biomedical engineering

In 2010, the College of Engineering initiated an undergraduate program in biomedical engineering. This academically intensive program integrates engineering and biomedical sciences throughout the four-year curriculum. The program features seven semesters of engineering design and problem solving focused on challenges at the interface of biology, medicine and engineering, as well as traditional classroom and laboratory learning. The design sequence culminates with the senior year design capstone project, where students partner with an industry or clinic professional to design a solution to a real-world problem.

What you'll learn in biomedical engineering

With a bachelor's in biomedical engineering from Wayne State University, you'll be equipped to:

• Work with individuals of diverse backgrounds on multidisciplinary problems to translate biomedical science into applications across the health and life sciences.
• Advance tools to solve biomedical engineering problems and design biomedical engineering systems.
• Continue your education and self-directed learning in engineering and biomedicine.

Curriculum

From the first week of the program, through an ongoing partnership with the Medical School and affiliated hospitals, students are introduced to real world biomedical engineering problems and tools so as to develop a thorough understanding of the challenges faced in clinical medicine. All students are also encouraged to become actively involved in one of the research groups of the department for which opportunities are available as early as freshman year. Before the junior year all biomedical engineering students must select one of three concentrations: biomaterials, biomechanics, or bio-medical instrumentation.

Review the B.S. in biomedical engineering curriculum.

Career outlook for individuals with a B.S. in biomedical engineering

Biomedical engineers can get jobs in a wide range of fields due to learning a wide range of topics. The field continues to grow as the human population continues to grow and live longer. Salary also varies depending on what field one goes into. Some examples of common career paths that biomedical engineers can go into are:

• Clinical engineer (work in hospitals to perform maintenance and repairs to medical devices)
• Medical device design
• Quality control of medical devices
• Regulatory of medical devices
• Automotive safety
• Research
• Medical school

Admission requirements

BME program application decisions are made after university admission. Applications from students not admitted to the university will not be considered.

Freshmen

Minimum admissions criteria for incoming freshmen are:

• High School GPA: 3.2
• Composite/Total Score: 
  • ACT Composite: 23/ACT Math: 26
  • SAT Combined:1150/SAT Math: 620

The department does not have absolute cut-offs for admission.

Prerequisite coursework for incoming freshmen

• Students entering from high school are encouraged to take the following tests:
  • AP and IB Chemistry
  • AP and IB Calculus (Math)
  • AP and IB Biology
  • AP and IB English
• All first-year students in the program are expected to place into at least Calculus I (MAT 2010) and General Chemistry (CHM 1125 and 1130). Math placement is accomplished through testing (ACT, SAT, or Math Placement Exam: test, material) or transfer credit. Chemistry placement is accomplished through a passing score in AP Chemistry, the Chemistry Placement Exam (test, material), or transfer credit. Transfer credit can be earned through a course at another college, receiving a passing score in AP and IB Chemistry and Calculus tests will allow the student to be placed directly into the BSBME program. 

Review available tests, scores and equivalencies.

Students who wish to be considered for all university merit scholarships should apply by December 1. Merit scholarship decisions are made by the university and are independent of the BME program admission process.

Transfer students

Students may apply as transfer students after completing college-level coursework at Wayne State University or other post-secondary institutions.

Transfer students are expected to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.3.

For students transferring from other institutions, the appropriate course requirements can be determined by reviewing the BSBME curriculum and referring to the WSU transfer equivalency tables. If courses are not listed in the transfer tables, an evaluation for equivalency has not yet been made. In such cases, students are encouraged to submit course syllabi with their application for a preliminary review.

BME undergraduate program transfer guides

The undergraduate BME program at Wayne State is a four-year, cohort-based curriculum. Therefore, in order to prepare for admission as a transfer student, prospective students must complete a minimum set of courses so that they can join the cohort at the appropriate point in the program. Students who do not meet the full set of prerequisites may request consideration for admission at an earlier point in the program.

Wayne State transfer and AP credit evaluation

Prerequisite coursework for transfer students

Students who want to join the program for the second year must have completed the following courses:

• Math: MAT 2010 and MAT 2020
• Chemistry: CHM 1125 and 1130
• Physics: PHY 2175
• English: ENG 1020
• Biology: BIO 1510 (+ BIO 1511)
• Engineering: BE 1200, 1300, 1310 and BE 1500

Visit the Transfer Credit website for more information on how to transition to Wayne State University.

Wayne State student testimonial

The opportunities that have been presented to me and my colleagues are incredible - the collaboration and uplifting culture at the College of Engineering is unprecedented. It is frequently encouraged to get involved and make lasting connections with professors.

Pranav Rajaram, 4th year BME student

Accreditation

The Wayne State University bachelor of science program in biomedical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. ABET is a nonprofit, ISO 9001-certified organizations that accredits college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology. It assures confidence that a college program has met standards essential to preparing graduates to enter the professional world.

Learn more about Wayne State University's biomedical engineering program outcomes and ABET accreditation.

Questions?

Questions regarding admissions procedures and requirements for both freshmen and transfer students should be referred to BME Academic Advisor Namrata Murthy.

Each applicant is evaluated as an individual. Your admission to WSU is based on a review of many factors, which may include:

• High school or secondary school academic performance

• Submit an SAT/ACT score, or submit test-optional documents (two letters of recommendation, two essays, and an activities list).

• Rigor of high school curriculum

• Meeting Wayne State's English proficiency requirements

• Any other supporting documentation requested

• Submit all application documents by December 1 to be considered for merit-based scholarships. 

Additional requirements

• English translations of documents must bear the seal/stamp of the issuing institution.

• Your statement of financial support cannot be older than six months.

• Bank supporting documentation must show the dollar amount equivalent to the financial requirements (pdf) for undergraduate international students.

• English proficiency tests cannot be more than two years old.

• Checks drawn on foreign banks should carry the notation "Payable in U.S. funds, plus service charges."