Bioengineering

The Bioengineering program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education that bridges the principles of biology, engineering, and technology to solve real-world biomedical challenges. Designed to prepare students for careers in research, healthcare, industry, and academia, the program integrates cutting-edge knowledge from multiple fields to foster innovation in medical devices, diagnostics, tissue engineering, and biotechnology. Students in this program gain a strong foundation in core engineering principles, biological sciences, and clinical applications, enabling them to develop novel solutions that improve human health and quality of life. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on laboratory work, team-based projects, and collaborative research opportunities with leading faculty and industry partners. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including biomanufacturing labs, imaging centers, and biomaterials laboratories, providing a rich environment for experiential learning and experimentation. The program offers specializations in areas such as biomaterials, biomechanics, systems physiology, and biomedical instrumentation, allowing students to tailor their education to their career interests. Graduates of the Bioengineering program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees, such as master’s or doctoral programs, or to enter the workforce in sectors including medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical development, healthcare consulting, and research institutions. Throughout their studies, students develop critical skills in problem-solving, data analysis, and communication, essential for leadership roles in the rapidly evolving field of bioengineering. The program is committed to fostering innovation, ethical practices, and societal impact, preparing students to contribute meaningfully to advances that enhance human health worldwide.

Thesis Option

Other Requirements and Conditions1

Non-Thesis Option

Other Requirements and Conditions1

Requirements

• Admission to the Bioengineering Graduate Program is very competitive. Successful applicants typically have GPAs above 3.5 (on a 4.0 = A scale), Quantitative GRE scores above the 85th percentile, and Verbal and Analytical GRE scores above the 75th percentile. The Department seeks students with strong analytical skills, demonstrated motivation, and experimental research experience or volunteer experience in bioengineering. Competitive applicants are encouraged to find Bioengineering Graduate Program Faculty research advisors prior to beginning graduate studies at Illinois.
• Applicants must have earned a bachelor's degree in bioengineering or a related field. Engineering students must have prior training in life sciences. Biology students must have strong mathematical and quantitative preparation, including calculus and differential equations.
• Transcripts of all completed university coursework.
  NOTE: Official transcripts are not required for application purposes but ARE required after an offer of admission has been extended.
• Three letters of reference — The letters will be submitted online, and letter writers will receive instructions about the upload process via email.
• Statement of Purpose
• Résumé
• Graduate Record Examination (GRE) — general aptitude test scores (Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical portions). A GRE subject test is not required. These scores must be submitted through ETS, the company that administers the GRE. The institution code for the University of Illinois is 1836. For the department code, use "00" or "0000". (ETS records are held by the central administration, so no department code is required.)

• Certification of Degree for all academic degrees obtained. (If you have not yet graduated, you do not need to submit this certification until you arrive at the University of Illinois.)

• TOEFL scores — All international applicants whose native language is not English must submit a TOEFL score. There are some exemptions to this requirement, for instance, if you have attended a university in an English-speaking country for two years or more. The Bioengineering department's standards are higher than the Graduate College standards. All applicants must submit a TOEFL score of at least 590 (paper-based), 243 (computer-based), or 97 (iBT). Applicants with TOEFL scores below these numbers cannot be considered for admission. TOEFL scores below 610 (paper-based), 253 (computer-based), or 103 (iBT) indicate the need for further English study. This consists of enrollment in English as a Second Language (ESL) courses based on an English Placement Test (EPT) taken upon arrival at the University. The University of Illinois now accepts IELTS scores in place of TOEFL. Applicants with scores below a 6.5 overall or below a 6.0 on any subsection cannot be considered for admission. Students who score below a 7.0 overall will need to enroll in ESL courses based on an an English Placement Test.

• Rank in graduating class or in major. (Include rank only if your university maintains these records.)

The Bioengineering program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign offers a variety of financing options to support students throughout their academic journey. Prospective students are encouraged to explore multiple avenues for funding their education, including scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and loans. The university provides numerous merit-based and need-based scholarships specifically for undergraduate and graduate bioengineering students. These scholarships are awarded annually and are based on academic achievement, research involvement, leadership qualities, and potential contributions to the field. In addition to institutional scholarships, external scholarship opportunities may be available through professional organizations, industry partners, and government agencies.

Graduate students pursuing degrees in Bioengineering can benefit from research and teaching assistantships that not only provide financial support but also offer valuable research experience and professional development opportunities. These assistantships typically cover tuition costs and provide a stipend to support living expenses. Applicants interested in competitive fellowships, such as those offered by the National Science Foundation or other federal agencies, should submit separate applications and meet specific eligibility criteria. The university's financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance to help students identify suitable funding sources and navigate application processes.

Students are also encouraged to explore federal student loan programs, which can offer low-interest options for financing their education. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed annually to determine eligibility for federal grants and loans. Additionally, students may consider private loans or the school's payment plans as supplementary funding options. The university maintains a dedicated Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships that offers personalized assistance, workshops, and resources to help students understand their financial commitments and plan accordingly. Overall, the combination of scholarships, assistantships, fellowships, and loans ensures that students enrolled in the Bioengineering program have multiple pathways to finance their education and reduce financial barriers to achieving their academic and professional goals.

The Bioengineering program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary degree designed to prepare students for careers at the intersection of engineering, biology, and medicine. This program emphasizes the application of engineering principles to solve problems in biology and healthcare, providing students with a robust foundation in both foundational sciences and engineering disciplines. Students in this program have the opportunity to explore various areas such as biomedical imaging, biomedical devices, tissue engineering, biomaterials, and rehabilitation engineering.

The curriculum is structured to include core courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, alongside specialized courses in bioinstrumentation, biomechanics, biomaterials, systems physiology, and molecular biology. Practical laboratory work and research projects are integral to the program, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in designing and conducting experiments, analyzing biological data, and developing innovative solutions for medical challenges. In addition, students can participate in collaborative projects with faculty members who are engaged in cutting-edge research in areas like regenerative medicine, medical diagnostics, and therapeutic technologies.

The program offers opportunities for undergraduate research, internship placements, and involvement in entrepreneurship through partnerships with local biotech companies and research institutions. Students are encouraged to participate in interdisciplinary collaboration, which enhances their problem-solving skills and prepares them for careers in academia, industry, healthcare, or further graduate studies. The faculty comprises experts from multiple fields of bioengineering and related disciplines, fostering a dynamic learning environment that promotes innovation and scientific discovery.

Graduates of the Bioengineering program at Illinois are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees such as master’s or Ph.D. programs or to enter the workforce as biomedical engineers, research scientists, or technical specialists. The program's strong emphasis on both theoretical knowledge and practical skills ensures that graduates are capable of addressing modern healthcare challenges through engineering solutions. The university's state-of-the-art laboratories, collaborative research centers, and vibrant academic community support students throughout their educational journey.

Overall, the Bioengineering program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is tailored to develop versatile engineers and scientists who can contribute to improvements in human health and quality of life through innovative technological development and scientific research. The combination of rigorous coursework, experiential learning, and collaborative research opportunities makes this program a top choice for students interested in advancing biomedical engineering fields.