Biomedical Engineering vs. Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at JHU

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>I've read quite a few topics regarding Biomedical Engineering vs. Chemical Engineering both on CC, and around the Web, and I'm seeing that the majority of people find ChemE to be a much better option than BME for job opportunities and more attractive salaries. I am having trouble deciding for myself on whether I've made the right decision for my major, and I would really appreciate the help of the community here at CC to advise me on what I should ultimately pursue in college.</p>

<p>So, here's my situation: I am entering Johns Hopkins University this Fall to major in Biomedical Engineering. At first, I was extremely excited about the rapid growth expected for the BME field and the great opportunities that JHU offers for BME students. I always had an interest in the medical field and particularly in biotechnology, and I enjoy math and the sciences, so I figured BME was the perfect major for me. But now, as I'm beginning to register for classes for the upcoming fall semester, I've been doing some searching online comparing ChemE with BME and the results have caused me to reconsider my original decision to major in BME. JHU offers a major called Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, which, from what I've read from various online sources, seems to be very similar to ChemE with a greater focus on biological aspects (which coincides with my interest in molecular and cellular biology). I understand that JHU's BME program is one of the best in the nation; however, will that truly prepare me for competing in the job market with a B.S. degree out of college? Also, salary is important to me and I'm hoping to make 6 figures at some point in my life -- is CBE at JHU a better option for me than BME in this regard?</p>

<p>Although money means a lot to me in the long run, it doesn't mean everything to me. I'm also concerned about whether what I will study in BME will actually touch on my particular interests. My interests include molecular biology, regenerative medicine, drug synthesis and delivery, pharmaceuticals, and cell- and tissue-related studies. I know that JHU offers a Cell and Tissue Engineering focus area for BME, but will that coincide with my stated interests as closely as the material I would study in CBE? I understand that with JHU's usage of focus areas in BME, students are able to explore a more specific field and thus gain greater experience than the typical BME student from other colleges and programs, but is this enough to give me an edge in finding employment out of college with a future salary in the 6-figure range?</p>

<p>Finally, I'm interested in having a business background to go with my major because I find business very interesting and I believe, from what I've heard from others, that having a business background as an engineer can help one climb up the advancement ladder in one's career. Which major, BME or CBE, would be better complimented by a business background, and which of these two majors would provide me with a greater chance for advancement in my career to better-paying and higher-tier positions (when coupled with a business background)?</p>

<p>I talked to a ChemE last summer, and he told me that ChemE was a better choice than BME, and that BME is often touted by colleges as a revolutionary major expected to experience exponential growth in order to get students to join in on this relatively new program at their colleges. I didn't pay any mind to it at first, but now it's really starting to concern me. Since the BME program at JHU is rather prestigious and prospective students must be accepted into the BME program separately from their acceptance into the university, I do not want to give up my spot in the BME program to switch to CBE without being absolutely sure that it is the right decision for me to make, given my stated interests and career goals. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate some advice on what I should do in my particular situation, given the points that I've presented here.</p>

<p>Thank you so much in advance for taking the time to read and respond, and I appreciate your help. I'm trying to keep an open mind here so that I can make a well-informed choice that will help me to benefit the most in my future, and I trust that the CC community will steer me in the right direction. :)</p>

2

<p>Go for the ChemBioE program. BME isn’t a “real” major that will teach you important fundamentals and is best saved for graduate school.</p>

3

<p>I would agree and say that the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering degree would probably be better for someone who is planning on looking for a job with only a BS. If you’re planning on continuing to graduate school, then it probably won’t make as much of a difference though.</p>

4

<p>Great post. </p>

<p>I would say that because you’re at Hopkins, you shouldn’t leave the BME major on a whim. </p>

<p>When do you really have to choose? I would at least wait until I get there and can have more serious discussions with faculty who can point you to recent and not so recent alums.</p>

5

<p>Thank you to the three of you for your replies so far.</p>

<p>

From what I’ve been able to tell, the two majors don’t really seem to diverge until sophomore year. That gives me at least one year to take a couple of the BME-specific classes required for freshman year, talk to some upperclassmen BME and CBE students about their personal experiences, and discuss my concerns with my advisors and other available faculty to try to discern what is best for me.</p>

<p>

The more I’ve discussed it with my parents, the more they seem to be advocating graduate school, so I am likely not going to be entering the job market with just a B.S. after all. Still, I want to make the right decision early in my education before the point where changing majors becomes cumbersome and costly.</p>