Biomedical Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California offers a comprehensive and rigorous educational experience designed to prepare students for innovative careers at the intersection of medicine, engineering, and technology. This program emphasizes a strong foundation in core engineering principles, combined with in-depth coursework in biological sciences, physiology, and medical device design. Students will engage in cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary projects, and hands-on laboratory work that foster practical skills and critical thinking necessary for advancing healthcare solutions. The curriculum covers areas such as biomaterials, medical imaging, biomechanics, systems physiology, and bioinstrumentation, enabling graduates to contribute to the development of medical devices, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic technologies. Through collaborative projects with hospitals, biotech firms, and research centers, students will gain real-world experience and industry connections. The program also offers specialized tracks and elective courses allowing students to tailor their education toward areas like regenerative medicine, healthcare data analytics, or neural engineering. Dedicated faculty members are active researchers whose expertise enhances the learning environment and provides mentorship opportunities. Graduates of the Biomedical Engineering program at USC are well-equipped to pursue careers in medical device design, clinical engineering, biomedical research, or to continue their education in graduate or professional schools. The university’s strong focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and multidisciplinary collaboration ensures that students are prepared to meet the evolving needs of the healthcare industry and make meaningful contributions to improving human health worldwide.

Required Courses

• BME 501 Advanced Topics in Biomedical Systems Units: 4
• BME 502 Advanced Studies of the Nervous System Units: 4
• BME 511 Physiological Control Systems Units: 3
• BME 513 Signal and Systems Analysis Units: 3 *
• BME 533 Seminar in Bioengineering Units: 1
• BME 594a Master's Thesis Units: 2 and
• BME 594b Master's Thesis Units: 2 and
• BME 594z Master's Thesis Units: 0 or
• Technical Elective Units: 4
• Electives Technical Units: 9

Total units: 28

• Official academic certificate(s)/ attachment(s) to the diploma in Russian from all post-secondary institutions attended
• Official diploma(s)/diploma booklet(s) in Russian
• English translations of both academic certificate(s)/attachment(s) to the diploma and diploma(s)/diploma booklet(s)
• An undergraduate degree in engineering, math or hard science from a regionally-accredited university.
• English Language Proficiency: In addition to the general admission criteria listed above, international students whose first language is not English are required to take the TOEFL or IELTS examination to be considered a candidate for admission.  There is no minimum TOEFL or IELTS score required for admission to the Viterbi School. For possible exemption from additional language requirements, you must achieve an Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 90, with no less than 20 on each section or an IELTS score of 6.5, with no less than 6 on each band score.
• The application fee is $90 for all graduate programs, except those offered by the Marshall School of Business ($155) and the International Academy’s Pre-Master’s program ($175). We accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover card payments.
• Resumé/Curriculum Vitae: There is no ‘right’ approach to structuring your resumé/CV when updating it to apply for graduate school. However, it is a good idea to take some time to identify the skills and achievements you would like to highlight for your graduate program and structure the document accordingly. Please note, you will be required to upload a copy of your resumé/CV as part of your application.
• Statement of Purpose (Required): The statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program at the Viterbi School of Engineering, your preparation for this field of study, study interests, future career plans, and other aspects of your background and interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study.
• Letters of Recommendation (3 Required): Letters of recommendation should be from faculty or others (supervisors, professional colleagues, etc.) qualified to evaluate your potential for graduate study
• GRE/GMAT and Other Tests: Schedule the GRE or GMAT as per your program requirement. Your scores are considered valid only if earned within five years to the month of your intended first term at USC. (For example, no earlier than August 1 five years prior if applying for the fall term).

The University of Southern California offers multiple financial aid options for students enrolled in its Biomedical Engineering programs. Undergraduate students can apply for federal and state financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). USC also provides institutional scholarships and grants based on merit, need, or a combination of both, which are awarded during the admission process or upon continued enrollment. Additionally, students have access to departmental scholarships specific to biomedical engineering students, supporting academic excellence and research pursuits. Graduate students can explore fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships that provide stipends and tuition waivers, facilitating comprehensive financial support throughout their studies. USC’s Office of Financial Aid offers personalized counseling and resources to assist students in navigating application procedures and maximizing available funding. External scholarships from biomedical or engineering foundations and private organizations are also encouraged and can supplement university aid. The university’s financial aid policies are designed to make biomedical engineering education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds, ensuring that financial obstacles do not hinder academic and professional development. Payment plans and loan options are available for students who require additional financial assistance. Overall, USC provides a comprehensive financial support system aimed at reducing financial barriers and promoting academic success in biomedical engineering programs.

The University of Southern California offers a comprehensive Biomedical Engineering program designed to prepare students for careers at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and biological sciences. This program integrates principles from electrical, mechanical, chemical, and biological engineering to develop innovative solutions for healthcare challenges. Students enrolled in the program have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, research centers, and clinical partnerships that facilitate a hands-on learning experience. The curriculum covers core topics such as biomaterials, biomechanics, medical imaging, bioinstrumentation, systems physiology, and regenerative medicine, providing a broad foundation in both engineering principles and biological sciences.

Students benefit from the interdisciplinary approach of the program, which emphasizes research, innovation, and application, often involving collaboration with faculty members who are leading experts in fields like tissue engineering, biomedical devices, and computational biology. The program aims to cultivate skills in designing, testing, and implementing biomedical solutions, preparing students to work in medical device development, healthcare technology innovation, clinical research, or pursue graduate studies in biomedical engineering or related fields.

The faculty at USC's biomedical engineering department are actively involved in cutting-edge research, contributing to advancements in personalized medicine, neural engineering, and bioinformatics. Students have opportunities to participate in funded research projects, internships, and industry partnerships that enhance both their academic and professional development. The program emphasizes developing a strong foundation in engineering analysis, design methodologies, and ethical considerations in healthcare. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to address complex medical challenges and contribute to the advancement of healthcare technology and medical research. The university also provides resources such as career counseling, professional development workshops, and industry connections to support students throughout their academic journey and beyond.