University of Central Oklahoma

What you'll study

This four‑year undergraduate programme blends core engineering fundamentals with biology and physiology to prepare students to apply engineering solutions in medicine and healthcare. The curriculum typically includes foundational courses in calculus, differential equations, physics and chemistry, followed by specialised biomedical engineering subjects and laboratory work.

• Core engineering and maths: Calculus sequence, linear algebra, differential equations, engineering mechanics, materials science and numerical methods.
• Basic sciences: General and organic chemistry, cell and molecular biology, human physiology and anatomy relevant to biomedical applications.
• Electrical and computing fundamentals: Circuits and electronics, signals and systems, instrumentation and data acquisition, programming for engineers.
• Biomedical engineering topics: Biomechanics, biomaterials, biomedical instrumentation, medical imaging principles, sensors and wearable technologies, and physiological systems modelling.
• Laboratory and practical components: Hands‑on labs in electronics, biomaterials testing, tissue mechanics, and wet labs that develop experimental techniques and data analysis skills.
• Design and team projects: Multidisciplinary design courses culminating in a capstone senior design project that emphasises problem definition, prototyping, testing, documentation and professional communication.
• Professional studies and ethics: Engineering design methods, regulatory considerations, medical device safety, clinical environments and ethical issues in biomedical engineering.
• Electives and specialisms: Options often include biomedical imaging, rehabilitation engineering, computational modelling, biosensors and entrepreneurship in medical technology.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent with a strong background in mathematics and science. Typical prerequisites include completion of high school algebra, geometry, trigonometry, chemistry and physics; preparation in calculus is strongly recommended.

• Academic qualifications: Competitive applicants will have solid grades in STEM subjects. Where applicable, submission of standardised test scores may be considered in line with the university's admissions policies.
• Recommended subjects: Pre‑calculus or calculus, physics, and chemistry. Biology or advanced placement biology is advantageous.
• Supporting materials: A personal statement outlining interest in biomedical engineering, and letters of recommendation from teachers or employers, can strengthen an application.
• Transfers and mature students: Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts showing university‑level maths and science coursework; mature applicants will be assessed on prior learning and experience.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering have a range of career pathways in healthcare, industry and research. Positions often combine engineering skills with knowledge of biological systems.

• Design and development engineer for medical devices and diagnostic equipment.
• Clinical or hospital biomedical engineer supporting equipment selection, maintenance and safety.
• Quality assurance and regulatory affairs roles in medical device manufacturing and biotechnology companies.
• Research assistant or laboratory engineer in academic, government or corporate research settings.
• Applications engineer, sales engineer or technical specialist for biomedical instrumentation firms.
• Further study options include graduate programmes in biomedical engineering, bioinformatics, medical physics, or entry to clinical professional programmes.

Why study at University of Central Oklahoma

The University of Central Oklahoma offers a practical, student‑centred engineering education with an emphasis on hands‑on learning, small class sizes and faculty accessibility. The programme integrates laboratory courses and team design projects to build real‑world skills valued by employers.

• Practical facilities: Access to engineering workshops, electronics and biomaterials labs where students can prototype and test devices.
• Industry and clinical connections: Opportunities for internships and collaborative projects with local hospitals, clinics and medical technology companies in the region.
• Capstone and research opportunities: Senior design projects and faculty‑mentored research allow students to work on applied problems and develop portfolios for employment or graduate study.
• Support services: Academic advising, career services and on‑campus resources help students plan coursework, locate internships and prepare for professional licensure or postgraduate study.