordability plan
  • Attend the College of Engineering's internship and career fair

Year 2: Experience

• MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Explore innovation and business
    on-profit creation classes
  • Get familiar with the research process
  • Schedule an appointment with an advisor
  • Continue progression in engineering and mathematics coursework
• GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Discuss personal and professional interests with faculty
  • Join the Residence Hall Association
  • Learn about the Sophomore Year Experience
  • Take a service-learning class
  • Volunteer to address a social issue
  • Participate in RamHacks or HealthHacks
  • Consider tutoring for the College of Engineering
• DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Apply for the Critical Languages Scholarship
  • Explore social issues and develop cultural competency skills
  • Investigate globally-focused courses
  • Make friends with diverse perspectives
  • Join a cultural or identity-related organization
• EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Attend career and internship fairs
  • Complete a gap analysis
  • Explore global career options
  • Organize examples of academic and professional experiences
  • Pursue a digital badge
  • Seek out practical experience
  • Attend Alumni and Industry presentations
  • Apply for internships, co-ops, and VIP Teams
• PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Ask a faculty or staff member to be an academic and professional mentor
  • Build a resume and LinkedIn profile
  • Conduct informational interviews
  • Connect with alumni on VCULink
  • Meet with a coach in the Financial Success Center
  • Attend the College of Engineering's internship and career fair
  • Consider attending a regional or national career fair

Year 3: Experience

• MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Enhance business, software, technology, and creative skills
  • See academic and career advisors
  • Take a virtual library tour
  • Attend or present a poster at a scientific meeting
  • Begin consideration of a technical elective and preferred program "track"
• GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Attend civic meetings
  • Design a community-engaged research project
  • Make an appointment with the National Scholarship Office
  • Motivate peers by presenting at Leaders Unleashed
  • Further explore the City of Richmond and the Commonwealth of Virginia
  • Consider joining an in-major mentoring network
• DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Build language proficiency and cultural competence
  • Explore new cultures at Richmond's festivals
  • Get required REAL experience
  • Prepare for future work on multidisciplinary and multicultural teams
  • Practice communication and interpersonal skills
• EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Apply for the Graduate School Mentorship Program
  • Get expert advice from VCU Alumni
  • Take advantage of mock interview opportunities
  • Work on developing a professional online presence
  • Attend the Senior Capstone Expo
• PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Make a plan with academic, career, and faculty advisors
  • Prepare for job offer negotiation
  • Study for and complete any standardized exams
  • Attend the College of Engineering's internship and career fair
  • Research graduate programs

Year 4: Excel

• MAXIMIZE COURSE AND DEGREE PLANNING
  • Choose REAL electives
  • Schedule an appointment with an academic advisor
  • Choose courses emphasizing content and skills relevant to post-graduation opportunities
  • Declare any outstanding minors
• GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
  • Apply for post-graduation programs
  • Attend professional association conferences
  • Serve in a leadership role on campus
  • Participate in civic organizations
  • Volunteer at an organization
• DEVELOP CULTURAL AGILITY
  • Carry out globally-oriented research projects
  • Master answers to interview questions about experience working with diverse populations
  • Plan for growing cultural agility after graduation
  • Read scholarly articles about diversity in the field
  • Visit the Museum District's offerings
• EXPLORE CAREERS AND DEVELOP ESSENTIAL SKILLS
  • Consider becoming an educator
  • Meet with an academic or professional mentor
  • Publish original research
  • Present research through the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program
  • Reflect on experiential learning
• PREPARING FOR LIFE AFTER COLLEGE
  • Connect with the Office of VCU Alumni Relations
  • Have a personal statement or cover letter reviewed
  • Prepare for graduation
  • Single out prospective employers
  • Attend the College of Engineering's internship and career fair
  • Research prospective employers