Biological engineering

The Master of Engineering in biological engineering is a 30-credit non-thesis program for students preparing for industry roles. The program focuses on engineering practice, design and professional application through advanced coursework and project-based experiences.

A Master of Science in Biological Engineering is available, emphasizing research, technical specialization and developing new knowledge through advanced coursework and a thesis requirement. The program is well suited for students pursuing research careers, technical leadership or doctoral study.

View the online biological engineering graduate handbook

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Learning outcomes

Develop advanced expertise in biological engineering by applying engineering principles to complex biological systems. Graduates analyze and interpret data, communicate technical findings to diverse audiences and evaluate the societal, environmental and ethical impacts of engineering solutions. The program prepares students to solve real-world challenges through innovation, critical thinking and professional practice.

Program format

The Master of Engineering (M.Engr.) in biological engineering is a coursework-focused, non-thesis program designed for students seeking advanced engineering knowledge without a research-intensive emphasis. You will work with a major professor and graduate committee to develop an individualized study plan aligned with your interests. The program requires a minimum of 30 graduate credits, including coursework, seminars, and a non-thesis project. You will complete the degree with an oral examination focused on your project and coursework.

Accelerated 4+1 Master of Engineering

The Accelerated 4+1 Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program allows University of Idaho undergraduate students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated timeframe. Eligible students can complete the M.Eng. degree in one additional year while paying in-state undergraduate tuition rates.

Students must apply to the accelerated program before completing their undergraduate degree and meet application deadlines established by the College of Graduate Studies. Students who have completed credits beyond undergraduate degree requirements may be eligible to apply approved credits toward their graduate degree requirements. The 4+1 pathway provides a streamlined opportunity for students to advance their expertise and prepare for professional career opportunities.

Faculty expertise  

You’ll engage with faculty through coursework and professional mentorship. Faculty areas of expertise include:

• Biotechnology and biological systems
• Biomaterials and medical technologies
• Sustainable energy and bio-based solutions
• Environmental engineering and water resources
• Food and agricultural systems
• Process modeling and optimization
• Advanced materials and engineering applications

Find a faculty advisor 

Professional licensing

Completion of the program will count towards eligibility for the Professional Engineer's License (PE) to practice Engineering, which requires a four-year degree from an ABET-accredited school, four years of experience under a PE, and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles of Practice in Engineering (PE) Exams.

Related 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 

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.

Funding for Master of Engineering degrees

Funding for Master of Engineering (M.Engr.) students is generally not available in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships or fellowships. This degree is designed as a professionally oriented, coursework-based program rather than a research-funded graduate track.

If you are interested in conducting research and developing advanced research and analytical skills, you should consider the Master of Science (M.S.) option for this program, which may offer opportunities for funding through assistantships or fellowships depending on availability and departmental support.

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources

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.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes 

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Chemical and Biological Engineering contact:
Dev Shrestha
devs@uidaho.edu

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

Find program faculty advisors

Applicants for the M.Engr. in biological engineering must meet the following admission requirements:

Program availability

• Concentration: Non-thesis
• Semester intake: Fall or Spring
  • Eligible for 4+1 admission for U of I undergraduates
  • Eligible for Expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
  • Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 or J-1 visa status.
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates:
  • View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing  
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Two  
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose  
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
• Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.  
• Application Fee: $50

Application and admission process:

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.