Bioengineering
The Bioengineering Bachelor of Science program at the University of Caltech offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education that blends engineering principles with modern biological science. The curriculum provides foundational training in molecular biology, physiology, computation, and engineering analysis, enabling students to explore how biological systems function and how they can be engineered for medical and technological applications. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and hands-on laboratory experiences, learners develop the ability to examine biological data with technical precision, design quantitative models, and evaluate engineered biological systems with scientific accuracy. This structure ensures that students gain a strong analytical framework essential for innovation in life sciences and biotechnology.
Students benefit from Caltech’s collaborative and research-focused environment, where bioengineering intersects with chemistry, materials science, physics, and medical engineering. Access to state-of-the-art laboratories and advanced experimental tools allows learners to engage in synthetic biology, biomechanics, imaging techniques, and computational modeling. By participating in interdisciplinary research, students strengthen their understanding of biological systems and develop practical engineering skills that prepare them for complex challenges in healthcare, biotechnology, and environmental applications. This integrated academic experience supports intellectual growth and equips graduates with the technical competence needed to succeed in rapidly evolving bioengineering fields.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Bioengineering
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 05 January 2026
- Location: California Institute of Technology (Caltech), United States
- Field of Study: Bio & Biomedical Engineering
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1 – Foundational Science & Engineering
- General Biology and Laboratory
- General Chemistry
- Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Introduction to Bioengineering
Year 2 – Core Bioengineering Principles
- Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering
- Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry
- Statistics and Data Analysis for Biology
- Fluid Mechanics and Biotransport
Year 3 – Applied Biological Engineering
- Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering
- Biomedical Signals and Systems
- Synthetic Biology and Genetic Circuit Design
- Bioengineering Laboratory / Project-Based Learning
Year 4 – Advanced Study & Capstone
- Electives in Biomedical Devices, Computational Biology, or Systems Biology
- Bioengineering Research or Senior Capstone Project
- Quantitative Modeling of Biological Systems
- Professional Practices in Bioengineering
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program are well-prepared for a broad range of roles across biotechnology, healthcare, research, and engineering-driven industries. Many pursue careers in biotechnology companies, medical device firms, pharmaceutical development, and genomics laboratories, where they contribute to the design of diagnostic tools, engineered tissues, therapeutic platforms, and advanced biological systems. Their training in quantitative modeling, laboratory experimentation, and systems-level analysis equips them for positions involving biomaterials development, bioprocess engineering, synthetic biology applications, and computational biological design. Additional opportunities exist in research hospitals, environmental biotechnology, and government health agencies that value interdisciplinary problem-solving. For students interested in continuing their education, this program offers a strong foundation for master’s or doctoral studies in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, synthetic biology, or related life-science fields, supporting future careers in research, academia, and technical leadership.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an excellent choice for students seeking a research-rich and interdisciplinary education that strengthens their advanced scientific insight, enabling them to connect biological understanding with engineering innovation. The University of Caltech offers a rigorous academic environment supported by expert faculty guidance, cutting-edge laboratories, and opportunities to participate in impactful bioengineering research. Students gain extensive hands-on experience through laboratory courses, computational modeling, and real-world design projects that prepare them for technical roles in modern biotechnology. The curriculum also offers flexibility, allowing learners to specialize in areas such as tissue engineering, biomedical devices, synthetic biology, or computational bioengineering. With its emphasis on scientific precision, innovation, and practical engineering skills, the program equips graduates to excel in both industry and advanced academic pathways.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 626 395 3000
Email: admissions@caltech.edu
Address: University of Caltech, 1200 East California Boulevard, Pasadena, CA 91125, United States
