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Bachelor of Bioengineering at University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley

United States of America, Berkeley

University Rank:#17

University of California, Berkeley offers the Bachelor of Bioengineering as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Berkeley , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for bioengineering and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 16, 2027.

About Bachelor of Bioengineering

Bachelor of Science (BS)

Rated one of the top 10 Bioengineering undergraduate programs in the country, Bioengineering at Berkeley is a multidisciplinary major intended for academically strong students who excel in the physical sciences, mathematics, and biology. Coursework provides a strong foundation in engineering and the biological sciences, with the freedom to explore a variety of topics and specialize in advanced areas of research. All students benefit from intensive group design work, either through a senior capstone project or through independent research in faculty laboratories. The major features small, specialized upper division courses, and direct interaction with faculty.

The stimulating environment of Berkeley offers a wealth of opportunity for learning, research, service, community involvement, and provides dedicated students the knowledge and skills to become the next leaders in bioengineering.

Course of Study Overview

The department offers one Bioengineering major, with several concentrations. For detailed descriptions of these concentrations, please see the department's website.

Biomedical Devices
Biomedical Imaging
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Synthetic & Computational Biology

Admission to the Major

Prospective undergraduates of the College of Engineering will apply for admission to a specific program in the college. For further information, please see the College of Engineering's website.

Admission to engineering via a Change of College application for current UC Berkeley students is not guaranteed. For further information regarding a Change of College to Engineering, please see the college's website.

Minor Program

The department offers a minor in Bioengineering that is open to all students who are not majoring in bioengineering and who have completed the necessary prerequisites for the minor. For further information regarding the prerequisites, please see the Minor Requirements tab on this page.

Joint Major

The Department of Bioengineering also offers a joint major with the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, for students who have an interest in the field of biomaterials. For further information regarding this program, please see the Bioengineering/Materials Science and Engineering joint major page in this Guide.

Visit Department Website

Since our founding in 1998, the BioE faculty have been working to create an integrated, comprehensive program. Much thought has been put into the question, "What does every bioengineer need to know?" The faculty have been engaged in considerable dialogue over the years about what needs to be included, in what order, and how to do so in a reasonable time frame. Balancing depth with breadth has been the key challenge, and we have reached a point where the pieces have come together to form a coherent bioengineering discipline.

Learning Goals for the Major

Describe the fundamental principles and methods of engineering.
Understand the physical, chemical, and mathematical basis of biology.
Appreciate the different scales of biological systems.
Apply the physical sciences and mathematics in an engineering approach to biological systems.
Effectively communicate scientific and engineering data and ideas, both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate the values of cooperation, teamwork, social responsibility, and lifelong learning necessary for success in the field.
Design a bioengineering solution to a problem of technical, scientific. or societal importance.
Demonstrate advanced knowledge in a specialized field of bioengineering.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Bioengineering at University of California, Berkeley

Entry Requirements

finish secondary school and
earn a certificate of completion, which allows admission to a university in their home country or country of graduation

In addition:

Students who have completed the IGCSE or O-level exams have not yet met the requirements for admission at UC Berkeley. The university requires further study, either completion of the two-year A-level program with a minimum of three academic exams, the IB diploma program, or another similar academic curriculum.

Students from countries requiring entry into military service upon completion of secondary education should not submit an application until the obligation has been met. UC Berkeley cannot defer admission to a later term.

Students may have to meet additional admission requirements and follow certain guidelines for filling out the undergraduate application, depending on country or educational system.

English Requirements

IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 80

Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Bioengineering

Undergraduate Research

We believe it is essential for undergraduates to experience the hands-on application of skills to prepare them for a career in bioengineering. Every student is required to complete at least one semester of research or design before graduation, although most do more. This can be accomplished through our outstanding senior capstone design course, or through other independent study options and research in faculty laboratories. A recent survey shows that 94% of our senior students have undertaken extracurricular research, usually starting in their sophomore year. For research resources, please visit the department website.

Student Organizations

There are several active student organizations related to bioengineering, focusing on academics, research, global healthcare, local outreach, social life, career planning, and other worthy efforts. For further information, please see the Student Life page on the department website.

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Bioengineering at University of California, Berkeley

Application Fee 80

How to Apply for Bachelor of Bioengineering at University of California, Berkeley

Apply to Berkeley by filling out the UC application. You can begin working on the application as early as August 1, and must submit the application November 1-30. You can apply to as many UC campuses as you like with one application, and each campus will receive your application and official test scores. If you have difficulties, contact the UC Application Center at [email protected] or (800) 207-1710.

Bachelor of Bioengineering at University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley

United States of America, Berkeley