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The biomedical engineering program provides training that is quantitative, emphasizes problem-solving and design, and treats phenomena from the molecular to the systems level. Required courses in mathematics, engineering, and science establish a strong foundation for biomedical engineering major courses.
Degree Requirements
An overview of the curriculum for new students starting in the 2026-27 academic year is displayed below. The new engineering core requirement, Engineering Foundations will replace the Engineering Analysis sequence for all McCormick undergraduate degrees. The full curriculum will be published to the Northwestern University Academic Catalog in September 2026.
Engineering Core Requirements (26 units)
- Mathematics (4 units)
- Basic sciences (4 units)
- Engineering Foundations (3 units)
- Design, Communication, and Innovation (3 units)
- Social Sciences/Humanities Theme (7 units)
- Unrestricted electives (5 units)
Major Program Requirements (22 units)
- Basic engineering (6 units)
- Biomedical engineering core major courses (9 units)
- Technical electives (7 units)
2025-2026 Degree Requirements
For students who are following Catalog Year 2024 or 2025.
View the 2025-26 Academic Catalog
Curriculum Planning Resources
The documents listed below outline degree requirements and will help Biomedical Engineering students plan for completing their degree. The following curriculum planning guides and forms are available:
Biomedical Engineering Curriculum
The bachelor of science in biomedical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org , under the General Criteria and the Biomedical Engineering Program Criteria.
- Curriculum planning resources for students who are following Catalog Year 2024 or 2025
- Curriculum resources for students who are following Catalog Year 2023
- Curriculum resources for students who are following Catalog Year 2022 or prior