Biological Engineering

This program could be a good fit if you:

• Have curiosity and a drive for innovations
• Enjoy math, biology and chemistry
• Have an interest in solving problems such as human health, the environment, agriculture and energy

View undergraduate 4-year academic plan

Courses in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics prepare you for more advanced courses in transport processes, bio-based products, bioenergy, biomedical engineering, bioprocessing and sustainability. Much of your education takes place in labs. You’ll be encouraged to develop your individual interests through the selection of technical electives.

You’ll complete your study through our nationally recognized Senior Capstone Design Program culminating each spring with the Engineering Design EXPO.

• First-year undergraduates — Our professional advisors can help you learn more about degree options, select a major, identify required and elective courses and build a plan toward graduation. As you progress through your degree, you’ll transition to a faculty advisor.
• Transfer Students — If you have 13 or less transfer credits, email Student Services or call 208-885-6470. If you have more than 13 credits, contact the department you're transferring into. 

Financial aid

Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.

To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.

Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.

Scholarships

Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho. When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that students can apply for to help pay for college.

To learn more, explore our Scholarships website.

• Engineering students receive more than $1 million in scholarships annually.
• Earn more than $64,000 in scholarships over the course of four years through the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE). Eligible first-year and transfer students are considered simply by filling out their U of I admission application. There’s no separate application or deadline.
• Merit- and need-based scholarships – All first-time students and first-time transfer students in the College of Engineering are automatically considered for merit- and need-based scholarships and financial aid when filling out the admissions application and FAFSA. There are no separate scholarship applications required to be considered. Continuing students are also automatically considered after filling out the FAFSA each year.
• Additional College of Engineering scholarships – Additional scholarships are available based on major and interest areas. Browse engineering scholarships and application processes. 

Hands-on learning

All U of I College of Engineering students participate in hands-on activities through: 

• Nationally ranked Senior Capstone Design Program - Emphasizing the design process and creation of a thoughtfully engineered, tested and validated outcome or prototype. Interdisciplinary teams showcase their work at our annual Engineering Design EXPO.
• Cooperative Education Program (Co-op) – Get paid up to $20,000 alternating semesters of academic study with paid full-time employment in your field.  
• Pursue your passions and build skills industries are looking for - Improving an ever-changing world requires the knowledge of a highly skilled engineering community. The University of Idaho College of Engineering Professional Skills Academy develops graduates with expert technical and professional skills who are ready to lead a competitive workplace.  
  • Idaho’s only Grand Challenge Scholars Program - Preparing undergraduates to solve the biggest challenges facing society in the 21st century.  
  • Research and funding opportunities - Grow your confidence in a laboratory setting, gain experience with research proposal development and project management, and collaborate extensively with peers and faculty in research projects that make an impact.
• Internships and summer programs – Vandal engineers spend their summers in paid internship, fellowship and research mentorship programs. Explore opportunities with leading industries, national research centers and more.  

Clubs and organizations

The College of Engineering offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.

Clubs and organizations related to biological engineering include:

• American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)  
• Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)  
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)  
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)  
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)  
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)  
• Vandal Clean Energy Club 

Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.

To learn more, explore our Admissions website.