Bachelor of Science in Chemical & Biological Engineering

Our students learn how to improve and protect human health and the environment. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of high-tech industries, as well as in medicine, business or law.

In chemical and biological engineering, concepts from the biological sciences are used to inspire and guide the development and production of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and advanced materials. Chemical and biological engineering can allow you to innovate new cures for diseases or advance biotechnology.

  • Learn to solve complex engineering problems 
  • Develop knowledge in the fields of biotechnology, pharmaceutical sciences, tissue engineering and medicine
  • Gain training in traditional fields of chemistry while mastering additional skills in chemical transformations, chemical separations, biotechnology, metabolic engineering and pharmaceutical sciences

No. 11 in the world in chemical engineering

(Academic Ranking of World Universities, 2017)

No. 15 national public chemical engineering program

(U.S. News & World Report, 2019)

5 research centers: BioFrontiers Institute, Center for Membrane Applied Science and Technology (MAST), Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Photopolymerization Center, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI)

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of society by applying your knowledge of chemical and biological engineering in a variety of careers.

 
$71,500

Median salary of CU Boulder chemical and biological engineering students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Research assistant, process engineer and chemical engineer are common job titles of our graduates

 

Work in medicine, business, law or high-tech industries

Academic Plan & Requirements

Chemical and biological engineering students are required to take a total of 128 credit hours. Students can choose between a general or pre-med track. 

The pre-med track prepares students for entrance into medical school. Since chemical engineering already requires most of the pre-med courses, it is a logical choice for students who desire an engineering degree and the opportunity to pursue a medical profession. 

And an additional degree option for chemical and biological engineering students: 

  • Bachelor’s-accelerated master’s: A combined bachelor's (BS) and master's (MS) degree is offered for highly motivated undergraduate students. The BAM program allows students to take advanced courses at an accelerated pace, engage in an independent research project and obtain both degrees in five years.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.