Master of Science in Biological Engineering

NA On Campus Masters Program

Illinois Institute of Technology

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Biological Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology prepares students to apply engineering principles and biological sciences to develop innovative solutions for healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and industrial biological processes. The 30-credit-hour programme combines chemical engineering, molecular biology, biochemistry and specialised technical electives, making it suitable for students interested in developing biological technologies, improving bioprocesses and advancing research in areas such as tissue engineering, drug delivery and biomaterials.

Curriculum Structure

The university specifies a 30-credit-hour curriculum rather than a fixed year-wise study plan. The following is an indicative two-year progression based on the published course requirements.

First Year – Engineering and Biological Science Foundations:

Students establish a strong foundation through Transport Phenomena (CHE 406), Thermodynamics (CHE 503) and Bioprocess Engineering (CHE 577). They also study Biochemistry (BIOL 504) and Molecular Biology (BIOL 515) to understand biological processes at molecular and cellular levels. These subjects help students connect engineering principles with biological systems and industrial applications.

Second Year – Specialisation and Professional Development:

Students develop specialised expertise through electives such as Metabolic Engineering (CHE 545), Biomaterials (CHE 580), Pharmaceutical Engineering (CHE 583), Tissue Engineering (CHE 584) and Drug Delivery (CHE 585). They also complete Entrepreneurship and Intellectual Property Management (CHE 506), which introduces commercialisation, innovation and intellectual property considerations in engineering. Students can further customise their studies through electives in medical devices, biostatistics and environmental biotechnology.

Focus Areas

Bioprocess Engineering, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Metabolic Engineering, Biomaterials, Tissue Engineering, Pharmaceutical Engineering, Drug Delivery Systems, Medical Devices, BioMEMS, Microfluidics, Biostatistics and Environmental Biotechnology.

Learning Outcomes

Apply engineering principles to biological processes, understand molecular and biochemical systems, analyse and improve bioprocesses, evaluate biomaterials and tissue engineering applications, understand pharmaceutical manufacturing and drug delivery technologies, apply quantitative methods to biological engineering problems, and develop knowledge of entrepreneurship and intellectual property management.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The programme is designed to prepare graduates for professional practice in engineering fields involving biological processes. Illinois Tech identifies the programme as STEM-designated and suitable for international students seeking F-1 visa eligibility. However, a separate programme-specific ABET or other external professional accreditation is not stated in the official programme information.

Reputation (Employability and Research)

Illinois Tech offers an interdisciplinary engineering environment through its School of Engineering, Applied Science, and Health. Its Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering focuses on advanced research, fundamental engineering knowledge and industrial applications, supporting students interested in developing technologies for biotechnology, healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. A programme-specific QS or Guardian employability ranking, graduate employment rate or verified salary figure is not published in the official sources reviewed.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The programme combines engineering principles with practical biological applications, allowing students to explore how biological systems can be designed, analysed and improved. Illinois Tech's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering provides specialised laboratories and research facilities supporting work in biochemical engineering, biomaterials, biointerfaces, pharmaceutical engineering and computational modelling. Students can also explore faculty-led research in areas such as diabetes, molecular modelling, tissue scaffolding and biomimetic materials.

Key experiential learning opportunities include:

Biochemical Engineering Laboratory: Supports research and practical investigations involving biological processes and biochemical engineering applications.
Biomaterials Laboratory: Provides a research environment for investigating materials used in biological and biomedical applications.
Biointerfaces Laboratory: Supports research into interactions between biological systems and engineered materials.
Engineering Center for Diabetes Research and Education: Provides an interdisciplinary research environment focused on diabetes-related technologies and research.
Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Research: Students can explore biochemical engineering, pharmaceutical engineering and biological process development through specialised coursework and faculty research.
Tissue Engineering and Drug Delivery: Electives in Tissue Engineering (CHE 584) and Drug Delivery (CHE 585) provide specialised knowledge of biomedical materials and therapeutic delivery systems.
Medical Device Technology: Introduction to Medical Devices, BioMEMS and Microfluidics (BME 525) introduces engineering applications in medical devices and microscale biological systems.
Computational Research Facilities: The department provides an Advanced Computer Laboratory, specialised research-group computing facilities and Linux and Windows-based computational resources.
Research Seminars: Students can participate in Chemical Engineering seminars and relevant energy and sustainability seminars offered through the Wanger Institute for Sustainable Energy Research (WISER).
Internships and Industry Exposure: Illinois Tech's Elevate initiative provides access to internships, research opportunities, competitions and other career-focused experiences. These are university-wide opportunities rather than compulsory programme components

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Science in Biological Engineering prepares graduates for professional opportunities across biotechnology, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biomaterials and biological process development. Students develop interdisciplinary engineering and biological science expertise that can be applied to designing medical technologies, improving biological manufacturing processes and developing innovative healthcare solutions.

Potential career opportunities include:

Biomedical Engineer: Develop and improve technologies, equipment and systems used in healthcare and medical applications.
Bioprocess Engineer: Design and optimise biological manufacturing processes for biotechnology and pharmaceutical production.
Tissue Engineer: Develop biomaterials and biological structures for tissue repair and regenerative medicine.
Pharmaceutical Engineer: Work on drug formulation, delivery technologies and pharmaceutical manufacturing processes.

Career development and progression opportunities:

Career Services: Illinois Tech provides individual career counselling, résumé and cover-letter reviews, professional development workshops, networking events and interview preparation.
Handshake Platform: Students can access internship and full-time job opportunities, schedule career coaching appointments, receive résumé feedback and connect with employers.
Elevate Initiative: Provides access to internships, research projects, competitions and other practical experiences designed to strengthen students' professional profiles.
Industry Connections: Illinois Tech lists organisations that have hired graduates from its School of Engineering, Applied Science, and Health, including AbbVie, Amgen, Novo Nordisk, Dow, Repligen, PepsiCo and Procter & Gamble. These are examples of graduate employer destinations, not guaranteed recruitment partners for this programme.
Graduate Employment Outcomes: According to Illinois Tech's Class of 2025 graduate outcomes, 85.6% of surveyed advanced-degree graduates were employed full-time within six months of graduation. The survey received responses from 90% of graduate-degree recipients.
Graduate Salaries: The university reports a mean starting salary of $78,014 and a median of $72,000 annually for its Class of 2025 advanced-degree graduates. These figures cover multiple graduate programmes and are not specific to Biological Engineering.
Professional Recognition: The programme provides specialised engineering preparation for biological and biomedical industries. No separate professional accreditation for this particular degree is specified in the official catalogue.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can pursue doctoral studies in Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology, Biochemical Engineering or related research disciplines. They can also explore PhD research in specialised areas such as tissue engineering, biomaterials, metabolic engineering, drug delivery and molecular modelling. The programme's advanced technical coursework provides a foundation for further research and academic specialisation.