UC offers accelerated biomedical engineering degree
Biomedical engineering adds a shortened four-year option for some students
The University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering and Applied Science offers more than a dozen undergraduate engineering and applied science programs. All are typically five-year programs that include the college’s cooperative education (co-op) structure, in which engineering students alternate semesters in the classroom and full-time work in their field. Now, for the first time, students in biomedical engineering can complete their degree in four years, an option that is ideal for those that intend to go on to medical or graduate school, or those who have completed significant college credit during high school.
A four-year program has been a longstanding interest for biomedical engineering, given that going to medical school is a common interest for students in the undergraduate program.
Tom Talavage, Head of UC's Department of Biomedical Engineering
“A four-year program has been a longstanding interest for biomedical engineering, given that going to medical school is a common goal for students in the undergraduate program,” said Tom Talavage, head of UC’s Department of Biomedical Engineering. “Having a four-year option will increase the potential for UC to recruit prospective pre-med students.”
Lauren Glaser, academic adviser for biomedical engineering students, explains that the four-year program is an attractive option for pre-med students because they can finish earlier.
“Finishing in four years instead of five means they can get to medical school sooner, which helps with some of the fatigue that comes with being in school for so long,” she said.
The first cohort of four-year students graduates this spring (2026), a major milestone for the department and the program. The two students, Mia Rhodes and Ryan Bovard, earned college credit in high school, giving them a head start before they even arrived on campus.
Rhodes came to UC with nearly two full semesters worth of college credit (27 hours), and her adviser noted this when discussing her degree plan during her first year.
Mia Rhodes came to UC with 27 hours of college credit from high school. Photo/Provided
“In one of our initial meetings, I told my adviser I was interested in graduate school, specifically a PhD, and I was told about the four-year option that would be a good fit for me,” Rhodes said.
Since she knew she wanted to continue her education beyond a bachelor’s degree, Rhodes felt confident opting in to the four-year program early on. Students follow the same curriculum as the traditional five-year program, however, due to the compressed schedule, they complete fewer co-op experiences. Nonetheless, students graduate with a year of industry/research experience through co-op by the time they finish.
Ryan Bovard is one of the first students to graduate from the four-year biomedical engineering program. Photo/Provided
“It feels like the five-year program,” Bovard said. “You’re searching for co-ops like everyone else and taking the same classes. If you come in with a lot of college credit from high school, I’d recommend the four-year.”
Other than the time it takes to complete, both students said their experience was comparable to the traditional five-year engineering program. The main difference they noted was in their cohort. Rather than graduating with the classmates they began the program with, they will graduate with the cohort one year ahead.
Featured image at top: UC's Mantei Center. Photo/UC Marketing + Brand
Related Stories
Engineering students showcase capstone projects at CEAS Expo
May 6, 2022
Graduating engineering undergraduates from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering and Applied Science gathered for the inaugural CEAS Expo in April to showcase their senior capstone projects to more than 500 attendees, including faculty, staff, alumni and industry representatives. The event, organized by the college and CEAS Tribunal student government, was held in downtown Cincinnati at the Duke Energy Convention Center.
UC names interim dean of College of Engineering and Applied Science
May 27, 2025
The University of Cincinnati announced that John (Marty) Emmert, PhD, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, will serve as interim dean for the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Emmert takes on the position June 1, as John Weidner, PhD, transitions from CEAS dean to his role as UC’s interim executive VP for academic affairs and provost.