Are you still trying to decide which program of study best fits your intellectual and professional goals? If so, Drexel's School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems is ready to answer your questions about one of the most important decisions in your life. If you would like to speak with us about the many and diverse opportunities available in Biomedical Engineering, our contact information appears below. In the meantime, we have compiled answers to some of the questions that are most frequently asked by applicants regarding Drexel's undergraduate Biomedical Engineering program.

Q. What is Biomedical Engineering?

A. Engineering is essentially Integrating all available knowledge for a purpose and Biomedical Engineering is developing innovative biologics, materials, processes, implants, devices and informatics approaches for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease; rehabilitation; and improving health.

Q. What can you tell me about the biomedical engineering majors at Drexel?

A. Biomedical Engineering majors at Drexel have distinguished academic records. They meet and exceed our high admission standards. Our Biomedical Engineering undergraduates have won many national and university awards and honors for their research, service, and academic achievements.

Q. What distinguishes Drexel's School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems undergraduate program from those of other universities?

A. Our School offers one of the most unique and comprehensive ABET-accredited programs in the country. Our cooperative education (co-op) program offers 6 month cycles of real world experience in industry and opportunities to work on cutting edge research. In our undergraduate program, coursework alternates with experiential learning in industry, healthcare institutions, and medical laboratories, including work with our distinguished faculty in Drexel's world-class laboratories on tissue engineering, bionanotechnology, biomechanics and biomaterials, biosensors and bioimaging, neuroengineering, and bioinformatics. These emerging research directions in Biomedical Engineering anchor our curriculum and set it apart from other universities.

Q. Are there opportunities to participate in research and design while taking classes?

A. Students who are interested in research are welcome to join one of the teams working in our laboratories on breakthrough research in tissue engineering, bionanotechnology, biomechanics and biomaterials, biosensors and bioimaging, neuroengineering, and bioinformatics. Our program also provides students with design experience, beginning in their freshmen year and culminating in a capstone senior design project. Many of our students' designs have intellectual property value (such as patents and copyrights) that have become the basis of new companies they have formed, with support from The Close School of Entrepreneurship.

Q. What can you tell me about academic and professional advising in biomedical engineering?

A. The BIOMED Office of Student Services provides academic support and assistance to all undergraduate students in the School. Our advising team can help you in a variety of areas including academic advising, registration and scheduling, transferring credits to Drexel, enhanced academic options, personal support, and the explanation of University programs, policies and procedures. Our advisors also assist new freshmen and transfer students in their transition to Drexel University. Faculty in the School are dedicated to student success and serve as mentors to guide students to becoming professional Biomedical Engineers.

Q. I am told that biomedical engineering is the best practical pre-med major. Can you explain why?

A. Biomedical Engineering is a natural course of study that can lead to successful enrollment in medical and dental schools. Our program equips students with engineering skills that are excellent preparation for rewarding and productive careers in modern medicine, which is technology driven and research based.

Q. Does Drexel offer accelerated and integrated academic programs?

A. Qualified Biomedical Engineering students may apply to our combined and accelerated Bachelor of Science/Master of Science (BS/MS) program or Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine (BS/MD) program. The latter program is offered in collaboration with Drexel's College of Medicine.

Q. Does Drexel offer an honors program?

A. Yes, Biomedical Engineering students may also be invited to enroll in our Pennoni Honors College, which offers special co-curricular, social, and service experiences for a select group of academically talented undergraduate students

Q. What's the Philadelphia region like?

A. The Philadelphia region is ideal for studying biomedical engineering, since our region boasts one of the highest concentrations of medical universities and hospitals, biomedical device and systems companies, bio-pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and health systems industries in the United States. Our School takes advantage of this richness by forming academic alliances with regional academic and research institutions and by partnering with a large number of corporations. Our urban setting and our proximity to a variety of cultural centers in and around Philadelphia are a bonus for those students who wish to grow not only academically, but also intellectually and socially during their college years.

Q: What’s the difference between the 4-year and 5-year program?

The 4-year program requires only one Cooperative Learning Experience (or Co-op cycle) and the 5-year requires three Co-op cycles. The curricular portions of both programs are identical.

Q: Which co-op option do most Biomedical Engineering students choose and why?

Most Biomedical Engineering students choose the 5-year program so they can graduate with 18 months of work experience. The 5-year program also allows you to pursue the accelerated dual degree BS/MS program if you would like to do so.

Q: I’ve heard of the BS/MS program. Can I really get both degrees in five years?

Yes, the BS/MS program is designed so students can earn both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the same 5-year program. Regardless of pre-acceptance, all students must formally apply when they have completed between 90-120 credits and meet their Biomedical Engineering requirements.