Biological engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
Where life meets tech
Many challenging problems can be solved by integrating engineering principles with our understanding of biology at a molecular level. Be part of the solution to increasingly complex challenges in agriculture, the environment, health care and natural resources. Our program provides a deeper understanding of, and investigative skills to solve, these problems.
In our program, you will explore, research and develop a deeper understanding of technology while broadening your knowledge of societal and global needs. You will apply advanced methods and tools to improve environmental quality, model impacts of climate on our water supply, design and manufacture medical devices, fabricate biomaterials for medical and pharmaceutical applications, develop equipment to harvest and process food and design and test new ways to produce alternative energy from feedstock.
Overview
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Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in civil, chemical or biological agricultural engineering
- Are interested in lab work and field research
- Want to solve practical problems
- Have strong research and critical-thinking skills
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,273 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Environmental Engineers
$113,170 - Biomedical Engineers
$123,453 - Quality Control Systems Managers
$118,945 - Conservation Scientists
$77,179 - Health and Safety Engineers
$111,390
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
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.
Graduate funding opportunities
Idaho National Laboratory Graduate Fellowship Program —Recipients of this competitive fellowship receive full tuition and fees by U of I during their first three years of graduate school. INL covers tuition, fees, and a $60,000 annual salary during the final two years of their doctoral research performed at INL.
NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) — $25,000 fellowship programs that contribute to NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery. Open to full-time graduate and doctoral students.
National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) — For outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees.
National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship — Three-year fellowship with full coverage of tuition and all mandatory fees, including a monthly stipend and up to $1,000 a year in medical insurance.
DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE Professional) Programs — RISE Professional offers summer research internships in Germany to master's and Ph.D. students at companies and non-university research institutions with strong relations to industry.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
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
Application information
Applicants for the master's in biological engineering program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Letters of Recommendation: 3
- Other Requirements: No
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.