Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering

Our students are well-prepared to create biological processes and products with important medical, energy and climate applications.

The undergraduate degree in biological engineering prepares students to make an immediate impact in fields such as tissue engineering, personalized medicine, sustainable biofuels, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. With a degree in biological engineering, you can help save lives by developing radiation treatments to fight cancer or by contributing to the health of our planet. This program sets up students for success in medical school or graduate programs that lead to careers in research and development.

  • Learn the skills necessary to work on cutting-edge technologies.
  • Identify, formulate and solve complex engineering problems.
  • Join the ranks of engineers making an impact in life-saving fields.

Over 50% of undergraduate students in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering conduct laboratory research.

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is the No. 11 best public chemical engineering undergraduate program in the country. 

(U.S. News and World Report, 2025)

Learn from world-class faculty leveraging award-winning education practices.

Be successful.

Be prepared to work at the forefront of biotechnology, therapeutics, renewable and sustainable energy, nanotechnology and much more.

  
$100,730

Median annual salary for bioengineers and biomedical engineers

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)

 

Terumo BCT, Eli Lilly & Company, SomaLogic, Chevron, CordenPharma Colorado and ExxonMobil are common employers for chemical and biological engineering graduates.

 

The employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

Academic Plan & Requirements

Biological engineering students are required to take a total of 128 credit hours. Students can choose between a general, accelerated chemistry or pre-med paths.

The pre-med path prepares students for entrance into medical school. Since biological engineering already requires most pre-med courses, it is a logical choice for students who desire an engineering degree and the opportunity to pursue a medical profession.

And an additional degree option for biological engineering students: 

  • Bachelor’s-accelerated master’s: A combined bachelor's degree in biological engineering and master's degree in chemical engineering is available for highly motivated undergraduate students. The BAM program allows students to take advanced courses at an accelerated pace, continue working with established faculty mentors and obtain both degrees in less time.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.