<p>To start off with, I am going to Northwestern this fall and my designated major is biomedical engineering. However, after reading many of the posts here I am considering a switch to chemical engineering.</p>
<p>Both programs sound interesting to me and actually fairly similar. My main interest is the application of biomaterials and nanomedicine. NU offers concentrations within the BME degree, and the molecular concentration fits me perfectly. However, this got me thinking (along with the posts here demonstrating the advantage of a ChemE BS over a BME BS) that since I am mainly focused on the chemical level of the BME field, the chemical engineering degree with a certificate in biotechnology might be more beneficial.</p>
<p>It should also be noted that I am planning on Pre-Med (one of the reasons I originally chose BME)</p>
<p>Basically, I figure that a BME at NU (11th ranked) would be better for entrance into med school---but the ChemE (while slightly lower ranked at 21st) would be better as a back-up for getting jobs right out of undergrad. Both degrees sound good for a grad school in BME if that is what I decide. Also, the BME program at NU has very good placement statistics for the 2008 grad class (40% to med school, 20% industry, 20% grad, etc).</p>
<p>I guess I am asking if a ChemE degree is realistic for pre-med, if a ChemE degree would be more interesting if my main interest is in the medical purposes of nanomedicine, and if there truly are more opportunities for a ChemE BS.</p>
<p>I know this topic has been beaten into the ground but any advice would be helpful.</p>