What is the Difference Between Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering?

Hey everyone!

Today we are answering one of our most asked questions, which is: "What is the difference between bioengineering and biomedical engineering?".

In theory, they both have technical differences. To start, bioengineering is the broader field which encompasses biomedical engineering. Bioengineering can refer to the use of engineering principles for ALL life sciences and medicine. In the other hand, biomedical engineering is more focused, and specializes in human health care and medicine.

Truth be told, you can really do the same kind of jobs with both degrees. In fact, universities tend to use the terms interchangeably and usually offer one of the two degrees.

Hope this video helps clear out some of your doubts and helps you make a decision on which major to pick!

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[FireyEclipse]

Senior (last semester) Bioengineer at PennState here!! I think this is a wonderful explanation! Some of the jobs of interviewed/got offers from certainly cover the medical aspect of things but also I could go into the food preparation and agricultural side! Both are definitely great majors and PSU even requires BioE students to take BME classes bc they are so interrelated!! Great job on the video :D

[fadedillusions]

Autonomous Aerial Engineer here, looking into BME when I came across your video. Great explanation. Thanks. Hope that all is going well for you, considering this is several years later.

[luisSerracin]

Great video, I love how informative are all your videos!
Now, I can really understand the difference between these two degrees. However, as you mentioned, most universities don't do a clear division of these programs. In my university in BME, we can choose to focus on animal/plant areas if we choose the necessary electives, even though this is part of bioengineering.

¡Saludos desde Canadá!

[sohaibkhan]

I just become a huge fan of you. Thanks for all the informative videos on biomedical engineering.

[andrijamilosevic]

Thank you for clearing that up for us! I'm doing next year masters on bioengineering.

[eggsammich]

This video is extremely helpful as I am in high-school considering both majors. I have an interest in medicinal and biological sciences, however I also have interest in environmental science as well. I've had my eye on biomedical science, but I'm not to sure on what a career in that would look like

[n]

That's a mighty fine video right there, partner! I just love how you make everything so clear and easy to understand.

[alejandrocarrera]

Just when I thought there couldn’t be a simple explanation to this question, you put it in a perfect perspective for me, thanks!

[ahmed-tzhf]

Do BEM and BioM have a role in outer space, if so, what exactly is that role and the details.

[SourcingtoSales]

Absolutely amazing job on the video! Editing skills of a God!

[OfficalMcM]

Hello, I’m about to start my degree soon and I have a question regarding these two different degrees - I would like to focus on the medical side but primarily vaccines, viruses and generally genetic engineering. I have found many different answers and couldn’t find a conclusive one. Genetic engineering regarding the human body is my primary preference, and if so, which degree would fit more? Bio engineering or biomedical? Thanks ahead!

[azwanisabdosamad]

I’m gonna pick bio-engineering. However, currently, I am studying in diploma as an electrical engineer. I got a question: Can I still pursue my career as a bio-engineer, yes?

[mohammedhasan]

you really helped me, thanks and keep up the good work.

[AVSbeats]

Interesting! I’m a BME in West Chester University but will change it to BioEngineer at Lehigh University due to distance/commuter 😌

[bin]

If we do our bachelor degree in Bioengineering, can we do our master degree in Biomedical Engineering or Pharmacy?
and, what is the similarities between Bioengineering and Pharmacy?

[miavelletri]

Could you do one about the difference between Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology?

[Lemurai]

I wish I had done Bio engineering instead of Chem E, it was no fun working for petroleum companies. I ended up going back to school for nursing, I’d say the pay increases were faster and much better in nursing believe it or not. But if I had to do it over d pick bioengineering.

[ericaung]

I see a lot of universities that I’m aiming for like UCLA have bioengineering but not biomedical engineering. I saw their curriculum and they do seem similar. Is it okay if I do apply for bioengineering but still learn stuff about biomedical engineering

[Tarumathur]

Loved your video...perusing Bioengineering myself

[emmanueljr]

Just wondering, I know a bunch of people take the BMS (Biomedical Science) route to then further progress on to Med School. Would you have any idea if doing BME as an undergdad is as valuable as doing BMS ? In other words, would a BME graduate compete well with an applicant who's done BMS when it comes to med school applications? (I've heard you mention that some of your colleagues in uni were tryna get into medicine)