Skip to main content

Biomedical Engineering

  2. Biomedical Engineering
  3. research
  4. Our Research
  5. Programs of Study

Programs of Study


The foundations of biomedical engineering are the same as those in other engineering disciplines: mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering principles. Biomedical engineering builds on these foundations to solve problems in biology and medicine over the widest range of scales—from the nanoscale and molecular levels to the whole body. Biomedical engineering provides a robust platform for employment in the medical device and instrumentation industries as well as careers in companies that specialize in the development and application of biologics, biomaterials, implants and processes. Our graduates gain entry into nationally recognized graduate schools for continuing studies in biomedical engineering. Biomedical engineering is also a rigorous path for entry into, and an excellent preparation for strong performance in, graduate study in medicine for those students willing and able to excel in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, physiology and engineering.

Director of Undergraduate Studies

Anita Mahadevan-Jansen
Email: anita.mahadevan-jansen@vanderbilt.edu
Phone: (615) 343-4787


Vanderbilt University's Graduate School, in collaboration with the School of Engineering and School of Medicine, offers master of engineering, master of science and doctor of philosophy degrees with a major in biomedical engineering. The goal of the Vanderbilt program is to provide advanced education and research training in quantitative organ and cellular biology, biomedical information and instrumentation systems, imaging and the scientific principles underlying the origination of therapeutic devices and processes. It is specifically concerned with the interface between the engineering, physical, computing and mathematical sciences and biology.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering is in the School of Engineering. In addition to the M.Eng., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees, the faculty supervises an ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) accredited B.E. degree program in biomedical engineering for undergraduate students. The department also participates in the M.D./Ph.D. program with the School of Medicine. Twenty-six faculty members with primary appointments elsewhere collaborate with the department. Many faculty members hold joint appointments with engineering and medical school departments.

Director of Graduate Studies

Cynthia Reinhart-King
Email: cynthia.reinhart-king@vanderbilt.edu
Phone: (615) 875-8309