Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems Engineering

Water resource engineering: Student working on pipes in a lab

ABET Accreditation
The B.S. degree in Biological Systems Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

B.S. Degree in Biological Systems Engineering Icon

Biological Systems Engineering brings engineering to life—by working with living systems using engineering, biology, and mathematics to improve peoples' lives and our world!

This major leads to rewarding careers in Biomedical Engineering, Food and Bioprocess Engineering, and Ecological and Environmental Engineering. We provide students with a broad, flexible engineering background with a biological emphasis. A high percentage of graduates go to work immediately in well-paid positions. Many of our students go on to professional careers in engineering, law, medicine, food research, and academia.

Examples of topics addressed in the curriculum include watershed protection, ecosystem restoration, nonpoint source pollution control, bioremediation, and pollution prevention; extrusion and bioreactor design, pharmaceutical and animal health product production, and plant and animal protection; surgical and prosthetic device development, biomechanics, biosignal and image processing, and biomedical imaging and tissue engineering.  The curriculum emphasizes report writing, speaking, and teamwork, as well as computer-aided design. 

Program Educational Objectives

Three to five years after graduation, BSEN graduates will be:

  • Confidently using engineering skills in solving problems and providing design solutions in the context of biological systems;
  • Continuing their professional development, and professional and community service through various opportunities provided by institutions, professional organizations, and other venues in an inclusive manner respecting diversity; and
  • Responsibly addressing issues of health and safety, ethics, and environmental impacts of engineering decisions in the context of biological systems.

Emphasis Areas

Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Medical Imaging, surgical tool design, tissue engineering, prosthetic design, and rehabilitation engineering are just a few of the emerging fields in this specialty.

Ecological and Environmental Engineering
Ecological and Environmental Engineering
Learn about nonpoint source pollution, restoring streams, lakes, and wetlands, and how ecological engineering plays a role in sustaining our environment.

Food and Bioprocess Engineering
Food and Bioprocess Engineering
Discover new possibilities for bioproducts and bioenergy: from biodiesel and ethanol to new uses for grain by-products as well as improving food safety and quality.

Biological Systems Engineering Upcoming Events