I realize these are two very different fields, but I can’t decide if I want to pursue biomedical or industrial systems engineering. I have a genuine interest in medicine and biology. I also really enjoy the business, finance part of engineering though. I realize there is no definitive answer, but if people with more experience in either major/field could give some advice, that would be great!
What advice are you looking for that you hope will help answer what is really a deeply personal question? It’s a dark meat/light meat, rocky road/neopolitan, apple jacks/cap’n crunch sort of a question.
You’ll need to research the type of fields/jobs open to each major and choose what’s best for you.
A few things to keep in mind.
Not all engineering programs offer both majors, or either. Your choice of school may limit your choices.
BME majors typically have to pursue a masters, either in BME or another program (med school, law school, etc.). ISE’s (like most engineering majors) can typically pursue their careers with only a BS degree. It’s much harder finding an entry level position as a BME with only a BS degree, than aa an ISE. Many BME programs (but not all) are geared toward students that do plan on pursuing grad school, etc.
Good Luck!
@Gator88NE I’m actually already in college haha! I should have made that more clear. I go to Ohio State and both are offered here. I didn’t realize that most BME jobs require master’s. So far I’ve gotten the impression that that wasn’t true here so I’ll look more into that. I have looked into the types of jobs that both majors can get, but honestly they’re both very broad compared to other types of engineering so there are a lot of options for both that I could see myself doing. I’m leaning towards BME just because I really do love the medical side of it. I just really don’t wan tot go to grad school if I can avoid it so we’ll see.
Say more about what you mean about enjoying the medical side. There are aspects of BME that you really need the biology background for (and thus the advanced degree, because it dilutes the engineering depth), tissue engineering for example. Devices though, are largely mechanical. There are lots of people working for companies like Stryker and Boston Scientific that have a BS in ME and no further schooling. It’s a matter of what interests you.
My daughter is in BME. She is actively applying to PhD programs now. She has done undergraduate research experiences for two summers plus research at her school, loves research and knows that’s the direction she wants to go. She has a concentration in biomechanics, and minors in biology and materials science. Her friends who want jobs in May after graduation are double majors in mechanical and BME.