Bachelor’s Degrees in Bioengineering
Why pursue a bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering or Biomedical Engineering?
Bioengineering lies at the intersection of the physical and life sciences, incorporating principles from physics and chemistry to understand the operation of living systems. As in other engineering fields, the approach is highly quantitative: mathematical analysis and modeling are used to capture the function of systems from subcellular to organism scales. An education in Bio/Biomedical Engineering enables students to translate abstract hypotheses and scientific knowledge into working systems such as in prosthetic devices, imaging systems, and biopharmaceuticals. The concentration provides students a solid foundation in engineering and its application to the life sciences, within the setting of a liberal arts education.
At Harvard College, students choose a "concentration," which is what we call a major. All prospective undergraduate students, including those intending to study engineering and applied sciences, apply directly to Harvard College. During your sophomore spring you’ll declare a concentration, or field of study. You may choose from 50 concentrations and 49 secondary field (from Harvard DSO website).
Students interested in Bioengineering can pursue the following concentrations:
- A.B. in Biomedical Engineering
- A.B. in Engineering Sciences - Biomedical Sciences and Engineering Track
- S.B. in Engineering Sciences - Bioengineering Track (an ABET-accredited program)
Harvard is committed to broadly educating engineers who will become leaders in the developing field of Bio/Biomedical Engineering. The objectives of these (AB & SB) concentrations include providing students a solid foundation in engineering and its application to the life sciences, within the setting of a liberal arts education. The concentrations are flexibly structured for a diversity of educational and professional objectives.
Our degrees enable the acquisition of a broad range of skills and attitudes drawn from the humanities, social sciences and sciences, in addition to engineering, which enhance engineering knowledge and which will contribute to future leadership and technical success.
Learn about our Bio/Biomedical Engineering concentrators >
Prerequisites
Learn about the prerequisites for the concentration and the differences between the S.B. and A.B. tracks on on our First-Year Exploration page. Students interested in concentrating in Bio/Biomedical Engineering can be matched with a Peer Concentration Advisor. PCAs serve as peer advisors for pre-concentrators (and current concentrators), providing a valuable perspective and helping students to discover additional resources and opportunities. Learn more about the Peer Concentration Advisor program.
AB/SM Program
Our AB/SM degree program is for currently enrolled Harvard College students only.
Requirements
Learn more about the Bio/Biomedical Engineering requirements.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering Courses
View current Bio/Biomedical Engineering courses.
Research Opportunities in Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
As part of your Bioengineering/Biomedical Engineering coursework, or perhaps as part of individual research opportunities working with professors, you will have the chance to take part in or participate in some extraordinary projects. Harvard offers a wide range of research opportunities both at SEAS and across the university. Students can also pursue research at Harvard Medical School, Boston Children’s Hospital, and other renowned institutions, including the Wyss Institute at Harvard, the Broad Institute, and the Rowland Institute.
Learn more about research opportunities at Harvard SEAS.
Learn about the research interests of our Bioengineering Engineering faculty.
Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering Career Paths
Bioengineering and biomedical engineering concentrators at Harvard SEAS pursue four main career paths after graduation:
- 30% enter medical school.
- 30% go into industry, working in areas such as medical devices (prosthetics, heart pumps, human/brain interfaces), biotech, and pharmaceuticals.
- 25% transition into non-engineering analytical roles, including consulting in health tech, life sciences, or finance.
- 15% pursue other paths, including government, non-profits, or graduate school.
Read about some of our Bio/Biomedical Engineering Alumni.
Clubs and Organizations
SEAS-affiliated student organizations are critical to the overall growth of our concentrators as engineering and applied science professionals. These organizations enable our students to pursue passion projects and events in areas of interest that are complementary to the current formal academic curriculum. Learn more about SEAS-affiliated student clubs and organizations.
Hands-on Learning
At Harvard SEAS, we are committed to active learning as an integral part of undergraduate education. This approach is supported by our Active Learning Labs. These labs are meticulously designed to equip students with essential skills across the mechanical, electrical, computational, biological, environmental, and design disciplines. In collaboration, the Active Learning team and SEAS faculty develop engaging, hands-on activities that align with educational objectives and enhance coursework. This integrative approach ensures a robust learning environment that fosters practical and theoretical proficiency.