Minor in Biological Engineering

Our students are well-prepared to create biological processes and products with medical, energy and climate applications.

The undergraduate minor in biological engineering teaches students to create biological processes and products for application in a myriad of fields, from pharmaceuticals to biomaterials to sustainable biofuels. The biological engineering minor prepares students to approach these fields from a biochemical engineering perspective.

  • Complete fundamental courses on topics such as mass and energy balances and transport.
  • Pick from a wide array of advanced classes to suit your individual interests.
  • Earn the minor in conjunction with any CU Boulder engineering major.

Over 50% of undergraduate students in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering conduct laboratory research.

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is the No. 11 best public chemical engineering undergraduate program in the country.

(U.S. News and World Report, 2025)

Learn from world-class faculty leveraging award-winning education practices.

Be successful.

Be prepared to work at the forefront of biotechnology, therapeutics, renewable and sustainable energy, nanotechnology and much more.

 

$100,730

Median annual salary for bioengineers and biomedical engineers

(U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2024)

 

Terumo BCT, Eli Lilly & Company, SomaLogic, Chevron, CordenPharma Colorado and ExxonMobil are common employers for chemical and biological engineering graduates.

 

The employment of bioengineers and biomedical engineers is projected to grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.

Academic Plan & Requirements

The minor in biological engineering is open to any engineering major at CU Boulder. The program requires a minimum of 18 credit hours, nine of which must be taken on the CU Boulder campus. At least six credits must be at the upper-division level.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.