B.S. in Bioengineering
Bioengineers use engineering principles to solve problems in the life sciences, human health and medicine, and related industries. At the undergraduate level, the goal of bioengineering education is to instill a fundamental understanding of biology while developing core skills to design technologies relevant to human health and disease.
The Bioengineering department at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign provides a rigorous engineering education that prepares graduates to:
- secure and excel in jobs as engineers in industries of biotechnology, health care equipment and technology, life science tools, and pharmaceuticals,
- pursue graduate studies in bioengineering-related fields, and
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pursue professional degrees in the health sciences, law, and business.
What Sets This Degree Apart
Comprehensive Coursework
During the first and second years of the curriculum, fundamental courses in biology, chemistry, computing, mathematics, and physics introduce students to the multidisciplinary principles underlying bioengineering as a field. Throughout the curriculum, core coursework becomes progressively more integrative across the disciplines, and in years three and four, students specialize in a chosen bioengineering subdiscipline. The program is distinguished by laboratory courses that provide diverse experiences and hands-on skills as well as a capstone design course in which students practice the rigorous application of engineering fundamentals to biological problems identified by faculty, clinicians, and industrial partners.
Practical Training
Students will complete a capstone design course to prepare them for careers as bioengineers. Graduates will have experience conducting market research, developing a working prototype device or process, and building effective teamwork and technical communication strategies. Bioengineering students will explore entrepreneurship in the field of bioengineering, integrating content related to intellectual property, quality, human factors, FDA regulation, professionalism, and ethics into their study. Through hands-on practice in problem identification and solution analysis for real-world problems, using principles of design, engineering analysis, and customer discovery, students will be prepared to entry industry as bioengineers or graduate programs to further their studies.
Breadth and Depth
The bioengineering undergraduate curriculum prepares students for industry, graduate school, and professional schools. As students progress through the general bioengineering curriculum, they will develop competencies in (1) math, statistics, and computation, (2) applied engineering techniques, and (3) specialized areas of study associated with the student’s specific bioengineering track. Bioengineering students select their particular track focus for the final two years of study.
Track Focus Areas
Course Requirements
The B.S. in Bioengineering is an ABET-accredited 128-credit hour program in the Grainger College of Engineering. Full curriculum details for the B.S. in Bioengineering are listed in the Academic Catalog Program of Study.
BIOE Undergraduate Contacts
MADDIE DARLING
Assistant Director of Undergraduate Programs
1240C Everitt Laboratory, M/C-278
1406 W. Green St.
Urbana, IL 61801
JAKE SPINNATO
Undergraduate Academic Advisor
1240B Everitt Laboratory, M/C-278
1406 W. Green St.
Urbana, IL 61801
Have a question? Don’t hesitate to reach out! We offer both virtual and in-person advising options.
Email: bioe-ugradprograms@illinois.edu
Phone: (217) 300-8066