University of Massachusetts Amherst

What you'll study

The programme delivers a foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry and core engineering alongside specialised biomedical topics. Year‑by‑year you progress from fundamental engineering coursework into applied biomedical subjects, laboratory training and a team‑based senior design project.

• Core engineering and sciences: calculus, differential equations, general and modern physics, general chemistry, introductory biology, materials science and circuits.
• Biomedical fundamentals: biomaterials, biomechanics, cellular and molecular bioengineering, physiology for engineers.
• Systems and instrumentation: biomedical signals and systems, medical instrumentation, sensors, imaging fundamentals and data acquisition.
• Advanced and applied topics: tissue engineering, biomolecular engineering, medical device design, bioinformatics and computational modelling.
• Laboratory and design experience: hands‑on labs in instrumentation and biomaterials, computational labs, and a year‑long or semester senior capstone design project with an industry or faculty sponsor.
• Supporting skills: engineering ethics, professional communication, statistics, and electives that may include entrepreneurship, regulatory affairs or applied biology.

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance in secondary school subjects, particularly in mathematics and the sciences. Typical expectations include:

• High school coursework in calculus (or equivalent), physics and chemistry; biology is strongly recommended.
• Competitive academic grades across a rigorous curriculum; selective programmes favour applicants with strong grades in STEM subjects.
• Personal statement or application essay outlining interest in biomedical engineering and relevant experiences such as laboratory work, engineering projects or healthcare exposure.
• Letters of recommendation from teachers who can speak to the applicant's aptitude in maths and sciences are helpful.
• International applicants must meet the university's demonstrated English language proficiency requirements.

Some applicants may also strengthen their application with extracurricular STEM activities, internships, research experience or relevant work. Admission is competitive and based on a holistic review of academic record and supporting materials.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BSc in Biomedical Engineering are prepared for careers across healthcare, industry and research. Common pathways include:

• Design and development of medical devices and diagnostics for industry employers or start‑ups.
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical roles in process development, manufacturing support and quality assurance.
• Clinical engineering positions supporting hospitals and healthcare systems, including equipment management and implementation of new technologies.
• Data‑focused roles in biomedical signal processing, imaging analysis and bioinformatics.
• Further study in graduate programmes (MS/PhD) in engineering, biomedical sciences or medicine, as well as professional degrees such as MD or regulatory and patent law.
• Consulting, product management or entrepreneurship in life‑science and health‑technology sectors.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass Amherst offers an engineering education with strong interdisciplinary research links to life sciences and health‑technology initiatives. Students benefit from access to modern teaching laboratories, faculty engaged in translational research and opportunities to join research centres and institutes on campus.

• Research and facilities: opportunities to work in labs focused on tissue engineering, biomaterials, imaging and bioinformatics, providing practical research experience alongside coursework.
• Industry connections and hands‑on learning: collaborations with regional medical device and biotech companies, internship and co‑op pathways, and a project‑based senior design experience that connects students with real‑world problems.
• Supportive engineering community: student societies, design teams and mentoring from faculty and career services to help with internships, graduate‑school applications and job placement.

Together, these elements make UMass Amherst a programme choice for students who want a rigorous engineering foundation combined with opportunities to specialise in biomedical applications and transition into industry, clinical support roles or advanced study.