BS in Bioengineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

California Institute of Technology

Program Overview

Caltech’s Bioengineering undergraduate program brings together engineering, biology, biotechnology, and quantitative analysis to help students understand biological systems and develop innovative solutions for medicine and biotechnology. It is well suited to students who enjoy combining science, technology, experimentation, computation, and research to tackle real-world biological and biomedical challenges.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students establish a strong foundation in Freshman Mathematics, Freshman Physics, and General Chemistry, while also developing computing skills through Introduction to Computer Programming. Courses such as BE 1: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Introduction to Molecular Biology introduce students to bioengineering and essential biological concepts from the beginning of their studies.

Second Year: Students progress into more advanced mathematics, physics, and chemistry through Sophomore Mathematics, Sophomore Physics, and Organic Chemistry. They also develop their understanding of biological systems through courses such as BE 25: Biophysical Chemistry and Bi/BE 24: Scientific Communication for Biological Scientists and Engineers.

Third Year: Students begin exploring more specialised areas through courses such as Introduction to Biochemistry, Introduction to Biomolecular Engineering, and Design and Construction of Programmable Molecular Systems. Opportunities such as BE 98: Undergraduate Research in Bioengineering allow students to apply their knowledge to hands-on research and gain valuable experience working on bioengineering problems.

Fourth Year: In their final year, students take advanced subjects such as Design and Construction of Biodevices, Mechanics and Signal Transduction in Morphogenesis, and Physical Biology of the Cell. The BE 99: Senior Thesis in Bioengineering gives students the opportunity to complete substantial independent research and demonstrate the technical and scientific skills developed throughout the program.

Focus Areas

Bioengineering, biotechnology, physical cell biology, systems biology, biomolecular engineering, biodevice design, synthetic biology, biomechanics, biomaterials, computational biology, biological circuit design, quantitative analysis, biological data analysis

Learning Outcomes

Students develop strong quantitative and analytical skills, learn to design and evaluate bioengineering experiments, gain practical research experience, understand biological systems from an engineering perspective, develop computational and experimental abilities, strengthen scientific communication skills, and prepare for careers or advanced study in bioengineering, biotechnology, biomedicine, and related fields.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Caltech’s Bioengineering undergraduate program provides a strong foundation for professional careers and further study in bioengineering and related areas. Caltech is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission, while the official university information does not identify this Bioengineering undergraduate program as an ABET-accredited program.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Caltech has an outstanding international reputation for science, engineering, and research. The university is ranked among the world's leading institutions, with its strong research environment and reputation in engineering and technology providing students with valuable preparation for careers in research, biotechnology, healthcare, and advanced technology.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Caltech’s Bioengineering undergraduate program gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical experience through research, laboratory work, projects, and scientific communication. Students can work alongside faculty researchers, explore advanced bioengineering facilities, and gain experience with specialised technologies used in areas such as bioimaging, biomechanics, cell and tissue engineering, molecular medicine, synthetic biology, and systems biology. The program also encourages undergraduate research during the academic year and through summer opportunities, helping students build skills that are valuable for both employment and further study:

Undergraduate research: Students can take BE 98: Undergraduate Research in Bioengineering, where they carry out research under the supervision of a Caltech faculty member or an approved external researcher and complete a written research report.
Senior research project: BE 99: Senior Thesis in Bioengineering gives final-year students the opportunity to undertake substantial independent research under faculty guidance.
Team-based learning: Project-oriented courses provide opportunities for students to work collaboratively, develop solutions to bioengineering problems, and strengthen their teamwork and communication skills.
Advanced laboratory facilities: Students can benefit from research resources supporting areas such as bioimaging, biomechanics, biomedical devices, cell and tissue engineering, molecular medicine, molecular programming, synthetic biology, and systems biology.
Specialised research equipment: Caltech facilities include technologies such as confocal microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence-activated cell sorting, magnetic resonance imaging, transgenic mouse facilities, and protein expression and purification resources.
Bioinformatics and imaging resources: Students can benefit from specialised facilities including the Bioinformatics Resource Center, Biological Imaging Facility, Brain Imaging Center, Center for Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Clover Center for Clarity, Optogenetics, and Vector Engineering.
Research institutes and centres: The wider Caltech research environment includes the Rosen Center for Bioengineering, Beckman Institute, Merkin Institute for Translational Research, and Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute for Neuroscience, providing opportunities to engage with cutting-edge research.
Summer research: Students are encouraged to participate in summer research programs, giving them additional opportunities to gain laboratory and research experience outside the regular academic year.
Scientific communication: Bi/BE 24: Scientific Communication for Biological Scientists and Engineers develops practical skills in scientific writing, research presentations, oral communication, and peer review.
Faculty-led research experience: Students have opportunities to learn from and work with Caltech faculty members who are actively conducting research in bioengineering and related scientific fields.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Caltech’s Bioengineering undergraduate program prepares students for exciting careers at the intersection of engineering, biology, biotechnology, healthcare, and research. The strong combination of scientific knowledge, practical research experience, computational skills, and problem-solving prepares graduates for both industry and further academic study.

Typical career roles include Biomedical Engineer, Biotechnology Researcher, Healthcare Technology Professional, Pharmaceutical Development Specialist. Students can strengthen their career prospects through:

Career support: Caltech’s Career Achievement, Leadership, and Exploration team provides individual career advising, resume and interview support, and guidance for internships, jobs, graduate school, and professional opportunities.
Strong employer connections: Caltech works with more than 400 companies and research facilities that recruit its students and graduates. Students can connect with employers through career fairs, networking events, industry sessions, information sessions, and interviews.
Industry exposure: Events such as Bioscience Industry Day allow students to meet companies, recruiters, and Caltech alumni working in bioscience and related industries.
Internship opportunities: Students receive support in finding summer internships where they can apply their bioengineering knowledge in professional and research environments.
Research opportunities: Students can participate in research during the academic year and through summer programs, working in areas such as biological imaging, biomechanics, biomedical devices, cell and tissue engineering, molecular medicine, synthetic biology, and systems biology.
Faculty and alumni connections: Students learn from leading Caltech researchers and can build professional relationships through the university’s faculty and alumni network.
Employment and salary figures: Caltech’s official Bioengineering undergraduate information does not provide specific employment rates or graduate salary figures for this program, so no unsupported figures are included.
Accreditation value: Caltech is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The university does not identify the Bioengineering B.S. as an ABET-accredited program, so ABET accreditation should not be claimed for this degree.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can pursue opportunities in biomedical engineering, biotechnology research and development, healthcare technology, pharmaceutical development, environmental engineering, academic research, and related industries.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Bioengineering, students can continue into master’s or doctoral programs in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, biological sciences, engineering, and other related fields. Caltech’s research-focused environment provides a strong foundation for students who want to pursue advanced research, academic careers, or specialised roles in emerging areas of biotechnology and healthcare.