Bioengineering, B.S.

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Overview

Bioengineering Degree

Bioengineering is an interdisciplinary field in which the techniques, devices, materials and resourcefulness of engineers are used to address problems in biology and healthcare; and lessons from biology are used to inspire design and inform progress in engineering.

During the past 40 years, this synergy between biology and engineering has led to a wide range of implantable materials, diagnostic devices, sensors and molecular characterization techniques, and it has produced tools that greatly expedite the sequencing of the human genome.

Along with these practical innovations has come a rapidly increasing need for personnel with the necessary hybrid skills to capitalize on them, and undergraduate bioengineering programs have proliferated alongside the continued growth of bioengineering research making jobs for bioengineering majors ample to come by in the 21st century.

UC Merced Bioengineering Major

The bioengineering college is designed to provide students with both breadth and depth as well as the possibility of a focus on molecular bioengineering, cellular and tissue engineering, or physiological engineering. If these areas of study sound appealing to you, a bioengineering bachelor’s degree course, taught by skillful, hands-on research oriented faculty from UC Merced, will prepare alumni for the diverse and interdisciplinary fields within the professional sector.

It is suitable preparation for individuals seeking a career in research or industry, or pursuing advanced degrees such as Ph.D. or M.D.

What Can I Do With A Bioengineering Degeree?

When selecting the Bioengineering major for graduation, students have the choice of selecting the following two tracks:

TRACKS

  • Biotechnology
  • Biomedical Imaging and Bioinstrumentation

Bioengineering is a practice that emphasizes key aspects of engineering to produce and advance biological and biomedical technologies. Your bioengineering education at UC Merced gives you the opportunity to gain essential knowledge and translatable skills to pursue a wide variety of industries, ranging from healthcare and pharmaceuticals to agriculture and allied fields of government and policy. Bioengineers are also highly sought after for opportunities within biotechnology and bioinstrumentation. In addition to career opportunities, bioengineers make critical contributions that impact healthcare and the general public.

Are you interested in post-graduate studies within bioengineering? UC Merced’s undergraduate degree program is designed to provide a fundamental education prior to entering medical or graduate school.

A degree in Bioengineering at UC Merced will advance students toward successfully gaining intellectually demanding and prestigious bioengineering jobs.

What Jobs Can You Get With A Bioengineering Degree?

A career in bioengineering will yield a high return on a prospective student’s investment. This path of study will open doors for the following jobs for bioengineering majors:

Genetic Engineer

  • Learn to manipulate genes using molecular technology with the goal of improving on existing biological systems. Work within a laboratory at research facilities in college, pharmaceutical and federal labs.

Biomedical Researcher

  • Design and conduct studies with health care professionals intended to advance human and animal quality of life. Find employment in the federal, university and pharmaceutical fields.

BIoinformatics Specialist

  • Merge biological and computer science to widen our scope and influence on the complexity of natural organisms. Take large quantities of data on genes and mutations and use statistical analysis to gain deeper understanding on the topics of current research.

Agricultural Biotechnologist

  • Work with agronomists to provide farmers with the technology needed to yield higher volumes of crops while also reducing the costs of production. Develop products that account for factors like weather and disease to assist in food production goals.

Clinical Research Coordinator

  • Conduct rigorous medicine clinical trials using sound scientific research practices. Work with hospitals and independent research facilities to develop research programs and oversee administrative procedures and policies.

What Can You Do With A Bioengineering Degree?

  • Annual Job Openings in CA: 6,662
  • 10-year projected job market growth:14.9%
  • Median wage in California: $115,257

Upon graduation, you might become*:

  • Bioengineer
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Research and Development Engineer
  • *Geneticist
  • Product Development Engineer
  • Validation Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Biostatistician
  • Bioinformatics Scientist
  • Mechanical Design Engineer

* typically requires graduate education and extensive experience