The new joint biomedical engineering program for undergraduates at UNC and N.C. State University will help combine the strengths of both schools, leading to more diverse opportunities for students.
The program began for graduate students 10 years ago and will be extended to undergraduates this summer.
Noteworthy undergraduate programs in biomedical engineering already exist at both universities, but opening up the channel will enhance collaboration between the institutions.
Rather than opening up an engineering school from scratch to lure more biomedical engineering students, UNC students will have access to classes and professors at N.C. State’s already well-established and distinguished engineering program.
This will attract more prospective students who wish to study engineering but prefer the liberal arts curriculum and overall environment of UNC.
Additionally, N.C. State students will benefit from UNC’s renowned school of medicine.
Yet, in order for the partnership to be successful, a consistent bus system has to be created.
As of right now, Triangle Transit only offers one bus between both universities, which only operates in the early morning and late afternoon.
If an hourly transit system, such as the Robertson Express Bus, can be worked out between UNC and N.C. State, the benefits would go beyond just the joint major.
