Why do we have an application process into the biomedical engineering program?
Program ramp-up will involve controlled enrollment over the first several cohorts into the biomedical engineering program to ensure a quality experience for students in labs, design courses and throughout the curriculum. Thus for these cohorts, students will apply and be selected for the program.
What will the application process into the biomedical engineering program look like?
• All students with interest in the biomedical engineering program will be invited to take the BME first-year curriculum and apply for acceptance into the biomedical engineering major after the first year curriculum is complete.
• The following information will be used to assess applications
o An essay question
o A biomedical engineering foundational GPA consisting of grades in calculus (MATH 166), chemistry (CHEM 167 or 177), biology (BIOL 212) and introductory biomedical engineering course (B M E 160) (or the second biomedical engineering course (B M E 220)) taken at Iowa State University
o A cumulative GPA consisting of grades from Iowa State University courses
o An interview
• A biomedical engineering admissions committee will evaluate applicants based on the above criteria.
• Students will complete the application process by the end of May 2024 and will be notified of the admission into the program by the beginning of July 2024.
How do I declare my interest in majoring in biomedical engineering if I am coming from high school to Iowa State University in the Fall of 2023?
• When you apply to ISU, choose biomedical engineering as your major from the drop down box on your application for admission.
• If you have already applied, logon to your Admissions MyAccount and change your major to biomedical engineering or call Iowa State’s admissions office and talk to your admissions counselor.
• Ideally, you should make this change before orientation, so we can organize an orientation that meets your needs.
• Once you have selected BME, we will reach out to set your course schedule to ensure you take the foundational courses for the selection process.
How do I declare my interest in majoring in biomedical engineering if I am already at Iowa State University and pursuing another major?
• Students that arrived at Iowa State University before Fall 2023 can apply to the biomedical engineering program. However, please note that required core biomedical engineering courses will only be available at times when the incoming freshman in Fall 2023 will need them. This will add time to completion of your degree.
• Send an email to bme-advising@iastate.edu.
• Ensure that you have completed or enroll in the introductory biology class (BIOL 212) in Fall of 2023 and plan to take the second biomedical engineering course (B M E 220) in the spring of 2024.
How do I declare my interest in majoring in biomedical engineering if I am transferring to Iowa State University in the Fall of 2023?
• Students that transfer to Iowa State University in the Fall 2023 can apply to the biomedical engineering program. However, please note that required core biomedical engineering courses will only be available at times when the incoming freshman in Fall 2023 will need them. This may add time to completion of your degree.
• When you apply, choose biomedical engineering as your major.
• If you have already applied, enter your Admissions MyAccount and change your major to biomedical engineering or call Iowa State’s admissions office and talk to your admissions counselor.
• Ideally, you should make this change before orientation, so we can organize an orientation that meets your needs.
• Send an email to bme-advising@iastate.edu.
• Ensure that you have completed or enroll in the introductory biology class (BIOL 212) in Fall of 2023 and plan to take the second biomedical engineering course (B M E 220) in the spring of 2024.
What if I have taken some or all of the biomedical engineering foundational courses already?
• You must take either the introductory biomedical engineering course (B M E 160) or the second biomedical engineering course (B M E 220) along with one other foundational course at ISU.
• Send an email to bme-advising@iastate.edu to make sure you plan your first year in accordance with your transfer credits.
What if I am not ready to take calculus I when I arrive at Iowa State University?
• Send an email to bme-advising@iastate.edu.
• Complete pre-calculus in the fall.
• Plan to take calculus and B M E 160 in the spring.
• This may delay your graduation.
What if I find out biomedical engineering is not for me?
• The first-year engineering courses in BME apply to all other engineering majors, so you can easily work with the biomedical engineering advisor and College of Engineering advisors to choose another major you’re interested in. You will be on-path to continue a Cyclone Engineering degree in another major’s four-year curriculum plan.
• Iowa State also offers a
minor in biomedical engineering that can be combined with any of our other engineering majors.
When do I find out if I have been admitted into the biomedical engineering program?
• Students will complete the application process by the end of May 2024 and will be notified of the admission into the program by the beginning July 2024.
• The first-year foundational engineering courses apply to all other engineering majors, so you can easily work with the biomedical engineering advisor and College of Engineering advisors to choose another major you’re interested in. You will be on-path to continue a Cyclone Engineering degree in another major’s four-year curriculum plan.
• Iowa State also offers a minor in biomedical engineering that can be combined with any of our other engineering majors.
Is this program accredited?
• As with our other ABET accredited programs, we will seek ABET accreditation once the first cohort graduates as per their requirements.
• When the program is accredited, it will be retroactive to two years and will include the degrees obtained by the first cohort.
How do I find out more information about how study Biomedical Engineering at Iowa State University?
• Attend one or more virtual information sessions to be scheduled in Spring 2023.
• Contact Ian Schneider, Professor in Charge of Biomedical Engineering (ians@iastate.edu, 515-294-0450) or e-mail bme-advising@iastate.edu.
