Computer Science and Bioengineering

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What is Computer Science and Bioengineering?

In this major, you'll develop an integrative understanding of computational and bioengineering principles to:

analyze biomedical data,
construct models of biological systems,
and design and install advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques to improve human health.

This is a joint offering through the departments of bioengineering and computer science. You'll receive a rigorous engineering education that will prepare you to:

excel in jobs as an engineer in medical imaging, genomics, medical devices, healthcare informatics and software, and drug discovery industries,
pursue graduate studies in computer science and bioengineering-related fields, and
pursue professional degrees in the health sciences, law, and business.

In your first and second year, you'll gain a thorough foundation in scientific computing practices and introductory bioengineering concepts. In your third and fourth year, you'll study diverse modern applications of computing in medicine and the life sciences. You'll graduate prepared to address emerging problems throughout your career!

Career Options

Medical imaging
Molecular genomics
Clinical informatics
Drug discovery research
Computational biology

Post-Graduation Success¹

97% employed or continuing education

42% employed after graduation

55% attending graduate school

$70,140 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: Medline Industries (4), National Institutes of Health (NIH) (3), Sequence (3) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Boston University, University of Illinois College of Medicine 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
Interest in Bioengineering in addition to Computer Science

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

3.9 years to degree

95% first-year retention rate

83% four-year graduation rate

96% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $18,740
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $43,480

Non-Resident

Tuition: $44,340
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $69,420

International

Tuition: $47,800
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $72,880

Related Majors

Bioengineering - ENG

Computer Science - ENG

Information Sciences + Data Science - SIS

Neural Engineering - ENG

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 Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

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.