Behrend Introduces In-Demand Minor in Biomedical Engineering

Today, biomedical engineering is the fastest growing field of engineering. Employment is predicted to grow by 24 percent annually through 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment outlook for engineering occupations.

“Students at Behrend have been interested in a Biomedical minor for a long time,” said Dr. Yi (Elisa) Wu, professor of mechanical engineering. “Survey results have shown that about 20 percent of our students have expressed interest in the biomedical field.”

To meet the demands of the market and interest by students, Behrend began offering a minor in Biomedical Engineering last fall.

Wu said it pairs well with many engineering majors, including Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Software Engineering, as well as some science majors, such as Biology.

“And with careful planning,” she said, “many students in engineering and science majors can obtain the biomed minor with just one to three additional classes.”

Additionally, faculty members and college administrators are actively pursuing research, internship, and co-op opportunities with Magee-Womens Research Institute and other medical companies in the Erie and Pittsburgh areas for students enrolled in the minor.

For more information, visit behrend.psu.edu/biomedicalminor.