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Bioengineering

Grainger College of Engineering

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What is Bioengineering?

Bioengineers use tools from biology, chemistry, physics, and math to solve engineering problems. These problems arise in human biological systems related to

  • biomaterials,
  • biomechanics and prosthetics,
  • tissue engineering,
  • molecular modeling,
  • imaging,
  • bioinformatics,
  • nanomedicine,
  • synthetic biology,
  • and drug delivery.

This major will help you understand how human biological systems function. You'll also learn how to develop technology-based solutions to societal needs in human development and disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

The curriculum integrates principles of biology and engineering in its coursework. This coursework includes biomechanics, human physiology modeling, bioinstrumentation, and cell and tissue engineering. The curriculum is project-based, emphasizing systems-thinking as an approach to large-scale bioengineering problems. It also features hands-on laboratory courses for real-world experience.

You'll take fundamental courses to learn more about Bioengineering your first two years. We'll also introduce you to clinically relevant projects as learning experiences. Your final two years, you'll focus on a particular track for further study. Our year-long senior capstone course will allow you to apply your knowledge to biological problems submitted by faculty, clinicians, and industrial firms.

Career Options

  • Bioinformatics
  • Consulting
  • Genomics
  • Health care
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Medical devices
  • Consumer products
  • Hospitals & clinics
  • Government regulatory agencies
  • Patent law
  • Academia
  • Laboratory & research facilities
  • Product & process development
  • Quality & regulatory services
  • Operations & manufacturing

Post-Graduation Success1

95% employed or continuing education

50% employed after graduation

44% attending graduate school

1% volunteering

$60,237 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Epic Systems, Prenosis, AbbVie View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, Boston University View All

Program Resources

Grainger College of Engineering Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Strong math and science coursework and performance
  • Calculus preferred and physics expected (if available at high school)
  • Strong teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
  • Interest in improving society through engineering
  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the engineering major selected

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Guide

Graduation & Retention2

3.8 years to degree

93% first-year retention rate

79% four-year graduation rate

96% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $17,976
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $41,126

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $39,736
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $63,226

International

  • Tuition: $42,868
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $66,358

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1 Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the My Next Move website.

2 Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

3 "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.

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