Department of Biomedical Engineering - Frequently Asked Questions

Biomedical Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that combines engineering, biology, medicine and technology to improve human health and healthcare systems. Biomedical engineers apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering to develop technologies that solve clinical problems in patient care, medical research, and clinical innovation.

At Stevens Institute of Technology, biomedical engineering students study topics such as biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging, tissue engineering, biomedical instrumentation, and healthcare technologies while gaining hands-on research and laboratory experience.

Biomedical engineering has contributed to many of the technologies and systems used throughout modern medicine and healthcare.

Examples include:

• Artificial organs and prosthetics

• Medical imaging technologies such as MRI and CT systems

• Pacemakers and implantable devices

• Wearable health monitoring technologies

• Surgical robotics and assistive devices

• Biomaterials for implants and tissue engineering

• Drug delivery systems

• Nanotechnologies for cancer treatment and regenerative medicine

• Rehabilitation technologies

• Diagnostic and laboratory instrumentation

Biomedical engineers continue to advance healthcare innovation through research in medical devices, regenerative medicine, computational biology and digital health technologies.

Students interested in becoming biomedical engineers typically begin by taking courses in mathematics and natural sciences during high school.

The next step is earning a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering while engaging in:

• A Design spine integrated curriculum

• Laboratory and research experience

• Internships or cooperative education opportunities

• Engineering design and problem-solving coursework

• Exposure to healthcare and medical technologies

At Stevens, students also participate in design projects, research opportunities and interdisciplinary collaboration that connect engineering concepts with real-world healthcare applications. The Bachelor of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering prepares students through a combination of engineering fundamentals, life sciences and hands-on learning experiences.

Biomedical engineering programs generally include coursework in:

• Mathematics

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Mechanics

• Electrical systems

• Biomaterials

• Biomedical device design

• Programming and computation

• Signals and imaging systems

Students at Stevens complete both foundational engineering coursework and specialized biomedical engineering classes designed to prepare them for careers in healthcare, research and technology industries.

Biomedical engineering graduates pursue careers across healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, research, and medical technology sectors. Career opportunities may include:

• Manufacturing engineer

• Research and development engineer

• Medical device engineer

• Clinical scientist/engineer

• Research scientist

• Rehabilitation engineer

• Product development engineer

• Quality and regulatory specialist

• Healthcare technology consultant

• Biomedical data analyst

• Process engineer

• Control system engineer

Graduates may work for hospitals, research laboratories, biotechnology firms, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies (e.g., NIH, FDA), and medical device manufacturers. Many students continue to pursue careers in patent law, dentistry, medicine, physical therapy or chiropractic school.

Biomedical engineers are not medical doctors unless they separately complete medical school and earn a medical degree.

Biomedical engineers focus on developing technologies, devices and systems that improve healthcare and patient outcomes, while physicians diagnose and treat patients directly. The two professions often collaborate in research, clinical innovation and healthcare technology development.

Yes. Those from other disciplines, including mechanical engineers, can work in biomedical engineering roles, assuming they have sufficient training and understanding of the physiology related to the systems they examine. Mechanical engineers may work in areas such as biomechanics, robotics, medical devices, manufacturing and product design.

Because biomedical engineering is highly interdisciplinary, professionals from mechanical, electrical, chemical and computer engineering backgrounds often contribute to biomedical innovation and healthcare technologies.

Yes. Biomedical engineering graduates often pursue medical or dental school after earning their undergraduate degree.

Biomedical engineering provides strong preparation in mathematics, science and problem-solving while also exposing students to healthcare systems, medical technologies and research environments. This combination can support students interested in careers that bridge medicine and technology.

Yes. Biomedical engineering is a common pathway for students interested in medicine, clinical research and healthcare innovation.

Some graduates pursue:

• Medical school

• Clinical and translational research

• Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals

• Medical technology development

• Healthcare entrepreneurship

• Research in regenerative medicine and biomedical sciences

The field allows students to contribute to healthcare through both direct patient care pathways and technological advancement.

At Stevens, biomedical engineering students prepare for health-professional careers through a rigorous, engineering-based curriculum that emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking applied to real-world challenges. The program equips students to address complex clinical and global health issues. A cornerstone of this preparation is the senior design experience, which is intentionally geared toward healthcare innovation. Student teams work on clinically relevant projects, often collaborating with physicians, hospitals and industry partners to design solutions that address unmet medical needs.

Students further strengthen their preparation through internships, clinical shadowing, EMT service and research, gaining valuable experiential learning. Graduates go on to apply their engineering training across a wide range of health professions, including orthopedic surgery, dentistry, physical therapy and beyond. The department is deeply committed to providing students with the opportunities, mentorship and support needed to succeed in their chosen health-professional pathway.

Yes. Biomedical engineers can work in pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies in areas including:

• Drug delivery systems

• Pharmaceutical manufacturing and process development

• Medical devices

• Biomedical data analytics

• Research and development

• Quality systems and regulatory affairs

• Bioprocess engineering

As healthcare and pharmaceutical industries increasingly integrate advanced technologies and data-driven systems, biomedical engineers play an important role in innovation and product development.

A Ph.D. in biomedical engineering prepares graduates for advanced research, leadership and innovation-focused careers in academia, industry and government.

Doctoral graduates may pursue roles in:

• Academic research and university teaching

• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical research

• Medical device development

• Healthcare technology innovation

• Government and national laboratories

• Computational and data-driven healthcare research

• Translational medicine and regenerative engineering

The Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at Stevens emphasizes advanced research and interdisciplinary collaboration in areas including biomaterials, biomechanics, imaging, tissue engineering, medical devices, and computational biomedical systems.

Stevens offers a technology-focused and research-driven environment for students interested in biomedical engineering and healthcare innovation. Students benefit from:

• Hands-on laboratory and research experiences

• Interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering and science

• Faculty engaged in cutting-edge biomedical research

• Access to advanced facilities and technologies

• Industry-connected experiential learning opportunities

• Proximity to major healthcare, pharmaceutical and technology industries near New York City

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at Stevens prepares students to apply engineering expertise to some of healthcare’s most important challenges through innovation, research, and real-world problem-solving.