<p>Hi, this fall I am enrolled in NC State Universities engineering program and I intend to do biomedical engineering, I understand that many people say I need a masters degree to really pursue the career I want in biomedical. What I am wondering is if I should major in straight bomedical engineering or major in electrical, civil, or environmental with a minor or double minor in bio-technology and bio-manufacturing? Also it would help if anyone knew how strong NCSU's bio-medical engineering program is.</p>
<p>What are your research interest? And, do you want to do an MS or PhD (eventually)?</p>
<p>They will help better answer your questions.</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard, a bioengineering major is really only useful if you’re certain you want to work in a biology related field, you’re just not sure which one. If you know you want to work in a certain area of BME, such as sensing and imaging (EE), the mechanics of biotech (ME), or tissues and biomaterials (MSE/ChE), it’s best to major in that area and then go to graduate school for BME with that research focus. If you’re not sure which of these areas you want to work in, a bioengineering major will cover all of them, but not in enough depth so that you understand the entire major behind it. Lacking sufficient depth in a topic can often make you unqualified for many jobs.</p>
<p>I am personally more interested in the mechanical side of it such as prosthetics, artificial organs, etc.</p>
<p>^Then I would recommend doing a BS in ME (with a few bio-type courses as electives) and augmenting that up with research experience in BME type things like prosthetics, etc. Then, you’ll be in awesome shape to apply to BME MS/PhD programs. </p>
<p>Good luck,
-DV</p>