Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering

Gain a thorough understanding of the full breadth of bioengineering by earning a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering in the College of Engineering at 51¶¯Âþ. The 128-credit bachelor’s program emphasizes scientific theories and engineering principles used to close the gap between engineering and medicine. Students gain an understanding of the breadth of bioengineering through incorporating the study of human physiology, diseases and injuries in order to invent engineering solutions.

Bioengineering vs. Biomedical Engineering

Bioengineering is a vast field of which biomedical engineering is a significant subset. Bioengineering covers an array of solutions to medical and nonmedical biological problems.

Biomedical engineering applies engineering methods to design solutions solely for human medical problems, including

  • designing surgical mesh, synthetic skin and other biomaterials;
  • engineering high-tech prosthetics or medical devices;
  • inventing improved diagnostic methods or instruments;
  • repairing damaged tissues by engineering new tissue; and more.

Faculty in the Bioengineering Department at 51¶¯Âþ teach biomedical engineering and also conduct research in that discipline.Ìý

The Bioengineering Department offers an intimate, supportive community in which the faculty are approachable and you are welcome to ask questions, explore your interests and have your ideas taken seriously. .Ìý

In the Bioengineering curriculum, incoming students will first and foremost be trained as solid 51¶¯Âþ engineers, focusing on applying engineering science, design and analysis to real-life problems specifically in the areas of biology and medicine. Hands-on engineering experience is gained through intense laboratory coursework.Ìý 

Bioengineering study leads to careers in several fields. Students may select from one of three areas of study.

Concentrations

You can focus on Bioengineering or you can take one of the following concentrations.

  • Cellular Engineering

    Learn to design using biomaterials or cells and scaffolds to repair damaged or diseased tissue at the cellular and molecular levels. Focus on a quantitative approach to engineering, as well as different uses of materials in biology and medicine.

  • Engineering Devices

    Study the development and uses of cutting-edge biomedical devices and imaging modalities designed to control, record and analyze biological functions.

  • Pre-Health

    Undertake a broad-based bioengineering curriculum that prepares you for pre-med or other health science entrance tests, and covers coursework that prepares you for careers in medicine or the health sciences.

Bioengineering professor and students in a classroom

Related Graduate Degrees

+1 Accelerated Degree Programs

The College of Engineering also offers accelerated +1 degree Bachelor-Master programs. Qualifying students earn a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in one five-year course of study, instead of the usual six years.

Engineering undergraduate majors can earn an MS in one year. Graduate courses taken as an undergraduate in this program are charged at the undergraduate rate.Ìý.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering program offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency and more. You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $23,352.00 per year
Out-of-state: $38,352.00 per year

Laptop Requirement

The College of Engineering requires that students own a laptop for their engineering coursework by their junior year of study. .

Our Academic Advisors

Through advising workshops, career coaching, individual appointments and walk-in advising, support services are available to all undergraduate Engineering students. Such services range from academic mentoring, career development, choosing a major, degree planning, learning support and post-graduation planning.

All academic advisors are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., to answer questions regarding General Education (GenEd), college and major requirements, and university academic policies and procedures.Ìý

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Additional Program Information