# Biological Engineering

**Source**: https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/biological-engineering/
**Parent**: https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/civil-engineering/

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# Biological Engineering

Tackle global challenges in health, food, energy and the environment. Engineer solutions that make a real impact — like cleaner energy, safer food and life-saving medicine. Customize your path and launch a career in biotech, pharma or sustainability to start changing the world.

Jump to:

- [Careers](#Careers)
- [Connect](#Connect)
- [Transfer](#Transfer)

Choose a link:

Jump to:

Careers 

Connect 

Transfer

## Program Summary

Biological systems are at the core of solving today’s biggest challenges — health, food, energy and sustainability. In our ABET-accredited biological engineering program, learn to design innovative solutions that improve lives and protect the planet. Choose from concentrations in bioenvironmental, cellular and biomolecular, food and biological process, and pharmaceutical process engineering. Pursue a dual degree in biological engineering and biochemistry or pharmaceutical sciences, or tailor your electives toward a future in medicine. Whether you’re aiming for biotechnology, medical school or industry, tailor your path to fit your goals. Get ready to turn your passion into real-world impact.

[explore plan of study](https://catalog.purdue.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=18&poid=32777&hl=%22biological+engineering%22&returnto=search)

### Quick Facts

- **Degree:** Bachelor of Science
- **Location(s):** West Lafayette
- **College/School:** [Agriculture](https://ag.purdue.edu/)

- [Request Information](https://apply.purdue.edu/register/form?id=e76823a3-0564-4abe-ad59-8e1263a99a4b)

## Why Purdue?

98%

Placement Rate 

with an average starting salary of $74,928

#3

Agriculture Program in the U.S. 

QS World University Rankings, 2025

## Applying

## **Applying to Engineering in West Lafayette**

To study biological engineering at Purdue, you will apply to either first-year engineering or agricultural and biological engineering (pre) major. All engineering students in West Lafayette build a foundation for success by completing core first-year engineering curriculum, which is the same in either path, before transitioning to a specialty major in the second year. Core curriculum includes courses in math, chemistry, physics, computer programming and communication skills, as well as introductory engineering coursework that explores career options to help you identify which specialty major is the right fit.

The priority application deadline for first-year engineering and agricultural and biological engineering (pre) is Nov. 1. Applications received after Nov. 1 for this competitive major will be evaluated based on available space.

## **Possible Careers**

Combine engineering expertise with biology and technology for a high-impact, hands-on career such as:

- Biomanufacturing specialist
- Biotechnology or biomedical engineer
- Environmental engineer
- Food and biological process engineer
- Pharmaceutical process engineer
- Regenerative medicine researcher
- Regulatory affairs specialist

## **Internships and Graduate Hires**

Through innovative hands-on experiences and world-class instruction, our graduates launch careers at top companies including:

- Manufacturing and engineering associate, General Mills
- Quality assurance in the Parenteral Products Network Global Cartridge program, Eli Lilly & Company
- Research and development scientist, Ninth Avenue Foods
- Principal quality assurance in PRD drug substance, Eli Lilly & Company
- PhD degree program, University of California Berkeley
- PhD degree program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Master of Science degree program, Washington State University

## ******High School Course Recommendations******

You should pursue the most rigorous high school curriculum available to you. Succeeding in challenging courses will make you a stronger candidate for Purdue’s competitive admission process and better prepare you for college success.

[Minimum high school coursework](https://admissions.purdue.edu/become-student/course-requirements/) (many applicants exceed these minimums):

- Math – 4 years
- English – 4 years
- Lab science – 3 years
- Social studies – 3 years
- World language – 2 years

In addition to meeting or exceeding the minimum high school course requirements, our holistic review process places particular emphasis on key academic courses such as:

- Calculus (if available at high school)
- Four years of laboratory sciences, including:
  - Biology
  - Chemistry (expected)
  - Physics (if available at high school)

## Connect

### College of Agriculture

Discover over 30 majors, plus minors and concentrations, at one of the world’s top-ranked agricultural colleges.

- [Learn More](https://ag.purdue.edu/students/index.html)

### Contact

**Office of Academic Programs**\
[(765) 494-8470](tel:7654948470)\
[purdueag@purdue.edu](mailto:purdueag@purdue.edu)

- [Email](mailto:purdueag@purdue.edu)

### Visit

Experience for yourself all that Purdue has to offer with opportunities to explore in-person or virtually.

- [Schedule a visit](https://admissions.purdue.edu/visit/index.php)

### Apply

Ready to take the next step? Apply to begin your journey at Purdue in engineering.

- [Apply Now](https://admissions.purdue.edu/apply/)

## ******Transfer to****** Biological Engineering

Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue’s [overall transfer criteria](https://admissions.purdue.edu/transfer/index.php), as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the [closed programs page](https://admissions.purdue.edu/apply/closedprograms.php) to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.

- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- For detailed admissions requirements to transfer into any of Purdue’s engineering majors, review our engineering transfer criteria.

- [Learn more](https://admissions.purdue.edu/become-student/transfer/engineering-transfer-criteria/)

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[View All Majors](https://admissions.purdue.edu/academics/majors/)