Biomedical Engineering is a broad field that encompasses many areas related to improving human health such as implant devices, tissue engineering/regeneration, electrophysiological signaling, and biosensors and imaging technologies for the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. The program integrates physical, chemical, mathematical, and computational sciences and engineering with biology and medicine. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for professional practice and to provide a foundation for lifelong learning and professional growth.

Offered Degrees
Career Opportunities
Co-op Program
International/Study Abroad Programs

Offered Degrees:

The Biomedical Engineering Department at The University of Memphis offers the only biomedical engineering degree within 200 miles.  Our undergraduate program provides graduates with unique training, skills and knowledge for a wide range of career options in medical research, development, education and regulatory oversight, and in medical and legal professions.

Our graduate program is a collaboration of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, the University of Memphis, and their partnering entities. We offer three kinds of graduate degrees in biomedical engineering: the M.S. degree based on a research project; the M.S. degree based on a research thesis; and the Ph.D. degree based on a doctoral dissertation.

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Career Opportunities:

Biomedical engineering is the most rapidly growing field in engineering according to the American Society for Engineering Education (2004). The Biomedical Engineering degree provides graduates with unique training, skills and knowledge for a wide range of career options in medical research, development, education and regulatory oversight, and in medical and legal professions. Students who complete an undergraduate program may immediately fill positions such as R&D design engineer, research and test engineer, regulatory specialist, quality control engineer, technical support engineer or sales engineer. Most students continue their education, earning master's, doctoral, medical, dental, or other professional degrees including law degrees (especially in intellectual property). Surveys conducted in 2002 showed that biomedical engineers earned a median annual income of $60,410. Bachelor's degree candidates received initial employment offers averaging $39,126 a year, while master's degree candidates received offers of about $61,000.

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Co-op Program:

The Cooperative (co-op) Education Program offers students a real-world engineering dimension to their education often referred to as ‘total education.’ The Herff College of Engineering Co-op program may best be summarized as being a unique educational opportunity by which students obtain an academic education and at the same time obtain a minimum of one year of vitally needed practical experience in their chosen field of study. Co-op opportunities exist with many of the biomedical companies in the Memphis area including, Medtronic, Smith-Nephew, Wright Medical Technologies Inc., Odessey Medical Inc., Onyx, Gyrus ENT Inc., GE Medical Systems. Students interested in co-op opportunities should contact Ms. Shelia Moses, Program Services Specialist in the HCoE Dean’s office (phone 678-4933; srmoses@memphis.edu).

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International/Study Abroad Programs:

Engineering is a global industry and profession in which engineers, scientists, and managers from diverse backgrounds and cultures must function in a dynamic international environment. Engineers may be involved with several design teams on several continents linked electronically. Engineers are often called upon daily to deal with foreign suppliers and customers. Opportunities for students to experience work and education in different countries and experience different cultures will allow them to be more competitive and successful in the international engineering and business markets and in the changing global environment. Contact The University of Memphis Study Abroad Office (http://cipsweb.memphis.edu/abroad/default.shtml) to find out about different study abroad programs, requirements, and scholarships.

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