Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering - Biotechnology Option

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Georgia Institute of Technology

Program Overview

Georgia Tech’s Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with the Biotechnology Option combines engineering with biology, chemistry, and biotechnology. It is a strong choice for students who want to understand how biological and chemical processes can be designed and improved for applications in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, bioprocessing, and related industries.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Students build a foundation in mathematics, science, biology, and engineering through courses such as Principles of Biology I and Biological Principles Laboratory, Chemical Principles I, and Computing for Engineers. Mathematics courses including Differential Calculus, Integral Calculus, and Introduction to Linear Algebra help develop the analytical skills needed for later engineering coursework.

Year 2: Students begin connecting chemistry and biology with chemical engineering through subjects such as Chemical Process Principles, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, and Synthesis Laboratory I. Courses such as Organic Chemistry I, Organic Chemistry II or Organic and Bioorganic Chemistry, and Cell and Molecular Biology give students a deeper understanding of the chemical and biological processes used in biotechnology.

Year 3: Students develop stronger engineering and biochemical knowledge through courses such as Fluid Mechanics, Heat & Mass Transfer, Separations Processes, and Chemical Kinetics and Catalysis. They also study Biochemistry I and II, helping them understand biological molecules and biochemical reactions that are important in biotechnology and bioprocessing.

Year 4: Students bring together their engineering and biotechnology knowledge through advanced subjects such as Bioprocess Engineering, Reactor Design, Process Dynamics and Control, and Chemical Engineering Capstone Design Project. Students can also choose Biotechnology Electives, CHBE Electives, and Engineering Electives to develop knowledge that matches their career interests.

Focus Areas

Biotechnology; Bioprocess Engineering; Biomolecular Engineering; Biochemistry; Cell and Molecular Biology; Chemical Engineering; Reactor Design; Process Systems and Control; Biochemical Processing; Chemical Process Design.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to use mathematics, science, and engineering principles to solve complex problems and design practical solutions. They also build skills in experimentation, data analysis, teamwork, communication, and applying engineering knowledge to challenges involving health, safety, environmental, economic, and societal considerations.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program prepares students for professional opportunities at the intersection of chemical engineering and biotechnology, including bioprocessing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, biochemical processing, and research. Laboratory courses, the Chemical Engineering Capstone Design Project, cooperative education, and undergraduate research opportunities give students practical experience that can support their transition into professional engineering roles or further study.

Reputation (Employability & Recognition)

Georgia Tech provides students with strong opportunities to connect academic learning with professional experience. Students can participate in the optional five-year Cooperative Program, which combines classroom study with three semesters of industrial assignments, while the Research Option allows students to undertake substantial undergraduate research and complete a thesis.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Georgia Tech’s B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with the Biotechnology Option gives students opportunities to apply engineering and biological concepts through laboratory work, research, industry experience, and design projects. Students can work with faculty on research, gain industry experience through the Cooperative Program, and use Georgia Tech’s advanced research facilities to explore areas such as biotechnology, biomolecular engineering, molecular biology, and bioprocessing. These experiences help students build practical skills while working on real engineering and biotechnology challenges.

Students can gain hands-on experience through:

Chemical Engineering Capstone Design Project: In their final stage of the program, students apply their chemical and biomolecular engineering knowledge to practical design challenges through the capstone project.
Undergraduate research: Students can work with Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering faculty in research laboratories and contribute to ongoing projects. Research may be completed for academic credit or through paid undergraduate research opportunities.
Cooperative education: Students can participate in Georgia Tech’s optional Cooperative Program, combining classroom learning with industrial work assignments. This provides an opportunity to gain practical, paid industry experience before graduation.
Biotechnology and biomolecular research: Students can explore research areas including biocatalysis, metabolic engineering, protein biology, genomics, molecular microbiology, cell and tissue engineering, and biotechnology.
Undergraduate research funding: Opportunities such as the President’s Undergraduate Research Awards (PURA) can support students conducting research with faculty mentors and presenting their work at professional conferences.
Interdisciplinary research facilities: Students can benefit from Georgia Tech facilities such as the Engineered Biosystems Building, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Ford Environmental Science and Technology Building, and Cherry Emerson Building.
Specialized research facilities and equipment: Georgia Tech provides research capabilities in molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, and ecology, along with technologies such as mass spectrometry for proteomics and lipidomics, confocal microscopy, and Bio-Omics.
Biotechnology research centers: Students can engage with the university’s wider research environment through centers such as the Center for Integrative Genomics, Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Center for the Study of Systems Biology, Integrated Cancer Research Center, and Center for Biologically Inspired Design.
Faculty-guided research projects: Students can identify faculty members whose research interests match their goals and explore opportunities to join their laboratories and work on faculty-led projects.
Research communication: Undergraduate research experiences allow students to develop skills in presenting and communicating research findings, which can be valuable for future careers in biotechnology, engineering, and research.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Georgia Tech’s B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with the Biotechnology Option prepares students for careers across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, biomedical industries, chemical manufacturing, research, government, and consulting. The combination of engineering, biology, biochemistry, and biotechnology gives graduates a strong technical foundation for entering industry or continuing into advanced study.

Typical career roles include: Bioprocess Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Pharmaceutical Engineer

Career development and employment opportunities:

Georgia Tech Career Services: Students can access career counselling, career fairs, workshops, résumé reviews, mock interviews, internship support, and job-search resources to help them prepare for employment.
Cooperative education: Students can take part in Georgia Tech’s five-year Undergraduate Cooperative Program, combining academic study with three semesters of industrial work experience. This allows students to gain substantial professional experience before completing their degree.
Industry opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, biomedical, chemical, environmental, food, microelectronics, and other industries, as well as government, consulting, and academia.
Salary potential: Georgia Tech’s School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering has reported historically strong starting salaries for its graduates, including a $75,000 median starting salary in 2015. This is an older university-published figure and should not be considered a current salary guarantee.
Research experience: Students can participate in faculty-led research and choose the Research Option, which provides substantial research experience and the opportunity to complete an undergraduate thesis. This can be particularly valuable for students interested in biotechnology research, R&D, or graduate study.
Professional preparation: The program develops problem-solving, teamwork, communication, leadership, and lifelong-learning skills, helping graduates prepare for professional roles across industry, academia, government, and related fields.
Broad career flexibility: The degree provides skills that can be applied across different industries rather than restricting graduates to one career path. Georgia Tech highlights graduates progressing into positions such as plant engineers, researchers, professors, consultants, physicians, corporate executives, and sales engineers.
International exposure: Students can pursue international experiences during their undergraduate studies, helping them develop broader academic and professional perspectives that can be valuable in future careers.
Engineering accreditation: The B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is ABET-accredited, providing an established quality benchmark for an engineering degree and supporting students pursuing professional engineering careers.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can enter professional roles or continue into advanced education. The engineering background also provides opportunities to move into related fields such as bioengineering, machine learning, biotechnology, and other interdisciplinary areas.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue into Georgia Tech’s five-year B.S./M.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. They can also pursue master’s and Ph.D. programs in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and related areas such as Bioengineering, Machine Learning, biotechnology, bioprocessing, and biomolecular engineering, depending on their academic and career interests.