Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering degree: Data Science

The B.S. in Bioengineering with an Option in Data Science at the University of Washington gives students plenty of opportunities to turn classroom knowledge into practical skills. Alongside bioengineering laboratories, students develop experience with scientific computing, programming, machine learning, data management, and data visualization. The program also gives students the chance to work on real biomedical problems through research and team-based design projects, helping them understand how data and engineering can be used to improve healthcare and medical technology.

Students can gain practical experience through:

• Scientific computing and programming: Students develop computational skills through courses such as AMATH 301 Scientific Computing and BIOEN 217 MATLAB Fundamentals, giving them experience with computational tools used in scientific and engineering work.

• Data science and machine learning: The Data Science option includes coursework in Introduction to Data Science, Programming, Machine Learning, Data Management, and Data Visualization and Communication, helping students learn how to work with and interpret complex datasets.

• Biomedical data applications: Students can select courses that connect data science directly with bioengineering, including areas such as Medical Imaging, Synthetic Biology, Quantitative Physiology, and biomedical research.

• Hands-on laboratory work: Bioengineering students gain practical laboratory experience through courses such as BIOEN 317 Biomedical Signals and Sensors Laboratory, BIOEN 327 Fluids and Biomaterials Lab, and BIOEN 337 Mass Transport and Systems Lab.

• Team-based design projects: Through BIOEN 404 and BIOEN 405 Team Design, students work in small teams to design, develop, and test solutions to medical and healthcare problems. Projects may involve devices, sensors, instrumentation, software, or other biomedical technologies.

• Independent research: Students can choose the research pathway through BIOEN 401 and BIOEN 402, where they work on a substantial research and design project, typically with guidance from a Bioengineering faculty member.

• Industry and clinical collaboration: Bioengineering design projects can involve UW Medicine, Seattle Children’s Hospital, local industry, clinicians, and industry mentors, giving students exposure to real-world healthcare and engineering challenges.

• Internship opportunities: Students may incorporate a Full-Time Internship (ENGR 321) into their academic plan, providing an opportunity to gain professional experience alongside their degree.

• Computing facilities: Students have access to department computer labs, a student-only drop-in computing lab, and an advanced computing lab, supporting programming, computational work, data analysis, and project development.

• Collaborative learning spaces: The department provides student work areas, collaborative spaces, a student lounge, and rooms equipped for presentations, meetings, and video-related work.

• Research opportunities: Undergraduate students can connect with Bioengineering research through faculty laboratories and research groups working across areas such as computational bioengineering, neural engineering, biomaterials and regenerative medicine, molecular and cellular engineering, biomedical imaging, and bioinstrumentation.

• Research-focused student activities: BioExplore connects students with bioengineering and bioscience research through research talks, panels, workshops, laboratory tours, and research spotlights.

• Real-world capstone experience: Senior students complete a major design or research project, allowing them to bring together bioengineering, data science, programming, and problem-solving skills to address an actual biomedical or healthcare challenge.

The B.S. in Bioengineering with an Option in Data Science prepares students for careers where biology, engineering, computing, and data come together. Graduates can explore opportunities in biomedical technology, biotechnology, medical devices, healthcare, computational research, and data-driven healthcare solutions. The program also provides a strong foundation for students who want to continue into advanced study or research.

Typical career paths include Bioengineer, Biomedical Engineer, Computational Bioengineer, Biomedical Data Scientist.

Students can build their professional future through:

• Career and internship support: The University of Washington's Career & Internship Center provides resources for finding internships and jobs, preparing for applications, developing career skills, networking, and connecting with employers.

• Bioengineering industry connections: The BioEngage initiative connects Bioengineering students with industry through internships, employment opportunities, professional development, and networking.

• Industry recruitment opportunities: UW Bioengineering has connected students with companies including Seattle Genetics, Just Biotherapeutics, Verasonics, FUJIFILM SonoSite, Juno Therapeutics, and InBios International, giving students opportunities to learn about careers and connect directly with employers.

• Real-world healthcare experience: Bioengineering design projects can involve UW Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, clinicians, and local industry, allowing students to work on genuine healthcare and medical technology challenges.

• Internship opportunities: BioEngage specifically supports undergraduate internship opportunities, particularly around the summer following the junior and/or senior year, helping students gain relevant professional experience before graduation.

• Graduation outcomes: Across University of Washington–Seattle undergraduate programs, the Class of 2024 achieved an 85% positive outcome rate, covering employment, continuing education, and volunteer service. This is a university-wide figure and is not specific to the Bioengineering Data Science option.

• Salary information: The university provides graduate outcome information, but no official program-specific average salary was identified for graduates of the B.S. in Bioengineering Data Science option. A specific salary figure should therefore not be assumed.

• Long-term accreditation value: The B.S. in Bioengineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the criteria for Bioengineering and Biomedical and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. Since the Data Science option is completed within the B.S. in Bioengineering degree, students benefit from an ABET-accredited engineering education while developing additional data science expertise.

• Research and innovation opportunities: Students can benefit from UW Bioengineering's research environment, which covers areas such as computational bioengineering, biomedical imaging, neural engineering, biomaterials, molecular and cellular engineering, biotechnology, and medical devices.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the bachelor's degree, students can continue into graduate-level education in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, data science, biotechnology, or related fields. At the University of Washington, relevant options include the M.S. in Bioengineering, Master of Applied Bioengineering, Master of Pharmaceutical Bioengineering, and Ph.D. in Bioengineering. Eligible UW Bioengineering students can also pursue the combined B.S./M.S. in Bioengineering, which provides a pathway to complete both degrees in approximately five years while developing advanced research and technical expertise.