A crucial component of all engineering education is learning to solve real-life problems using knowledge from the classroom. School of Engineering encourages students to make internships and independent research a central part of their undergraduate training. Students in the BME program participate in research projects conducted by faculty from Biomedical Engineering, other Engineering departments, Biological Sciences, and the Medical School.
Many students also obtain internships with local companies or hospitals.
The Associated Students of Biomedical Engineering , a well-established student group at USC, organizes site visits, speakers, and an annual corporate luncheon to help BME students network with local companies and research centers. Along with the BME Department, they regularly advertise internships, volunteer opportunities, and paid positions where BME students can apply their skills. Every year a select group of freshmen are invited by faculty to work on projects in their research laboratories. These student researchers actively participate in the development of new technology throughout their undergraduate years here, as well as help offset the cost of their education by earning an annual stipend for their work. More information about this award is available through the Engineering Student Affairs Office .