What can you do with a Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering degree?

First, some facts. Of the Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 367 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 73%, Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduates have a higher likelihood (+6%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 73%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 51% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduate.

See the details:

View a random Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduate and our analysis:


Relevance score: 70%

We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2018 from University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. Also pursued further education since (see below).

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Research Specialist (Blair Lab)
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Aug 2018 - Jun 2019
As a Research Specialist at the Blair Lab, the individual applies bioengineering and biomedical engineering principles directly related to their Bachelor's degree in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, utilizing their specialized knowledge and skills regularly.

Pediatrics Resident
UC Davis Health
Jun 2023 - Present
Although the position of Pediatrics Resident at UC Davis Health does not primarily require a background in bioengineering or biomedical engineering, the individual's prior knowledge may assist in understanding certain aspects of pediatric care, making it indirectly relevant.

FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATING
Unknown degree
Drexel University College of Medicine
2019 - 2023
ABOUT

No information provided.

What jobs can you get with a Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering degree?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


When analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with degrees in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, a few common themes emerge regarding the types of jobs they secure and their relevance to their field of study. Many graduates find themselves entering research positions, particularly as research assistants or associates in academic or clinical settings, which actively apply their technical knowledge and are highly relevant to their studies. Positions in scientific research and development, such as scientists or engineers working on biomedical products, also feature prominently among the careers of these graduates.

Beyond research-focused roles, many graduates have transitioned into positions that may initially seem less aligned with bioengineering, such as consulting or engineering management. While these roles can offer transferable skills like problem-solving and project management, many do not directly engage with the core bioengineering principles learned during their education. For instance, roles at companies focused on software development, sales, or logistics tend to rely more on general technical skills rather than specialized biomedical knowledge, reflecting a shift away from the foundational principles of the degree. A significant portion of careers also involves quality assurance in medical technology, which does tap into the engineering background to some extent but often emphasizes regulatory compliance over innovative engineering work.

Overall, while there are career paths directly related to bioengineering and biomedical engineering that utilize the specialized skills and knowledge acquired during their education, the range of jobs varies widely. Many graduates do find positions relevant to their studies, particularly in research and product development; however, others find their work diverging into areas that, while beneficial, do not fully harness the full depth of their education. This highlights the need for graduates to remain adaptable in their career aspirations and to seek opportunities where their engineering background can have the most impact.

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduates:

What kind of career trajectories do Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduates have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Based on the extensive career trajectories of graduates from Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering programs, it appears that these professionals tend to pursue diverse opportunities with varying degrees of alignment to their educational background. Many of the graduates, particularly those just starting their careers, land positions related to research, engineering, and technical support soon after finishing their degrees. For instance, recent graduates have taken up roles such as Research Assistant, Engineering Intern, or Associate Scientist in reputable companies and research institutions, indicating a strong correlation with their field of study. This trend showcases a generally positive outcome for these early-career individuals as they begin in roles that leverage their bioengineering expertise.

As time progresses, about five to ten years into their careers, these graduates typically move towards more advanced positions, often transitioning from entry-level roles to managerial or lead positions in either research or engineering domains. The data illustrates a clear trajectory where many individuals evolve into Senior Scientists, Associate Engineers, or Project Managers, often still within the biomedical and biopharmaceutical sectors. Furthermore, there’s a noticeable number who, after acquiring substantive experience, either shift to leadership roles or expand their skillsets into interdisciplinary domains such as data analysis and product management. However, it's also crucial to note that not every graduate's path remains strictly within bioengineering or biomedical contexts. Some have ventured into unrelated fields or positions that are not directly tied to their degrees, which highlights the varied and sometimes unpredictable nature of career development.

All in all, graduates from these programs generally experience a fruitful journey, with many finding success in areas closely connected to bioengineering and biomedical engineering. While some individuals end up in roles that might seem tangential, the overarching trend indicates that a significant portion of graduates go on to hold relevant and impactful positions in industries aligned with their studies. This reflects the versatility and value of a degree in this field, allowing for mobility and growth both within and outside traditional engineering paths.

How hard is a Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering degree?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering or Biomedical Engineering can be pretty challenging, but it’s not impossible if you’re passionate about the field. You’ll be diving into tough subjects like calculus, physics, and biology, and then applying all that knowledge to solve real-world problems related to healthcare and devices. Expect a good mix of theoretical work and hands-on projects, which can be both rewarding and demanding. If you enjoy science and math, and you're up for the challenge, you might find it manageable or even exciting, but it definitely requires dedication and a solid work ethic. Overall, it’s on the tougher side compared to many other degrees, but how hard it feels really depends on your interests and study habits!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.

Do Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduates tend to make good money?

Looking at the job histories of these Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduates, it’s clear that many of them are landing solid positions that likely pay well. For example, those who gained experience in research roles, especially at known institutions or companies like Abbott and Medtronic, are typically positioned for higher salaries. Graduates with roles like “Senior Clinical Account Specialist” or “Product Manager” are also usually in the $100k+ range, which is pretty good for someone early in their career. On the flip side, some recent grads or individuals in mainstay positions like “Technical Support Engineer” or “Surgical Neurophysiologist” may start lower on the pay scale, but they’re often on tracks that can lead to decent income growth as they gain experience.

Overall, while many appear to have decent earning potential, it really depends on their specific job roles, the companies they work for, and their levels of experience. There's a mix of high-paying clinical and engineering positions right alongside some entry-level or transitional roles. So, it seems that with a bioengineering or biomedical engineering degree, there's a solid chance of making decent money as long as they navigate their career paths wisely.

What buzzwords do Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering. This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
Clemson University 88 16
University of Washington 82 11
University of California, Los Angeles 72 10