<p>As mentioned in the title, I would like to know the difference between bioengineering and biomedical engineering. I've been searching for schools I want to apply to as a undergrad lately and I found it confusing how some schools have bioengineering and some have biomedical engineering only. If they are different, then it will seriously change my school list. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks....</p>
<p>ABET considers bioengineering and biomedical engineering the same. It considers biological engineering to be slightly different.</p>
<p>[ABET</a> - Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs, 2012 - 2013](<a href=“http://www.abet.org/DisplayTemplates/DocsHandbook.aspx?id=1807]ABET”>http://www.abet.org/DisplayTemplates/DocsHandbook.aspx?id=1807)</p>
<p>Why are some programs not accredited - like JHU?</p>
<p>Probably because there is little demand for Professional Engineer licensing in bioengineering (as opposed to fields like civil engineering), and the definition of the major is fluid enough that colleges may not necessarily organize their curricula the way ABET accreditation criteria want it to be.</p>
<p>My understanding of why so few schools are accredited at this point is because it is a relatively new field and the PE (Professional Engineering) exam for BME has only been around for 2-3 years. It is actually a very up and coming field. Good luck!</p>
<p>Licensing isn’t really needed in most cases anyway for bioeng/biomed engg; civil engineers need to sign off reports for projects that involve public works and safety; that’s why they need PE. There’s not much of that in bio/biomed engg.</p>