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Biomechanical Engineering Major Program

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2024-25 Program Requirements

The Biomechanical Engineering major integrates biology and clinical medicine with engineering mechanics and design. Research and teaching in Biomechanical Engineering focuses on biomechanics and mechanobiology at cellular to body length scales, with applications relevant to neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and cancer physiology and pathology.

This degree introduces fundamental biological and biophysical principles while developing strengths in traditional engineering areas, specifically mechanical engineering.  Primarily geared toward the students’ interests, this major offers a range of courses for students interested in specific fields of biology and mechanical engineering such as design, biomechanics, and medicine. 

The Biomechanical Engineering major provides a fundamental understanding of mechanics in the fields of biology and medicine. However, it is not normally recommended as a terminal degree.  This major is well suited for those interested in future graduate studies in bioengineering, mechanical engineering, medicine, and related areas.  The course of study allows students to satisfy many premedical, pre-dental, or pre-paramedical requirements. 

BME Program Sheet, 4-Year Plans, and Flowcharts

See Explore Degrees for list of BME (and all other School of Engineering) program requirements.

To access BME Program Sheets, go to the Program Sheets page; you may use a PS from any year you are enrolled as an undergraduate at Stanford.

Instructions for Declaring a Major in Biomechanical Engineering

  1. Download and complete a BME program sheet from the Plans & Programs webpage. Please include courses you plan to take as well as those you have already taken. If you plan on applying AP or IB credit to your program, review the School of Engineering Transfers-AP-Exceptions webpage. Credits must be approved prior to declaration.
  2. Complete the “ME Declaration: Advisor Assignment” Google Form if you have not already identified an advisor and need one assigned to you.
  3. Arrange a meeting with your Major Advisor to discuss your program and have them approve/sign your completed Program Sheet and BME Declaration form.
  4. Complete the “ME Declaration” Google Form. The following documents must be uploaded: Signed Program Sheet, Signed Declaration Form, Unofficial Transcript.

Note: Students can find the BME Declaration form and updated links to the necessary Google Forms on the Mechanical Engineering Student Intranet at Declaring Mechanical Engineering.