4 answers
Aishwarya
Student
Katy, Texas
1
Question
Updated
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Which major has a better outlook for the future (computer science engineering or biomedical engineering) and what other courses or skills should I take or develop before and during college? #Spring24
I'm asking as a student who has just completed junior year(4.52 gpa and top 13%, 1560 SAT)
A secondary question would be whether I would be able to get into a biomedical degree as I have a background in comp sci with (AP computer classes..) but a weaker background in biology/health-related courses(I took AP Psychology and health-related classes but I haven't done any medical internships or extra programs).
#Spring24
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4 answers
Tamara Minott
College Admissions Consulting
10
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Tamara’s Answer
I think most career counselors would suggest anything leaning towards technology is a better bet - that doesn't mean comp sci specifically will lead to a more rewarding career than biomed engineering. I'm not familiar with the tech aspects of biomed engineering but maybe there's a rising industry within the field?
That being said, based on what you've completed so far comp sci may be your better bet regarding admissions - but why are you interested in biomed engineering if you don't have any experience in it yet? Here's what I would suggest:
1 - spend the first part of your summer getting very clear on what about each major interests you. Don't be afraid to try to merge the two if you feel called to it. This is especially important because schools will want to know WHY you're interested in the major you choose, so you should get clear on that now.
2 - do some research on job outlooks for both careers. A simple google search should give you a general idea.
3 - start looking into which schools you want to apply to. While researching them you'll learn more about their comp sci and biomed programs and will stumble across case studies of students at those schools who majored in these topics. It'll give you a better idea of what the possibilities are.
That being said, based on what you've completed so far comp sci may be your better bet regarding admissions - but why are you interested in biomed engineering if you don't have any experience in it yet? Here's what I would suggest:
1 - spend the first part of your summer getting very clear on what about each major interests you. Don't be afraid to try to merge the two if you feel called to it. This is especially important because schools will want to know WHY you're interested in the major you choose, so you should get clear on that now.
2 - do some research on job outlooks for both careers. A simple google search should give you a general idea.
3 - start looking into which schools you want to apply to. While researching them you'll learn more about their comp sci and biomed programs and will stumble across case studies of students at those schools who majored in these topics. It'll give you a better idea of what the possibilities are.
thank you so much for your input!
Aishwarya
Robert Epstein
General Manager
83
Answers
Naples, Florida
Updated
Robert’s Answer
Hi Aishwarya,
In addition to the fine advice given here already, permit me to add another thought. Over the decades I’ve worked in the aerospace hardware, medical software and biomedical engineering fields; they’ve all been rewarding and paid well. Looking back, what I’d do in your place is simply ask yourself: What feels the best to you? You’ll tend to succeed in a job that makes you want to hop out of bed everyday and get to it. And possibly as the years pass, perhaps you might take your skills and find another fulfilling field.
BTW if you choose biomed, you can always take some summer classes in anatomy, physiology, etc, in person or online.
Enjoy your adventure!
In addition to the fine advice given here already, permit me to add another thought. Over the decades I’ve worked in the aerospace hardware, medical software and biomedical engineering fields; they’ve all been rewarding and paid well. Looking back, what I’d do in your place is simply ask yourself: What feels the best to you? You’ll tend to succeed in a job that makes you want to hop out of bed everyday and get to it. And possibly as the years pass, perhaps you might take your skills and find another fulfilling field.
BTW if you choose biomed, you can always take some summer classes in anatomy, physiology, etc, in person or online.
Enjoy your adventure!
thank you for your advice!
Aishwarya
Joseph Ford
170
Answers
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Awesome. BOTH are absolutely top line careers in today's market. I would suggest you decide whether your interest is in Bio industry or Computer Sci. In either case you can take classes that will help you both majors. I would advise take some AI and Cloud base classes. Generative AI and Open AI classes. Google is also providing free classes on LinkedIn.
thank you for the help!
Aishwarya
PAUL GENTHNER
TRINITY BIOMEDICAL
16
Answers
Florida, Florida
Updated
PAUL’s Answer
The department of biomedical engineering in every hospital in this day and age usually has connection with IT. Many machines are now computer-based and IT will either be managing that department or working along with that department visit your local hospital and check out how things are running and exactly where you fit in.