Academics

Columbia University's Department of Biomedical Engineering offers students an interdisciplinary education that combines engineering fundamentals with the physical and life sciences. Through coursework and hands-on research, students develop the skills to analyze and solve complex problems in medicine and biology. 

 

The program provides specialized training in areas such as biomechanics, cell and tissue engineering, biosignals and biomedical imaging, synthetic biology, and neuroengineering. Upon graduation, students are prepared to contribute meaningful advances in healthcare, medical technology, and scientific discovery. Students benefit from close collaboration with world-leading faculty, access to state-of-the-art research facilities, and opportunities for multidisciplinary engagement across Columbia’s world-renowned medical and engineering communities.
 

Academic Administration

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Paul Sajda

Paul J. Sajda
Department Chair

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Clark T. Hung

Clark T. Hung
Vice Chair

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Treena Arinzeh

Treena Arinzeh
Secretary

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Lance C. Kam

Lance C. Kam
Chair of Graduate Studies

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Lisa Olson

Lisa Olson
Director of Master's Studies

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Lauren Heckelman

Lauren Heckelman
Chair of Undergraduate Studies

Programs

Histology micrograph of engineered bone in a trichome, showing irregular dark-blue trabecular bone-like matrix with pale blue tissue spaces and scattered red-stained regions near the surface.

Undergraduate Programs

Get more information about undergraduate coursework, degree tracks, advising and research.

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Master of Science Program

The Master of Science degree offers world-class biomedical engineering education and opportunities for cutting edge research and innovation. Learn more about the program, including how to apply.

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Doctoral Program

A hands-on learning experience that integrates world-class research and advanced coursework at the cutting edge of biomedical engineering.

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A researcher wearing gloves and a blue protective gown smiles while examining a sample tube at a lab bench filled with bottles, test tubes, and equipment.

Internship for Academic Credit

BME offers students the opportunity to participate in internships and receive academic credit pending review and approval by the department.

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In a bright laboratory, a student in a white lab coat and blue gloves points to notes on a clipboard while discussing them with a professor; lab equipment and sample containers sit on the bench in the foreground.

Career Resources

The Department of Biomedical Engineering offers interview, resume, and job search support to students interested in obtaining internships or full-time employment.

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Three researchers in lab coats and gloves work at a laboratory bench with pipettes and samples while another person stands beside them, looking on.

Courses

A semester-by-semester listing of BME courses at Columbia University.

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Student/Professional Organizations and Awards

The undergraduate and graduate students of the Department of Biomedical Engineering participate in several organizations, each of which offer a different set of opportunities.

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Treena Arinzeh

Professor of Biomedical Engineering

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Elham Azizi

Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Herbert and Florence Irving Associate Professor of Cancer Data Research

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Santiago Correa

Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering