Undergraduate

Biology is the new frontier of engineering. The engineering of biology is on the forefront of discovering solutions to the world’s most pressing problems – human health and environmental sustainability.

Biological Engineering is the application of engineering principles to biology. Biological Engineering at Utah State University focuses primarily on cellular and sub-cellular research. Our research explores the engineering of microbes to create new industries that are bio-based, sustainable, and non-exploitive. Our research leads to new products and industries that improve human health, support energy independence, and improve the environment.

We have state-of-the-art laboratories and nationally recognized faculty. We have active research projects in these areas:

  • Anti-cancer pharmaceuticals
  • Green fuels such as biodiesel, compressed natural gas, liquid transportation fluids and jet fuel
  • Biologically engineering of DNA to produce biosensors
  • Biopolymers and bioplastics
  • Genetic, metabolic, cellular and tissue engineering
  • Synthetic biological engineering
  • Biophotonics

We encourage all of our undergraduate students to participate actively in our research labs. Our undergraduate participation in hands-on research is far greater than the national average, and our undergraduates often travel to professional conferences, present papers and posters, and publish in journals. Undergraduates join research teams with graduate students and faculty. Our approach to learning and research is cross-functional and team oriented. Departmental undergraduate research internships are available.

The BS Degree in Biological Engineering at Utah State University is an ABET-accredited engineering degree. All of our students are required to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam (FE) before they can graduate. The FE is the first step towards becoming a licensed Professional Engineer, should you choose that career path.

The career opportunities in Biological Engineering are outstanding. Many of our graduates go on to complete MS and PhD degrees, while others find jobs in industry, research, government, law, medicine, engineering design, defense, and sales and marketing. Employment in the field of biological engineering is projected to grow at greater than 20% annually over the next decade.

Visit our Careers in Biological Engineering page for more information.

To apply to the Biological Engineering Program, please visit the USU Admissions website.