by our College Data Analytics TeamIf you would like to combine a passion for the environment and natural resources with your skill in the biological field, consider majoring in Biological Engineering.
Biological Engineering students take classes in biology, chemical engineering, civil engineering, applied mathematics, bioelectronics, and physics along with classes in agriculture, earth science, and forestry to learn how to use engineering to solve biological issues. Graduates will be equipped with the skills to improve natural resource use, increase environmental production during manufacturing processes, and develop enhanced food production systems.
Biological Engineering was the 288th most popular major in the 2021-2022 school year. Colleges in the United States reported awarding 472 degrees in this year alone. This year's Best Biological Engineering Schools ranking compares 12 of them to identify the best overall programs in the country. Explore this or one of our many other custom biological engineering rankings further below.
Students who wish to pursue a career in Biological Engineering should have a strong background in math and science. Professionals must apply these principles daily. Students should also have strong critical thinking and problem solving skills to develop unique and successful solutions to given problems. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in teams will help professionals accomplish more tasks efficiently and effectively.
Biological engineers often work full time with occasional overtime hours. Although most work is done from an office or laboratory, professionals must perform field visits to make observations and draw up plans for tackling problems with depleting natural resources, environmental pollution, or agricultural damage.
In order to gain valuable experience and stand out to employers when entering the job market, students should find internships or summer jobs. This will allow them to get hands-on experience both in the field and working with computer systems that aid professionals in problem solving. Students should also look into cooperative engineering programs provided by some colleges and universities that allow students to gain college credit while working in their desired field.
Most entry-level positions require a bachelor's degree, but for those who wish to perform research, teach, or pursue a higher paying job, a master's degree is required.
biological engineering degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Once you obtain your degree, additional biological engineering certifications required to pursue a career in this field.
Biological Engineering degree levels vary. You can get anything from a in biological engineering to the highest biological engineering degree, a . The type of biological engineering degree you choose will determine how long it takes to get your diploma.
| Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
|---|---|---|
| Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
| Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
| Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
A bachelor's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to biological engineering, with approximately 45.4% of workers getting one. Find out other typical degree levels for biological engineering workers below.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 50.4% |
| Master’s Degree | 24.5% |
| Doctoral Degree | 11.5% |
| Post-Baccalaureate Certificate | 3.7% |
| Post-Doctoral Training | 3.6% |
96.5% of biological engineering workers have at least a bachelor's. View the chart below to get an idea of what degree level most of those in biological engineering careers have.
This of course varies depending on which biological engineering career you choose.
Biological Engineering graduates have the ability to pursue a job in a variety of industries. Some decide to go into agriculture and work with farms or food production companies, while others work with government organizations protecting natural resources and the environment. This degree equips graduates with a wide range of knowledge on how biology interacts with engineering, allowing for numerous career options.
Want a job when you graduate with your biological engineering degree? Biological Engineering careers are expected to grow 7.1% between 2016 and 2026.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to biological engineering.
| Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | 190,000 | 5.5% |
| Engineers | 141,000 | 6.4% |
| Engineering Professors | 54,600 | 14.7% |
| Biomedical Engineers | 22,800 | 7.0% |
Biological Engineering graduates between <nil> reported earning an average of $60,336 in the <nil> timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $46,917 to as high as $67,016. As you might expect, salaries for biological engineering graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.
Salaries for biological engineering graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top highest paying careers biological engineering grads often go into.
| Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $148,970 |
| Engineering Professors | $113,680 |
| Engineers | $99,410 |
| Biomedical Engineers | $95,090 |
With over 40 different biological engineering degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased biological engineering school rankings to help you with this.
Biological Engineering is one of 41 different types of Engineering programs to choose from.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Biological/Biosystems Engineering | 472 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 44,794 |
| Electrical Engineering | 26,528 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,655 |
| Computer Engineering | 16,954 |
| Biomedical Engineering | 13,222 |
