(Pre-Medical Studies Option)

Engineering Excellence Meets Medical Preparation

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science (Pre-Medical Studies Option) at Houston Christian University provides a distinctive educational journey for students with aspirations in both engineering and medicine. This innovative program delivers a broad-based electrical engineering and science foundation while incorporating all prerequisite coursework required for application to medical schools.

The curriculum blends engineering coursework with comprehensive biological and chemical sciences, creating a multidisciplinary educational experience that opens doors to multiple career paths. Graduates emerge prepared for medical school applications or positions in laboratories specializing in biomanufacturing and medical devices. Through personalized mentoring from HCU engineering and science faculty, you will develop the professional attitudes essential for success in these demanding and rewarding fields.

Program Overview

Program Highlights

The Engineering Science (Pre-Medical Studies Option) degree offers a distinctive combination of engineering principles and medical sciences. The program incorporates comprehensive electrical engineering fundamentals while satisfying all Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) prerequisites. This interdisciplinary approach provides flexibility for career paths in either medical practice or biomedical engineering. The curriculum incorporates extensive laboratory experiences across engineering and sciences, developing hands-on skills valued in both fields. You will receive dedicated mentorship from faculty across disciplines, preparing them for success in medical school applications or engineering careers.

Degree Plan

Review degree plan

Courses and Tracks

Engineering Fundamentals

The engineering curriculum begins with Engineering and Cyber Projects sequences, providing hands-on experience with design principles and problem-solving methodologies. Students progress through Electrical Engineering and Circuits, Digital Design, Signal Processing and Electronic Circuits courses, building comprehensive understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals. These courses develop both theoretical knowledge and practical application skills through laboratory components and project-based learning experiences.

Biological Sciences

The biological sciences sequence includes General Biology, Cellular and Molecular Biology and upper-level biology electives. This coursework provides essential understanding of living systems at various scales, from molecular interactions to cellular function to organism-level biology. Laboratory components develop crucial techniques in biological investigation, preparing you for medical studies or biomedical research careers.

Chemical Sciences

The chemistry sequence includes General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry. This comprehensive preparation builds understanding of chemical principles underlying both biological systems and medical applications. Laboratory sessions develop essential techniques in chemical analysis and synthesis, providing skills needed for medical school laboratories or bioengineering applications.

Mathematical and Physical Sciences

The curriculum includes Calculus, Differential Equations, Probability and Statistics and Physics. These mathematical and physical science courses provide the quantitative foundation essential for understanding both engineering systems and medical sciences. This approach to mathematical modeling and physical principles prepares you for advanced studies in either discipline.

What Can I Do with an Engineering Science Degree from HCU?

Careers and Salary Outcomes

Graduates of the Engineering Science program find diverse opportunities at the intersection of engineering and healthcare. The program builds proficiency in designing, building, maintaining and operating medical devices and equipment both within hospital settings and in research environments. This preparation allows graduates to pursue careers in medical equipment manufacturing, biomedical research laboratories and healthcare technology implementation. The growing field of medical devices presents expanding opportunities for professionals with combined expertise in engineering principles and biological systems. Even for students who ultimately pursue medical careers, this engineering background provides valuable perspectives on technological solutions to healthcare challenges.

For specific career details, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports:

  • Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers:
    • Median annual wage of $106,950
    • Projected growth rate of 7% (faster than average) from 2023–2033.
  • Medical and Health Services Managers: (with graduate education)
    • Median annual wage of $110,680
    • Projected growth rate of 29% (much faster than average) from 2023–2033.
  • Medical Scientists: (with doctoral degree)
    • Median annual wage of $100,890
    • Projected growth rate of 11% (much faster than average) from 2023–2033.
  • Industrial Engineers:
    • Median annual wage of $99,380
    • Projected growth rate of 12% (much faster than average) from 2023–2033.
  • Mechanical Engineers:
    • Median annual wage of $99,510
    • Projected growth rate of 11% (much faster than average) from 2023–2033.

Prepare for Graduate Studies and Research

The Engineering Science degree creates an exceptional foundation for medical school applications, containing all prerequisite courses required by the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service. This engineering background offers distinct advantages in medical school applications by demonstrating academic versatility and analytical thinking skills. If you are interested in research careers, the program prepares for graduate studies in biomedical engineering, medical physics or related interdisciplinary fields. The combined engineering and science background opens possibilities for careers developing next-generation medical technologies or conducting research at the interface of engineering and medicine.

Internship Opportunities and Professional Experiences

Engineering Science students access internship opportunities with medical device manufacturers, hospital engineering departments and biomedical research laboratories. These experiences provide practical application of engineering principles to medical challenges while building professional networks in both fields. The program’s laboratory components develop technical skills valued in medical research settings and bioengineering firms. Faculty connections facilitate placement in research laboratories both on campus and with partner institutions, allowing you to build professional portfolios demonstrating capabilities across disciplines.

Opportunities for Engineering Science Majors

Certificates, Graduate Programs, Advanced Education

The Engineering Science degree prepares you for continued education through multiple pathways. Students may pursue medical, dental or other health profession programs upon graduation, with all necessary prerequisites integrated into the degree. Alternatively, graduates may pursue advanced engineering degrees in biomedical engineering, medical imaging or similar specialized fields. Professional certifications in medical equipment technology provide additional credentials for those entering the workforce directly after graduation.

Career and Academic Support Services

Engineering Science students receive comprehensive support throughout their academic journey. Specialized academic advising helps you balance engineering requirements with pre-medical preparation. The program provides MCAT preparation resources and guidance for medical school applications. Engineering career services connect students with opportunities in medical technology and bioengineering fields while faculty mentorship across disciplines helps you navigate the intersection of engineering and medicine, providing guidance for your unique career aspirations.

Admissions & Aid

Prospective Engineering Science students must meet Houston Christian University’s general admission requirements, demonstrating strong preparation in mathematics and sciences. The program recommends high school preparation including physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics through pre-calculus or calculus. Scholarships specifically for STEM majors provide additional financial support for qualified students. Academic merit scholarships recognize achievement in mathematics and sciences. The program’s dual preparation for engineering and medical careers maximizes long-term return on educational investment.

Become an Engineering Science Major at Houston Christian University

Contact your program coordinator for more information about the BS in Engineering Science.
Taiya  Fabre, PhD
Professor of Chemistry
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies