Biological engineering

The M.S. in biological engineering is a 30-credit program emphasizing research, technical specialization and developing new knowledge through advanced coursework and a thesis requirement, making it well suited for students pursuing research careers, technical leadership or doctoral study.  

A non-thesis Master of Engineering (M.Engr.) is available for students preparing for industry roles and focuses on engineering practice, design and professional application through advanced coursework and project-based experiences.  

Current undergraduate students can earn an M.Engr. degree in one additional year and pay in-state tuition rates by applying before completing their undergraduate study.

View the online biological engineering graduate handbook

Explore program courses in the University Catalog 

Learning outcomes

Graduates of the M.S. in biological engineering will demonstrate advanced knowledge of the discipline by integrating and expanding on foundational undergraduate concepts. You will conduct original research or design projects, analyze and interpret experimental data and communicate findings effectively to technical, interdisciplinary and public audiences. Through your work, you will understand the broader impacts of engineering solutions and demonstrate a commitment to improving quality of life through responsible, innovative and ethical engineering practices.

Program format

The biological engineering Master of Science program is a research-focused graduate degree requiring you to complete advanced coursework, conduct an independent research project and prepare a thesis under the guidance of a faculty committee. You’ll develop an approved study plan, complete required research and seminar credits, and fulfill a minimum of 30 graduate credits. The program concludes with an oral thesis defense in which you will present and defend your research findings before their committee and the public.

Faculty expertise

You’ll engage deeply with faculty through research mentorship and collaborative problem-solving. Faculty areas of expertise include:

• Biotechnology and biological systems
• Biomaterials and medical technologies
• Sustainable energy and bio-based solutions
• Environmental engineering and water resources
• Food and agricultural systems
• Process modeling and optimization
• Advanced materials and engineering applications

Find a faculty advisor 

Professional licensing

Completion of the program will count towards eligibility for the Professional Engineer's License (PE) to practice Engineering, which requires a four-year degree from an ABET-accredited school, four years of experience under a PE, and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles of Practice in Engineering (PE) Exams.

Clubs and organizations

The College of Engineering offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.

Clubs and organizations related to biological engineering include:

• American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
• Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)
• Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
• National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
• Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
• Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
• Vandal Clean Energy Club 

Funding is competitive and faculty may provide graduate funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities or explore graduate fellowship programs.  

Recognized STEM Program

This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.

Learn more about STEM approved CIP/degree codes

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.  
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.  

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources 

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.

Chemical and Biological Engineering contact (for program related information): 
Dev Shrestha 
devs@uidaho.edu 

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions:  
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu  
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

Find Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering faculty advisors.

Applicants for the M.S. in biological engineering must meet the following admission requirements:

Program availability 

• Concentration: Thesis
• Semester intake: Fall or Spring
  • Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 or J-1 visa status.
• Deadlines: General application deadlines
• Start dates:  
  • View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar field
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Two  
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose  
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
• Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.  
• Application Fee: $50

Application and admission process:

Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.

Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.

Applicants seeking a thesis concentration are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the College of Engineering website to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.

Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.

International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.