<p>I'm going to be a freshman in Engineering at the University of Michigan next year and while my initial inclination was to go biomedical, I'm beginning to have second thoughts. I chose biomedical, specifically biochemistry, because while I'm alright at math/physics, I'm better at biology and to a lesser extent chemistry, and I happen to enjoy them more. The problem is that from what I've been hearing, job's for biomedical engineers, especially those with only their BS, are quite rare and highly competitive. So what I'm wondering is if it would be wiser to get my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering , which would most likely open up more job opportunities (pharmaceutical companies? they would be hiring chemical engineers right?) Then later I could do my master's work in biotechnology. Also if anyone knows an average starting salary of a Chemical Engineer vs. a Biomed engineer that would be cool to know as well.</p>
<p>the average for chem E's is 56K. I would go traditional for undergrad(chem E) and then specialize in bio med engr at grad school. But you'll have amazing opportunities to work in pharmaceutical companies with just a chem E degree.</p>
<p>hey racnna, how about the Agri & Biological Eng. (biological option) in Penn State? for working in pharm companies...
the dept. site for A&B Eng. says the placement rate are almost 100%</p>
<p>which is different from BME(also called Bioengineering in PSU)</p>
<p>Thanks for the response racnna, anyone else think this is a good idea also, or am I just being paranoid about my specialty.</p>
<p>I've heard that a lot too. And it makes sense.
Its better going for a traditional Eng. degree first and then go for a BME in grad school.</p>
<p>BME undergrad programs just started recently.</p>
<p>yea, so just go for Chem Eng.</p>
<p>A lot of people interested in BME advocate the path of mech/chem/elec (BS) --> BME (grad).</p>
<p>w/ a ChemE degree with some background in biology, you can work as a biochemical engineer for a pharm/biotech/bioprocessing company. salaries exceeding 70K for biochemical engineers in bay area are not rare.</p>
<p>tom725- i don't know much about agricultural engr. but i have a friend who is majoring in that. The grads from PSU make about 44K out of undergrad and i hear some work in pharmaceutical companies.</p>
<p>seaweed- 70K is a lot of money- is that the starting or average salary?</p>
<p>thanks racnna.
by the way do you know any students going for IE in PSU-Upark?
since you know the starting salaries, do you have any idea of starting salaries for PSU IEs.</p>
<p>they make about 53K- a little below ppl who graduate with comp E,EE, chem E and aerospace degrees. I know this one kid who is doing IE. PSU has one of the top IE programs- i think it's top 3.</p>
<p>"a little below ppl who graduate with comp E,EE, chem E and aerospace degrees"</p>
<p>What about the Nuc E?</p>
<p>55K...forgot to mention them.</p>
<p>Racnna, I appreciate your responses, but I'm curious as to where you're getting all these stats.</p>
<p>keep in mind- these are stats for PSU's graduates:</p>