4 answers
Esther
Student
1
Question
Asked
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Should I double major in Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering?
Hi, I'm a college freshman majoring in biomedical engineering. I'm planning on going into the field of prosthetics after graduation. Biomedical engineering at my university doesn't have a specialty for prosthetics so I was wondering if double majoring in mechanical engineering would get me the knowledge I'm looking for. Is a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering enough?
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4 answers
William Vvuko
Retired engineer
150
Answers
Moyo, Northern Region
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Esther,
Your dilemma is understandable.
Since your main interest is in biomedical engineering, it would be a good thing to focus on it.
Completing your course with distinction can open doors for you. You should be able to specialize in prosthetics thereafter.
Mechanical engineering has a rather wider scope than biomedical engineering though it provides a pathway to biomedical engineering. Combining the two will obviously put you on a quite competitive footing in pursuing your aspirations. You need to be mindful of the workload that comes with it and the risk of lower grades when pursuing the two majors simultaneously.
Your dilemma is understandable.
Since your main interest is in biomedical engineering, it would be a good thing to focus on it.
Completing your course with distinction can open doors for you. You should be able to specialize in prosthetics thereafter.
Mechanical engineering has a rather wider scope than biomedical engineering though it provides a pathway to biomedical engineering. Combining the two will obviously put you on a quite competitive footing in pursuing your aspirations. You need to be mindful of the workload that comes with it and the risk of lower grades when pursuing the two majors simultaneously.
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1085
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Esther,
Any engineering major will keep you very busy and students typically complain about the high workload. I can see why you think a double major would make sense in your case, but you would either double your workload or extend the length of your studies.
Prosthetics is also a very small field with not very many Biomedical Engineers working in it.
I would recommend you graduate with your Biomedical Engineering degree. Take a few useful ME classes as electives on the way.
In your masters, you can then specialise in a prosthetics-and-orthotics program.
Here are 2 examples:
https://www.hartford.edu/academics/schools-colleges/enhp/academics/department-of-rehabilitation-sciences/ms-in-prosthetics-and-orthotics.aspx
https://rehab.washington.edu/education/degrees/mpo/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Any engineering major will keep you very busy and students typically complain about the high workload. I can see why you think a double major would make sense in your case, but you would either double your workload or extend the length of your studies.
Prosthetics is also a very small field with not very many Biomedical Engineers working in it.
I would recommend you graduate with your Biomedical Engineering degree. Take a few useful ME classes as electives on the way.
In your masters, you can then specialise in a prosthetics-and-orthotics program.
Here are 2 examples:
https://www.hartford.edu/academics/schools-colleges/enhp/academics/department-of-rehabilitation-sciences/ms-in-prosthetics-and-orthotics.aspx
https://rehab.washington.edu/education/degrees/mpo/
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Jennifer Dede, MBA
Biomedical Engineering
14
Answers
Rancho Cucamonga, California
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi Esther,
Are there any research or internship opportunities you can explore? I wouldn't suggest double majoring since an engineering program is very demanding, and it might be too much. I'm glad you've chosen a specific area in the biomedical field.
I recommend staying on the BME path and looking into prosthetics. Maybe a professor can offer a research opportunity or knows of local companies hiring where you can gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
I highly suggest getting an internship or summer job at a medical device company. This experience will give you a head start in understanding the industry when you graduate!
Are there any research or internship opportunities you can explore? I wouldn't suggest double majoring since an engineering program is very demanding, and it might be too much. I'm glad you've chosen a specific area in the biomedical field.
I recommend staying on the BME path and looking into prosthetics. Maybe a professor can offer a research opportunity or knows of local companies hiring where you can gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
I highly suggest getting an internship or summer job at a medical device company. This experience will give you a head start in understanding the industry when you graduate!
Lorenzo Gholston
Healthcare Payer
21
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Lorenzo’s Answer
Hi Esther,
My peer shared some useful insights. By asking these questions, you're already on the right path to shaping your career. I think combining bioengineering with mechanical engineering is a great choice. Regarding prosthetics, recent research shows it's a diverse field involving material science, robotics, AI, sensory feedback, and advanced training technologies. The focus is on creating personalized, functional prosthetics that improve mobility and independence, enhancing life quality. New trends are making it easier to integrate prosthetics with the human body, offering more options for users worldwide. You have many areas to explore. During your studies, try to include some of these topics in your courses to discover what interests you most. This is the perfect time to explore different possibilities.
I hope this helps.
My peer shared some useful insights. By asking these questions, you're already on the right path to shaping your career. I think combining bioengineering with mechanical engineering is a great choice. Regarding prosthetics, recent research shows it's a diverse field involving material science, robotics, AI, sensory feedback, and advanced training technologies. The focus is on creating personalized, functional prosthetics that improve mobility and independence, enhancing life quality. New trends are making it easier to integrate prosthetics with the human body, offering more options for users worldwide. You have many areas to explore. During your studies, try to include some of these topics in your courses to discover what interests you most. This is the perfect time to explore different possibilities.
I hope this helps.