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Biomedical Engineering, B.S.E.
Biomedical engineers integrate engineering technology, biomedical science, mathematics, and creative problem-solving skills to improve health and quality of human life. They are innovators who design novel medical devices and build synthetic replacement components for the human body. Biomedical engineers develop life-saving technologies like artificial organs, surgical robots, and advanced prosthetics.
Source: EMSI, 2020
Available as a minor.
Program Overview
Students are prepared for engineering careers and leadership roles through B.S.E. and M.S.E programs that integrate academic studies with hands-on learning and paid professional experiences in actual engineering companies. Please visit gvsu.edu/grad/mse for details of the M.S.E. program.
Why Study Biomedical Engineering at Grand Valley?
- Personal attention in small, student-focused classes.
- Extensive hands-on and project-based learning.
- State-of-the-art teaching facilities and laboratory equipment.
- Study/work abroad opportunities.
- Three semesters of paid cooperative-education work experience prior to graduation in recognized domestic and international engineering companies.
- Industry sponsored capstone design projects
- Strong support from our industrial partners who fund many engineering scholarships for graduate and undergraduate students.
- A nearly 100-percent placement rate into work or graduate school for our graduates.
- A combined bachelor's/masters program that allows high-achieving students to complete both the B.S.E. and the M.S.E. in as little as five calendar years.
Location & Format
All undergraduate students begin their academic career on the Allendale Campus. Students in this major continue their upper division studies downtown on the Robert C. Pew Grand Rapids Campus.
Format:- Face To Face
Coursework
A degree in biomedical engineering involve coursework in:
- Anatomy and physiology
- Bioelectric potentials
- Biomaterials
- Biomedical imaging and image processing
- Engineering mechanics of human motion
- Medical device design
- Modeling of physiological systems
Career Options
The following are just a few options for biomedical engineers:
- Medical device design
- Biomedical equipment engineering
- Medical imaging
- Human-factors engineering, i.e., ergonomics
- Motor vehicle safety engineering
- Research and development
- Clinical engineering
- Medical school
Combined Degree Programs
This undergraduate degree can be combined with a master's degree to save you time and money, and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, students save $8,500 in our combined degree programs and take up to four fewer classes than if earning the degrees separately.
You can even build your own combined degree from programs in different disciplines to further personalize your education and meet specific career goals.
Skills Employers Want
The B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering at GVSU will develop the skills you need to land the job you want. Whether the skills are advanced or general, you will build a resume of qualifications that are sure to attract employers. The following skills correlate with those pulled from actual job postings.
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
- Medical Device Development
- New Product Development
- Biology
- Patient Safety
- Mechanical Engineering
Source: EMSI, 2020
Admission Requirements
Students with no previous college credit, or those who have not completed the 64-semester-hour engineering foundations course sequence, are pre-majors. Students who intend to pursue the B.S.E. degree are urged to declare an engineering major as soon as possible.
The School of Engineering admits students directly to major standing as freshmen. This honor is reserved for students who have both a 29 or higher composite score and a 32 or higher mathematics score on the ACT and a 3.6 or higher high school GPA.
Admission to major standing in the B.S.E. program requires a secondary application. Applicants must meet at least the following:
- A GPA of 2.7 or above in the engineering foundations course sequence;
- Completion of each course in the engineering foundations course sequence with a grade of C (2.0) or above with not more than one repeat in each foundation course; and
- Completion of EGR 289 in preparation for placement in cooperative engineering education.
See catalog for details.
Helpful Links
For More Information
School of Engineering
gvsu.edu/engineering
136
Kennedy Hall
(616) 331-6750
“Grand Valley, my department, and my advisor are all active in making sure I have opportunities to get out and present the work I’ve done here and meet people in my field. It helps me get a lot of connections and diverse experiences in Biomedical Engineering.”
PAUL SHIELDS
MSE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, MEDBIOINC
MSE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING, MEDBIOINC