Bioengineering

The University of Utah offers a comprehensive Bioengineering undergraduate program designed to prepare students for innovative careers at the intersection of biology, medicine, and engineering. This program provides students with a strong foundational knowledge in life sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences, coupled with advanced engineering principles. Students are exposed to a multidisciplinary curriculum that integrates biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, biomechanics, biomaterials, systems physiology, and medical device design. The program emphasizes hands-on laboratory experiences, collaborative projects, and research opportunities to foster practical skills and critical thinking necessary for advancing healthcare technologies. Throughout their studies, students learn to develop biomedical devices, imaging systems, tissue engineering solutions, and diagnostic tools. The curriculum is structured to support both theoretical understanding and real-world application, encouraging innovation in the biomedical fields. Students also benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories and collaborations with leading health sciences and engineering departments. The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in biomedical research, medical device development, healthcare industry, or for pursuing advanced degrees such as a Master’s or Ph.D. in bioengineering, biomedical engineering, or related fields. The undergraduate degree provides the necessary technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and interdisciplinary knowledge to contribute meaningfully to advancements in health sciences, improve patient outcomes, and address complex medical challenges. With strong industry connections and faculty mentorship, students are equipped to become leaders in bioengineering innovation, impacting healthcare and improving quality of life through technological solutions.

• M.S./Thesis Option: A minimum of 21 hours of course work and 9 hours in research is required.  A publicly defended MS Thesis is required.
• M.S./Course Option: 30 hours of course work and oral exam or passed PhD written qualifying exam.

Core Requirements

The following core curriculum is required for students entering the graduate program in Fall Semester with an undergraduate degree in a physical science or a traditional engineering discipline and who have not had training in the life sciences and/or biomedical engineering. Students who have taken substantially similar courses as undergraduates, students with BS degrees in Biomedical Engineering for example, must select approved alternate courses to fulfill these requirements. Substitute courses must be chosen with the guidance and approval of the departmental track advisor. The plan of study must ultimately be approved by the research supervisory committee and the director of graduate studies. General guidelines for core course substitutions are provided below.

Life Science Fundamentals

(Complete 6 hours)

• BIOEN 6000 - Systems Physiology I: Cardiovascular, Respiratory… 4 Credit(s)
• BIOEN 6430 - Systems Neuroscience: Functioning of the Nervous System 4 Credit(s)
• BIOEN 6440 - Neural Engineering 3 Credit(s)

Bioengineering Fundamentals

(Complete 6 hours)

• BIOEN 6002 - Molecular Biophysics 3 Credit(s)
• BIOEN 6250 - Biomechanics II 3 Credit(s)
• BIOEN 6302 - Biomaterials 3 Credit(s)
• BIOEN 6401 - Medical Imaging Systems 3 Credit(s)

Scientific Presentations

(M.S. complete 1 credit hour, Ph.D. complete 5 credit hours.)

Mandatory for all first year graduate students

• BIOEN 6090 - Department Seminar 0.5 Credit(s) (Taken both Fall and Spring - 0.5 credit hours ea.)

Mandatory for second year PhD graduate students

• BIOEN 7070 - Proposal Writing and Presentation I 2 Credit(s)
• BIOEN 7071 - Proposal Writing and Presentation II 2 Credit(s)

MS Requirements

Research supervisory committee

All M.S. students form a supervisory committee consisting of at least three University of Utah faculty members. The chair of the committee must have a faculty appointment in the Department of Bioengineering and at least two of the committee members must be tenure-track members of the Bioengineering faculty. The advisor and committee must be approved by the Bioengineering Associate Chair for Graduate Studies.

Thesis Option M.S.

The thesis-option M.S. requires 9 credit hours of thesis research (BIOEN 6970) and submission of a Master of Science Thesis to the Graduate School in the required format. MS students defend their thesis research in a public forum. The public defense is followed by an oral comprehensive examination administered by the thesis committee. Copies of the thesis must be given to the advisor, each member of the supervisory committee and to the bioengineering graduate program coordinator at least two weeks prior to the defense. The committee can pass the candidate, pass the candidate contingent upon the candidate’s successfully responding to issues raised at the defense, or fail the candidate. M.S. candidates are given two opportunities to pass the defense and to pass the oral comprehensive exam.

Course Option M.S.

The course-option M.S. requires completion of at least 9 credit hours of advanced courses within a Bioengineering track specialization (in lieu of a thesis). To demonstrate depth of knowledge within the field, the course-option M.S. also requires students to pass an oral exam administered by the M.S. supervisory committee or the written portion of the Ph.D. qualifying examination. For the course-option M.S., the chair of the supervisory committee is the Bioengineering track specialization advisor and the other two committee members are tenure-track Bioengineering faculty members.

Applicants must have received, prior to commencing graduate study, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institute, college, or university. While no single field of undergraduate specialization is required, applicants are expected to have mastered basic material in the following areas:

• mathematics (calculus through differential equations)
• physics (college physics with calculus, including mechanics and electronics)
• chemistry (organic and/or biochemistry)
• materials science (introductory course or strength of materials)
• statistics
• biology (introductory cell biology, human physiology).

Completed applications are considered for Fall semester only. Application deadline is January 15.

Each applicant must submit the following:

• completed Application for Admission to Graduate School form
• appropriate fee
• official transcripts
• scores from the General Test of the GRE
• three letters of reference
• one-or two-page personal essay outlining the applicant’s background, interests, goals, and reasons for applying to the department.

International students must also submit scores from the TOEFL: a minimum score of 575 is required for admission; students with scores below 600 may be required to enroll in English courses.

Funding opportunities for the Bioengineering program at The University of Utah include a variety of sources designed to support students financially throughout their studies. Undergraduate students may be eligible for scholarships, with some awards specifically targeted toward students in STEM fields, including Bioengineering. These scholarships are often based on academic achievement, merit, or financial need. The university also offers need-based financial aid packages, which can include grants, work-study opportunities, and federal or state loans to help cover tuition and living expenses. Graduate students in the Bioengineering program can access assistantship positions, such as research assistantships (RAs) or teaching assistantships (TAs), that provide stipends and tuition waivers in exchange for research or teaching duties. Additional funding can be obtained through departmental fellowships, scholarships, or external sources such as research grants from government agencies or industry partnerships. The university’s financial aid office provides comprehensive guidance on available funding options, application procedures, and deadlines. Prospective students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal aid programs. In some cases, students may also explore private scholarships or funding from organizations affiliated with biomedical research and engineering. Overall, The University of Utah offers a robust support system to ensure students enrolled in the Bioengineering programme can access financial resources to support their educational and research pursuits.

The Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering at the University of Utah offers students a rigorous program that combines principles of engineering, biology, and medicine to prepare graduates for diverse careers in healthcare, research, and industry. The curriculum integrates coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics with engineering design and analysis, providing a broad foundation in biomedical engineering topics such as biomechanics, biomaterials, medical imaging, and tissue engineering. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, design projects, and internships, which are often facilitated in collaboration with prominent medical institutions and biotech companies in the Salt Lake City area. The program emphasizes innovation and problem-solving skills to address real-world healthcare challenges. Students have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research under faculty mentorship, contributing to advancements in medical devices, regenerative medicine, and diagnostic technologies. The university's state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities support experiential learning and research activities. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for entry-level engineering roles in medical device manufacturing, biotechnology industries, or for pursuing graduate studies in biomedical engineering, medicine, or related fields. The program also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, where students work alongside experts in computer science, electrical engineering, and healthcare to develop integrated solutions. Courses are designed to meet accreditation standards and ensure that students are equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Overall, the program aims to produce innovative, ethically responsible bioengineers capable of improving healthcare outcomes and advancing medical technology.