Frequently Asked Questions

I'm not sure that I'm interested in Biomedical Engineering. How can I find out more about this field?

There are many great resources online that will provide you with information about the BME field, and possible BME careers. Here is one source published by the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology (EMBS) group:

IEEE EMBS Designing a Career in Biomedical Engineering

I've been admitted to UNC. How do I find out more about CASE?

If you have been admitted to UNC, then you should try to attend one of the "Explore Carolina" programs that are sponsored by the UNC Office of Admissions. CASE has an information session as part of this program, in which you will meet faculty, students, and visit the design laboratory. More information is at:

http://unc-admissions.blogspot.com/2011/02/spring-events-for-admitted-students.html

What is the relationship between CASE and the Biomedical Engineering (BME) Department?

The BME department is in the School of Medicine and offers graduate (MS and PhD) degrees. The CASE program is in the College of Arts & Sciences and offers undergraduate (BS) degrees in the three tracks listed above. Many of the upper level undergraduate courses are taught by BME faculty. CASE also offers graduate degrees (MS and PhD) in Materials Science.

Is the CASE program affiliated with North Carolina State University (NCSU)?

No. While the BME department offers joint graduate degrees with NCSU, the CASE program has no affiliation with NCSU. All students at UNC can take courses at NCSU and Duke through inter-institutional credit.

Are the CASE undergraduate degree programs accredited?

No. While UNC is an accredited institution, our degrees are not accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). However, our curriculum is consistent with those of ABET accredited programs around the country. ABET accredited degrees provide a more clear path to a Professional Engineer (PE) license, which many civil and mechanical engineers need, but careers in BME, Computer Engineering, and Materials Science almost never require a PE license. Currently, there is no professional licensure or examination for Biomedical Engineers.

Can I be a pre-med student in your program?

Medical schools consider BME as an excellent pre-med major. In addition to BME requirements, students have to take Analytical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. If students have Advanced Placement credits from high school, they can usually fit in the extra chemistry courses during the school year. Otherwise, they must take them during the summer.

What do your students do after they graduate?

Currently, about 50-60% continue on to graduate school, mostly in BME but also in related fields like Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Medical Physics, and Engineering Management. About 10% go to medical school, and the rest get jobs in industry. Although our program started only in 2000, we currently have many alumni in the top medical schools and BME programs around the country. Our alumni work as researchers, doctors, teachers, and engineers. Those in industry work in both small startup companies and larger corporations.

Is there a special admissions process into your program?

No. Any UNC student can declare their major as CASE. At UNC, students must select a major by the spring semester of their sophomore year. Because our program has so many required classes, we recommend that students start taking courses for this curriculum as soon as possible. If they wait until sophomore year, it may be difficult to complete all the requirements in 4 years.

What is the degree that your program offers?

All of our students graduate with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Sciences and Engineering. They have a concentration in one of the following areas: Biomedical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Materials Science.