<p>I have been doing a lot of research comparing the two schools, but I am still torn about which one would be the best for me. Other people have said that UF has a more challenging atmosphere, but also that USF has the best engineering programs. Please help me out! I would like to hear directly from past students of the schools, but other input is equally appreciated. :)</p>
<p>First, while USF (and UCF) have decent to very good engineering programs (based on major), UF still has the strongest program in the state. It simply has better facilities, resources, faculty (and faculty to student ratios) and more funding for research. I can think of a few great reasons for choosing USF (for engineering) over UF, but it’s not based on USF having a stronger engineering program. Since employment in Engineering is not as “sensitive” to school prestige as it is to internships/GPA, etc. you should feel free to take other factors into account. For example, if you have the stats to be accepted at UF, you’re likely to be award a significant merit scholarships at USF.</p>
<p>Any way! Back to Biomedical Engineering. Until recently (fall 2012) UF did not offer a BS degree in Biomedical (and I believe USF still does not). Both schools believe that employment in this field requires a Master’s degree. Most Biomedical engineers would get a BS in Electrical, Mechanical, or other engineering field, and then get a Masters in Biomedical. UF wouldn’t offer the degree, fearing the student may not go on to grad school and then experience difficulty gaining employment in the field. </p>
<p>UF just started a limited access program with 20 students. The plan is to increase this number, every year. If you attend UF and want to enter the undergraduate program, please note that it will be competitive and they will want some sense that you’ll be working toward (and are capable of) gaining your master’s degree. </p>
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<p><a href=“Undergraduate Admissions – J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering”>http://www.bme.ufl.edu/academics/undergraduate</a></p>
<p>Of course, you can still pursue a Masters in BME, by getting a degree in EE, ME, or other engineering field; you don’t have to go the BME BS route. This also would give you the option of NOT going to grad school and instead going into the workplace as a working EE or ME. You can then go back for your masters at a later date.</p>
<p>UF also has the option of a “combined degree”:</p>
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<p>Finally! You could get your undergraduate degree at USF and then transfer to UF for your masters (or stay at USF, since they offer a MS and PhD program in BME). </p>
<p>Lots of options. ~X( </p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>Thank you for your answer!! </p>