St. Mary’s University to Launch Biomedical Engineering Degree in Fall 2026, Expanding San Antonio’s Health Innovation Workforce
Students in San Antonio interested in careers at the intersection of medicine, technology and engineering will soon have a new option close to home. Beginning in Fall 2026, St. Mary’s University plans to launch a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering, expanding educational opportunities in a field that plays a growing role in modern health care and medical innovation.
When the program begins, St. Mary’s University will become the only private, Catholic institution in Texas offering a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering, providing a new academic pathway for students interested in medical devices, biotechnology, rehabilitation engineering and other emerging health technologies.
The new program comes at a time when San Antonio’s biomedical and health care sector—valued at roughly $44 billion—continues to expand, creating increasing demand for professionals who can bridge the worlds of engineering and medicine.
Preparing Students to Solve Real-World Health Challenges
The B.S. in Biomedical Engineering will provide students with a rigorous foundation in engineering, mathematics and life sciences, combining classroom instruction with laboratory experiences and undergraduate research opportunities.
Students will study disciplines including engineering principles, human physiology, chemistry and applied mathematics, all aimed at helping graduates develop solutions to complex biomedical challenges. The program is designed to prepare students either for careers in medical device development, biotechnology and health technology industries or for graduate study in engineering, medicine or related fields.
“St. Mary’s will be the only private, Catholic university in the state to provide this important educational pathway,” said Alisa Isaac, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering. “This unique positioning will expand access for students who aspire to careers in health care and technology but may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue biomedical engineering in a supportive environment.”
Enrollment for the program is expected to begin in Fall 2026, pending approval from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
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Aligning Education With San Antonio’s Biomedical Economy
Faculty members say the program reflects broader workforce trends both in Texas and nationwide.
“Biomedical engineering is projected to grow nationally and in Texas, and San Antonio’s $44 billion biomedical and health care ecosystem continues to expand in medical devices, biotechnology and defense health technologies,” said Juan Ocampo, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, who helped develop the program. “St. Mary’s will help build a strong pipeline of engineers who are not only technically prepared to design and advance transformative biomedical technologies, but also formed to develop and deploy those innovations responsibly, strengthening our region’s innovation capacity and workforce for years to come.”
According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Lightcast data, biomedical engineering is projected to grow faster than many other occupations, with median annual wages exceeding $90,000 and strong demand in areas such as medical device design, biotechnology and defense health systems.
A Faith-Based Approach to Science and Technology
At St. Mary’s University, the program will also reflect the institution’s broader mission of educating students within a values-driven framework.
Founded in 1852 and recognized as the oldest Catholic university in Texas, St. Mary’s has long combined academic study with the Marianist tradition of service, community and ethical leadership. The university’s School of Science, Engineering and Technology includes programs such as biology, biochemistry, environmental science and physics, along with several graduate certificates in fields like cybersecurity, medical genomics and software engineering.
Thomas “Ted” Macrini, Ph.D., Interim Dean of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology, said the biomedical engineering program will emphasize both technical innovation and ethical responsibility.
“Students will engage deeply with ethical decision-making in areas such as medical device innovation, data and AI use in health care, and emerging biotechnologies, ensuring that graduates understand both the transformative potential of biomedical engineering and the moral responsibilities that accompany it,” Macrini said.
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What This Means for Future Students
For students considering careers in biomedical engineering in Texas, the new degree program may provide a local pathway into a rapidly evolving field that blends engineering, biology and medicine.
As San Antonio continues to grow as a hub for military medicine, medical research, biotechnology and health innovation, educators say programs like this can help develop the next generation of engineers working to improve patient care, medical technology and health outcomes.
Additional details about admissions requirements and program structure are expected to be released ahead of the Fall 2026 launch as the university finalizes approvals and prepares to welcome its first cohort of biomedical engineering students.
Residents can stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continued updates on higher education developments, workforce programs and innovation initiatives shaping the San Antonio community.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.