Understanding and interfacing with complex living systems is at the heart of bioengineering, with applications ranging from advancing human health to promoting environmental sustainability.
The mission of Stanford's Department of Bioengineering is to create a fusion of engineering and the life sciences that promotes scientific discovery and develops new biomedical and biological technologies through research and education. The Department of Bioengineering is jointly supported by the Schools of Medicine and Engineering. The Bioengineering (BioE) major enables students to embrace biology as a new engineering paradigm and apply engineering principles to medical problems and biological systems.
Students who earn a BS in Bioengineering will obtain a solid background in the basic sciences (chemistry, physics and biology) and mathematics. They will take three engineering fundamentals courses including an introductory bioengineering course and computer programming. Starting in the sophomore year, BioE students will begin to take a series of core classes to gain essential knowledge to pursue a career in bioengineering and will then have the opportunity to pursue elective courses suited to their own interests.
Bioengineering students have a wide variety of options upon graduation. Many will continue on to graduate school or medical school. Others will choose to work in the biotechnology, government service, medical device, medical imaging or other medical and non-medical industries. Some BioE graduates may choose to pursue advanced degrees in business, public policy or law, or follow a different career path.
