If you enjoy problem-solving, building, and being creative, Bioengineering could be the right college major for you. Bioengineering is a popular choice for students who love both math and science. The typical curriculum includes engineering courses such as calculus and physics, along with medical courses like biology and anatomy. Graduating with a degree in Bioengineering could lead to many career opportunities, including researching and building medical devices. Let’s take a closer look at this college major and how you can prepare for it in high school.
Studying Bioengineering in college
Students majoring in Bioengineering focus on creating techniques to find solutions to issues within their fields. For example, someone with a background in science and engineering could create artificial joints, build prosthetics, and create medical imaging machines. This major is perfect for people with creative perspectives and a passion for science and math. Common college classes include physics, chemistry, and other advanced sciences. There are many schools that offer Bioengineering programs, including prestigious universities such as Johns Hopkins University, Emory, and Duke, as well as less selective yet still respected schools like Clemson, Colorado State, and Drexel.
Related: Great Science and Engineering Schools in New England
Finding your best-fit school and program
To find the perfect Bioengineering program for you, you should search for a variety of criteria. First, make sure your test scores (SAT and/or ACT) and grade point average (GPA) align with the average for accepted applicants in the program in which you’re interested. For example, the University of South Florida recommends students have a minimum SAT Math score of 710 and a minimum ACT Math score of 30. Additionally, they favor applicants with a weighted GPA greater than 4.0. Second, make sure you have completed the high school prerequisites required to apply for the program, such as chemistry, physics, and calculus. Finally, choose a program that will fit your wants and needs: it’s important to like the size, location, social atmosphere, and philosophy of the college you choose.
Preparing for Bioengineering in high school
To prepare for a future Bioengineering major and career, it can be helpful to take advanced math and science courses in high school. In addition, you should tailor your extracurriculars to your interests to help you stand out to colleges. Try joining a robotics or STEM club to boost your résumé and application. Some programs, like the Johns Hopkins Bioengineering program, have a low acceptance rate, so you’ll need to practice and perform well on your standardized tests too. Higher test scores and grades will come in handy when applying to this type of program, and a proven commitment to science or math-related extracurricular activities will help ensure you have a well-rounded application.
Bioengineering career outlook
Bioengineering is a growing career field (projected to grow 4% in the next 10 years) because the future of medicine is through advanced technology and robotics. Bioengineers can work in a variety of settings as scientists, chemists, and other similar careers. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a bioengineer is $80,130 per year. Additionally, many people with a background in Bioengineering move on to med school to become doctors or work in more advanced fields. Graduate study can lead to careers such as clinical engineer of medical devices, clinical trials manager, or surgeon.
Related: What Can You Do With an Engineering Major?
Bioengineering is a great major for students with a passion for math, science, and helping those in need. The ideal applicant is creative, patient, and eager to learn. With a degree in Bioengineering, you could focus on finding and building solutions to problems in health care, food production, agriculture, and other vital areas of focus for our future. This path leads to promising careers and advancement options in fields like medicine, law, business, and many more in the years to come.
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