University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

The undergraduate biomedical engineering curriculum blends core engineering principles with foundations in biology, chemistry and physiology to give you technical skills and clinical context. Early years focus on mathematics, calculus-based physics, chemistry and introductory engineering coursework to build quantitative problem-solving ability. Biological coursework typically includes cellular and molecular biology, anatomy and physiology, and systems biology to link engineering approaches with living systems.

Core biomedical engineering modules cover biomechanics, biomaterials, bioinstrumentation, biomedical imaging principles, and systems physiology. Laboratory classes and practical modules develop hands-on skills in experimental design, data analysis, instrumentation and CAD/prototyping. Many students take courses in programming, data science, signal processing and controls to support work in medical devices and computational biology.

The programme culminates in a year-long senior design or capstone project where multidisciplinary teams address an open-ended clinical or technical problem, often working with clinical partners, local companies or research labs. Elective options allow concentration areas such as tissue engineering, medical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, neural engineering, or translational medicine. Opportunities for undergraduate research, internships with hospitals or industry, and entrepreneurship projects are commonly integrated into a student’s pathway.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and seeks students with a strong foundation in STEM subjects. Typical successful applicants will have studied advanced mathematics (calculus), physics and chemistry at high-school level, and will demonstrate proficiency in biology. Admissions consider a combination of academic record, recommendation letters, personal statement and extracurricular experience relevant to engineering or healthcare.

For applicants presenting secondary credentials such as A-levels, IB or equivalent, strong performance in maths and at least two sciences is expected. International applicants should present evidence of adequate preparation in calculus and laboratory sciences. Standardised tests may be considered according to the university’s current admissions policies; applicants should consult the admissions office for up-to-date guidance. Transfer students typically need college-level coursework in calculus, physics and introductory engineering or biology to be considered for the major.

Career prospects

Graduates from biomedical engineering go into a wide range of careers across healthcare, industry and research. Common roles include medical device design and development, quality and regulatory engineering, clinical engineering and hospital technology management, and process or product development in biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies. Strong computational or data science skills open pathways into medical imaging, bioinformatics and health data analytics.

Many graduates also pursue further study—master’s degrees or PhDs in biomedical engineering, materials science, or related fields, as well as professional training in medicine, dentistry, physical therapy or law (particularly patent law). Other career options include consulting, technical sales, entrepreneurship and roles in public health or medical technology policy.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Studying biomedical engineering at UNC–Chapel Hill gives access to interdisciplinary collaboration across a major research university and a leading academic medical centre. Students benefit from partnerships with clinical departments, research centres and industry in the region, providing opportunities for clinical projects, internships and translational research.

The programme emphasises hands-on learning through laboratories, a capstone design experience and opportunities for undergraduate research. Campus resources include engineering and biomedical research facilities, entrepreneurship support for technology translation, and connections with healthcare systems that can inform clinically relevant projects. The department’s collaborative environment is well suited to students who want to work at the interface of engineering, biology and medicine.