Bioengineering

The Bioengineering program at the California Institute of Technology offers a rigorous and interdisciplinary approach to understanding and applying biological principles to technological and biomedical challenges. Designed for students interested in the integration of biology, engineering, and medicine, the program provides a comprehensive education that prepares graduates to innovate in areas such as medical device development, regenerative medicine, synthetic biology, and systems biology. Students gain a solid foundation in core engineering disciplines, including electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering, complemented by in-depth coursework in molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, and bioinformatics. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience, cutting-edge research projects, and collaboration across disciplines, fostering an environment where students can develop novel solutions to complex biological problems. Opportunities for interdisciplinary research are abundant, with access to state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty from both engineering and biological sciences. The program is designed to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and technical skills, enabling graduates to excel in academia, industry, or entrepreneurship. Throughout their studies, students are encouraged to engage with ongoing research in areas such as tissue engineering, neural engineering, and biomaterials, contributing to advancements that address global healthcare challenges. By integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application, the Bioengineering program at Caltech prepares students to be leaders in the rapidly evolving fields of biotechnology and biomedical engineering. With a commitment to innovation and societal impact, the program aims to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also ethically aware and socially responsible. The rigorous academic environment, combined with vibrant research opportunities, ensures that students develop the skills necessary to push the boundaries of what is possible in the life sciences and engineering.

1. BE 1; either BE 150 or BE 159; BE/APh 161; ChE/BE 163; BE/CS/CNS/Bi 191 a.
2. Experimental methods: Bi 1 x; BE/EE/MedE 189 a; ChE 130.
3. Biology, chemistry and physics: two terms out of three from Ph 2 abc; Bi 8; Bi 9; Ch 25; Ch 41 a; Bi/Ch 110. One advanced biology course selected from Bi/Ch 111, Bi/Ch 113, Bi 114, Bi 117, Bi 122, Bi 145 ab, Bi/CNS/NB 150, BE 150. Students may pass out of Bi 8 and Bi 9 via placement exams administered by the Biology Option.
4. Mathematical and computational methods: ACM 95 abc; CDS 110 a or ChE 105; Ma 2, Ma 3; 9 units selected from CS 1, CS 2, CS 3.
5. 36 units of BE electives (selected from the elective lists below or approved by the student's academic adviser).
6. Communication: E 10; E 11.
7. Courses satisfying option requirements must be taken for grades (except when courses are only available P/F) and passed with a grade of C– or higher. Passing grades must be earned in a total of 486 units.

Requirements

• Common Application or the Coalition Application with Caltech Questions - Caltech does not have a preference between the Common Application or the Coalition Application. We advise that you use the best platform for your application process.
  • Note: Caltech is also a QuestBridge Partner. Students may apply for Caltech through the QuestBridge College Match Program.
• $75 application fee or fee waiver (Common App waiver, Coalition Application waiver, or Caltech-specific waiver)
• SAT with Optional Essay or ACT with Writing (official scores from testing agency)
• SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2 (official scores from testing agency)
• 1 SAT science subject test: biology (ecological), biology (molecular), chemistry, or physics (official scores from testing agency)
• 1 math or science teacher evaluation
• 1 humanities or social sciences teacher evaluation
• Secondary School Report
• Academic transcripts
• TOEFL scores - Required of all international citizens unless 1) your native language is English; or 2) you have had school instruction for two or more years in English. The two years of school instruction must be completed prior to the application deadline). We do not accept the IELTS or any other substitute for the TOEFL requirement.
• International Financial Aid Statement of Intent - When an international citizen applies for freshman admission, the application prompts questions to confirm his/her understanding of our financial aid policy and thus confirm his/her financial aid intent towards Caltech. Caltech is need-sensitive for international citizens because the total amount of financial aid funds is limited for these students, and we remain committed to meeting the demonstrated need of all admitted students.

Scholarships

• Need-based scholarships 
• Caltech Scholarships

Bioengineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is an interdisciplinary program that combines principles from biology, engineering, and physical sciences to address complex biological and medical challenges. The program aims to train students to develop innovative solutions for issues such as disease treatment, medical device design, tissue engineering, and synthetic biology. Students engage in coursework that includes molecular biology, systems biology, biomechanics, bioinformatics, and materials science, alongside engineering fundamentals. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on laboratory experience, fostering skills in experimental design, data analysis, and technological innovation. Caltech's collaborative research environment provides students with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, allowing them to work on cutting-edge projects under the guidance of leading researchers. The program encourages interdisciplinary thinking, integrating insights from chemistry, physics, and computer science to advance the field of bioengineering. Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in academia, industry, and healthcare, where they can contribute to biomedical research, the development of medical devices, and biotech startups. The program also promotes entrepreneurship and innovation, supporting students in translating research into practical applications. Collaboration with external institutions and industry partners is a key component, providing students with real-world experience and networking opportunities. The faculty involved in the bioengineering program at Caltech are renowned experts committed to pushing the boundaries of knowledge and technology in the life sciences. The program's goal is to produce groundbreaking research and highly skilled professionals who can address urgent health and biological challenges of society. Overall, Caltech's bioengineering program offers a rigorous, research-driven education that prepares students to become leaders in the rapidly evolving field of biomedical engineering.