Biomedical engineering will get you hands-on experience in using engineering to solve challenging medical problems – all to help keep your community healthier. Work to improve cell and pharmaceutical delivery systems, build medical devices, and drive innovation in the medical field.
Iowa State Engineers get hired. And we’re here to help connect you to internships and full-time jobs.
College is more than just academics. Join the community and you’ll find friends, new perspectives and experiences—and support.
I was initially attracted to being a BME major because of my interest in attending medical school while also wanting to be an engineer. I believe that because of our emphasis here at ISU on research and innovation, this is the right place for me.
Tessa Strand, biomedical engineering
The curriculum of biomedical engineering includes broad training in math, chemistry, physics, biology as well as engineering sciences such as thermodynamics, materials, fluid and solid mechanics and circuits. The curriculum also provides training in areas such as disease therapeutics and drug delivery, implants and tissue engineering, advanced diagnostics and biosensors, prosthetics and organ mechanics, medical device manufacturing, and medical imaging and equipment electronics. This training will culminate in lab and design courses that will emphasize a synthesis of these topics to design, build and test biomedical systems.
Students can choose from three focus areas:
Do you want to engineer tomorrow’s healthcare technologies? Create new biosensors and medical devices? Come up with better ways to diagnose and treat disease? Work on software and systems that improve healthcare? In Iowa State’s biomedical engineering major, you’ll get hands-on experience in using engineering to solve challenging medical problems – all to help keep your community healthier.
Each year, Iowa State awards millions of dollars in scholarships to students. Learn more about scholarship opportunities for:
More information about cost of attendance and other types of aid is available from the Office of Student Financial Aid.
Orientation is for students who have accepted admission to Iowa State and plan to enroll in an upcoming term. During orientation you will be provided the opportunity to:
The basic program for engineering majors is a set of courses common to all engineering curricula. Students normally enroll in the majority of the basic program courses during their first year.
Learn more about new student orientation and the first-year engineering program.
Many high school students have access to college-level courses in high school. We know it’s in your nature to maximize your opportunities.
Learn more about what’s required, what’s recommended and what will transfer
Iowa State University students are required to own or obtain a laptop computer appropriate to your discipline and program of study.
College of Engineering laptop computer recommendations
Engineering International Programs can help you find study or work abroad experiences suited to your interests and goals. Expert staff can assist with course enrollment and transfers to keep you on track for graduation.
Learn more about Engineering International Programs
Participation in a co-op or internship is a great way to gain real-world work experience. Students are employed by industry and government organizations in positions related to their major field of study. Unlike a typical part-time or summer job, an engineering co-op or internship must Involve the Practice of Engineering, and students must be paid. Co-ops and internships are not required by the college, but they are highly encouraged.
Learn more about Internships and Co-ops
There are also opportunities for students to work alongside professors doing research in areas related to their major field of study.
Learn more about Undergraduate Research Opportunities
1300 Marston Hall, 533 Morrill Road, Ames, IA 50011
Phone: (515) 294-7186
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
