Bioengineering | Clemson University

Apply Now Give to BIOE

Innovative Technology

The goal of biomedical engineering is to develop innovative technology to resolve some of the most vexing health-related problems in the world.

To achieve that goal, Clemson's Department of Bioengineering addresses intricate issues through exploration and interactive experiences, becoming a powerhouse of education and research. We are committed to educating and preparing our students for professional careers for global competitiveness and to advance health innovation and biotechnology.

The Department of Bioengineering ranks in the Top 10 for best value schools for biomedical engineering based on factors such as graduation rate, degree popularity, and total cost. The rankings underscore that students are receiving a high-quality education that remains affordable, which is a result of the faculty's hard work and dedication to giving students the best-in-class instruction and experience.

From Data to Discovery

Clemson researchers are pushing the limits of what's possible by opening the door to innovations that were unimaginable just a few years ago - benefiting South Carolina and communities around the world.

As engineers, we don't just make things - we solve real, unmet problems. Whether the outcome is a medical device, protective equipment or a new diagnostic tool, effective design begins with identifying a clear need and grounding solutions in evidence. The clinical and applied research environment gives students and faculty a front-row seat to real-world challenges. By working alongside physicians, patients and industry partners, Clemson bioengineers identify critical gaps in existing systems and develop solutions informed by rigorous research.

One example is a patented facemask testing technique, in which researchers used data from thousands of controlled impacts to create a precise, non-destructive method for measuring facemask strength. This work, led by Greg Batt and John DesJardins, in collaboration with then-graduate student Alex Bina, demonstrates how Clemson research translates fundamental engineering principles into practical, high-impact applications.

Our Research

"Clemson University prides itself on supporting Translational Research, and the CHIP Lab embodies such a commitment. I consider myself blessed because not many graduate students get to work on a multidisciplinary project at the interface between academia and industry."

Alex Bina, Ph.D. ’22

Director of Applied Science

Bioengineering in the News

Career Outlook

In South Carolina, life sciences are the fastest-growing segment of the state's knowledge economy, with over 850 firms in 42 counties. Driven by research universities like Clemson and excellent healthcare systems, this focus generates a $12 billion annual economic impact and even more so globally.

Approximately 53% of BIOE students attend graduate school, and 16% attend medical or other professional schools following their bachelor's degree. Our students have won Fulbright scholarships and fellowships around the country and are competitive for national awards, such as those sponsored by major professional societies.

Common Career Areas

Biomaterials and Biomechanics
Medical Imaging
Medicine
Orthopedic Surgery
Rehabilitation Engineering
Research and Development
Systems Physiology
Tissue and Genetic Engineering

#4

Academic
Department Ranking

Clemson University came in fourth among the nation's 50 best-value schools for biomedical engineering, according to a new ranking from bestvalueschools.com.

Excellence in Hands-on
Professional Development

Clemson's Center for Career and Professional Development consistently rates high nationally for career services, internships, and co-op opportunities.

Career Services

10.2M

Research
Expenditure

Research concentrations include biomaterials, biomechanics, bioinstrumentation and cellular biology, particularly for orthopedic and cardiovascular applications.

Academic Epicenter | Transformative Research

Find Your Path

Student Discovery

The annual Clemson Bioengineering Design Symposium is a place where the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship is evident. Forty+ teams gather each May to present new devices that help treat cancer, remove tonsils and put broken bones back together, to name a few examples. With over 50% of our students going on to graduate school, many have the chance to develop those ideas further in the master's programs, with the potential to be spun out of the University into startup companies.

For other ways to get involved in research, Clemson's Creative Inquiry allows students to take on problems that spring from their own curiosity.

Get involved with CI

Bioengineering Academics

We offer Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Master of Science (M.S.), Master of Engineering (M.Eng.), and doctorate (Ph.D.) degrees, in addition to multiple certificate programs in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering-related fields.

We have campus locations across the state, with the ability to earn an M.S. or Ph.D. in Charleston through the Clemson-MUSC program. The MUSC partnership offers its students unique opportunities to pursue bioengineering research and education at a medical institution with access to clinical research and training resources and personnel.

Academic Programs

Harmonizing with Nature

Research Facilities for the Global Stage

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is providing up to $13.6 million over four years for a Clemson-led project that may impact the defense and nautical industries on a global scale. Trying an innovative tack to solve an age-old maritime challenge, researchers said the solution involves working with nature by using natural marine microbes as "building blocks" to form smooth, stable biofilms that reduce drag.

One of the advantages of Clemson's involvement is state-of-the-art facilities, like the Rhodes Engineering Research Center, that houses a scalable testbed that can mimic an unmanned underwater vehicle's operational environment, including such factors as temperature, shear forces and pressure.

Faculty Excellence

Award-Winning Educators

In recent years, the Department of Bioengineering has experienced unprecedented growth in faculty, personnel, facilities and programs, with work conducted by our faculty transforming health care. Clemson University continues to strengthen its commitment to providing a unique learning environment to students and scientists-in-training by integrating state-of-the-art research with education. With a student body of over 500, students find the BIOE faculty accessible and committed to their learning experience.