BE BioEngineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Pennsylvania

Program Overview

The BE Bioengineering program at the University of Pennsylvania brings together engineering, biology, medicine, and technology to help students develop solutions to real-world challenges in healthcare and human health. It is a great choice for students who want to explore areas such as biomedical devices, biomechanics, cellular and tissue engineering, biotechnology, and computational bioengineering while building strong technical and problem-solving skills.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students start by developing a strong foundation in engineering and the sciences through subjects such as BE 1000 Introduction to Bioengineering, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology. These subjects introduce students to the connection between engineering principles and biological and medical applications.

Second Year: Students begin exploring more specialised bioengineering concepts and practical applications through courses such as BE 2000 Introduction to Biomechanics, BE 2200 Biomaterials, and BE 2700 Bioengineering Laboratory Principles. These courses help students understand biological systems and materials while developing hands-on laboratory, analytical, and engineering skills.

Third Year: Students build deeper expertise in biomedical systems through courses such as BE 3010 Bioengineering Signals and Systems, BE 3060 Cellular Engineering, and BE 3090 Bioengineering Modeling, Analysis and Design Laboratory I. Students learn to apply engineering analysis, mathematical modelling, computational methods, and experimental approaches to real biomedical challenges.

Fourth Year: The final year allows students to explore advanced areas through specialised electives, design projects, research, and independent study. Courses such as BE 4970 Senior Thesis in Biomedical Science and BE 4980 Senior Thesis in Biomedical Science can give students valuable experience in independent investigation, technical problem-solving, and communicating research findings.

Focus Areas

Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, Biomechanics, Biomaterials, Cellular Engineering, Tissue Engineering, Biomedical Devices, Biomedical Imaging, Bioengineering Signals and Systems, Computational Bioengineering, Biological Data Science, Neuroengineering, Therapeutics, Drug Delivery, Nanomedicine, Immune Engineering, Biotransport, Systems Biology

Learning Outcomes

Engineering problem-solving, quantitative analysis, mathematical modelling, computational methods, laboratory skills, biomedical data analysis, biological systems analysis, biomechanics, biomaterials, cellular engineering, biomedical design, research skills, experimental methods, technical communication, interdisciplinary collaboration

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BE Bioengineering program provides a strong engineering education that combines fundamental engineering principles with biology, medicine, and biomedical applications. Students develop technical, analytical, design, laboratory, and research skills that can support careers and further study in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, healthcare technology, and related fields.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The official University of Pennsylvania sources reviewed do not provide a specific QS or Guardian employability ranking for the BE Bioengineering program. However, Penn provides career development, employer networking, research, internship, and industry engagement opportunities that can help students prepare for employment and further study.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BE BioEngineering program at the University of Pennsylvania gives students many opportunities to turn engineering and scientific concepts into practical solutions for real biomedical challenges. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory courses, design projects, computational work, prototyping, and undergraduate research, with opportunities to explore areas such as biomechanics, biomaterials, microfluidics, electronics, cellular engineering, and medical devices. Penn also provides specialised teaching facilities and equipment where students can develop, test, and refine their ideas through practical projects:

BE 1000 – Introduction to Bioengineering: Students are introduced to different areas of bioengineering through practical activities involving biomechanics, electronics and microcontrollers, data science, tissue engineering, chemical engineering, and synthetic biology.
BE 2700 – Bioengineering Laboratory Principles: Students work in small groups on laboratory modules that develop skills in programming, engineering design, data analysis, mathematics, and scientific communication. Activities include mechanics, materials, electronics, tensile testing, optical strain tracking, and biological tissue analysis.
BE 3090 and BE 3100 – Bioengineering Modeling, Analysis and Design Laboratories: These courses combine laboratory experiments with mathematical modelling, programming, data analysis, and engineering design. Students can work on practical topics such as microfluidics for point-of-care diagnostics, synthetic biology, bioelectrical signals, electronics, and bioanalytical spectroscopy.
Senior Design Project: Through BE 4950 and BE 4960, students spend a full academic year developing an interdisciplinary bioengineering project. Projects may focus on medical devices, molecular biological therapeutics, research tools, biomaterials, electronics, mechanics, nanotechnology, or microfluidics.
Bio-MakerSpace: The George H. Stephenson Foundation Educational Laboratory and Bio-MakerSpace in Skirkanich Hall provides more than 50 types of equipment and 500 supplies for hands-on work in molecular biology, physiology, chemistry, microfluidics, mechanical testing, electronics, and prototyping.
Prototyping facilities: Students can use 3-D printers, a laser cutter, sewing machines, Instron mechanical testing systems, and electrical and electronic prototyping equipment to develop and test biomedical designs.
Computational experience: The curriculum includes ENGR 1050 – Introduction to Scientific Computing, while laboratory courses such as BE 3090 and BE 3100 incorporate programming, modelling, mathematical analysis, and data analysis into practical projects.
Undergraduate research: Students can participate in research with Penn Engineering faculty during the academic year or summer. Opportunities include the Littlejohn Undergraduate Research Program and Rachleff Scholars Program, allowing students to gain experience working on real research projects.
Research support: The Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships helps students identify research opportunities, connect with faculty mentors, and explore funding options for undergraduate research.
Internships: Penn reports that more than 80% of undergraduates complete internships, giving students opportunities to apply their academic knowledge and develop professional experience.
Project-based learning: Bioengineering laboratory courses provide practical experience in areas such as physiological studies, instrumentation, circuit design, medical device development, biomechanics, biomaterials, microfluidics, and cell engineering.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BE BioEngineering program at the University of Pennsylvania prepares graduates for a wide range of opportunities in biomedical engineering, healthcare technology, biotechnology, research, and related industries. Its combination of engineering fundamentals, biomedical applications, laboratory work, design, and research experience gives students a strong foundation for entering the workforce or continuing into advanced study.

Typical career roles include: Biomedical Engineer, Bioengineering Researcher, Medical Device Engineer, Biotechnology Professional

Students can build their professional future through:

Penn Career Services: Students can access career advising, recruiting resources, career fairs, employer events, and information on jobs, internships, salaries, and employment trends to help them plan their career.
BioSciences career opportunities: Penn's BioSciences Career Fair connects students with organisations across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, consulting, science communication, government, startups, policy, and related fields.
Industry exposure: Penn Bioengineering graduates have progressed into roles with organisations such as Boston Children's Hospital, IBM, Deloitte, AlphaImpactRx, ICON, and Halma, demonstrating opportunities across healthcare, technology, consulting, research, and industry.
Employment outcomes: Penn reports that 91% of its 2025 undergraduate graduates were working full-time or continuing their education within six months of graduation. The university-wide median starting salary for employed full-time graduates was $103,418. These figures cover Penn undergraduate graduates overall and are not specific to BioEngineering.
Research and professional development: Students can gain research experience during their degree, helping them develop practical skills relevant to biomedical research, biotechnology, healthcare technology, and postgraduate study.
ABET accreditation: The Bioengineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. This provides long-term professional value by demonstrating that the engineering program meets recognised educational standards.
Academic and career advising: Penn Engineering students receive faculty advising and can seek guidance on course choices, research opportunities, career planning, and graduate study options.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can enter careers in engineering, biotechnology, healthcare, medical technology, research, and related industries or continue into graduate and professional education. Penn's broader undergraduate outcomes show that 19.6% of the Class of 2025 pursued further education.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the BE BioEngineering degree, students can continue into master's or doctoral programs in areas such as bioengineering, biomedical engineering, biotechnology, biomedical sciences, computational biology, medical technology, and related engineering or scientific fields. The degree can also provide a strong foundation for students considering professional pathways such as medicine, business, or law.