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Photo of GVSU Biomedical Engineering student at her co-op internship.

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.

Visit the program website for more information.

This program requires a secondary admission process.
Available as a minor.

Program Overview

Grand Valley's Biomedical Engineering (B.S.E.) program prepares students for engineering careers and leadership roles. It integrates academic studies with hands-on learning and paid professional experiences in actual engineering companies. Grand Valley also offers a graduate program in engineering for those who want to expand their knowledge and skills.

Why Study Biomedical Engineering at Grand Valley?

  • Prepare for a career where you can directly impact lives by designing medical devices, modeling physiologic systems, and developing medical instrumentation.
  • Work with state-of-the-art motion capture equipment, tools for testing physiologic signals, and advanced prototyping capabilities to design and analyze biomedical systems.
  • Complete real-world hands-on projects in small, student-focused courses.
  • Partner with industry supporters who sponsor capstone design projects, fund engineering scholarships, and provide career opportunities.
  • Join a group of successful graduates who have achieved a nearly 100% placement in industry-based careers or advanced graduate study.

Career Insights

This tool shows an overview of potential career opportunities for this major. Actual salaries, employment opportunities, and job titles may change over time.

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 involves coursework in:

  • Medical device design
  • Bioelectric potentials
  • Biomaterials
  • Biomedical imaging and image processing
  • Biomechanics of human motion
  • Modeling of physiological systems
  • Anatomy and physiology

Combined Degree Programs

Many GVSU undergraduate programs can be combined with an existing master’s degree program to save on tuition and get you into the workforce sooner. On average, you can save $8,500 by pursuing a combined degree and take up to four fewer courses than if earning the degrees separately.

Talk with an advisor about how you can build your combined degree from existing programs to further personalize your education and create your own niche area of expertise.

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

Hands-on learning and other fieldwork not only deepen your mastery of your discipline but also give you the edge employers seek. Visit our experience matters page to see the work GVSU students are doing in their co-ops and internships.

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.

For More Information

Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering

gvsu.edu/engineering
136 Kennedy Hall
(616) 331-6750

Admissions and Recruitment Office

gvsu.edu/admissions

 

"Grand Valley's curriculum is tailored towards hands-on experiences through in-class projects and the required co-op that have prepared me and made me confident transitioning into industry. The low student-to-faculty ratio has allowed me to build personal relationships with faculty, which have opened doors to unique opportunities throughout my undergraduate degree."

JENNA DOYLE
BSE BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING