Undergraduate Programs REDESIGN

Embark on an innovative and interdisciplinary journey

Immerse yourself in cutting-edge research and collaborative learning, equipping you for a future of innovation and leadership.

Take on Grand Challenges

Biological engineering andÌýchemical engineering are dynamic, innovative fields at the forefront of biotechnology, therapeutics, renewable and sustainable energy, nanotechnology, carbon reduction and much more.

A background in either of these degrees provides students the broad education to take on many of theÌý.

  • Make solar energy babyÖ±²¥appal
  • Reverse-engineer the brain
  • Engineer better medicines
  • Advance health informatics
  • Provide access to clean water
  • Manage the nitrogen cycle
  • Develop carbon sequestration methods
  • Provide energy from fusion
  • Engineer the tools of scientific discovery

Student Academic Journey

Students take foundational courses in computing, chemistry, math, biology and physics. In their sophomore and junior years, they delve into engineering fundamentals. These concepts are all applied in their senior-year Capstone Design Course, where students work in small groups on a real-world, company-sponsored project. Students also take their choice of several technical electives.

ÌýÌýStudents in both majors can easily obtain a minor in the other degree without adding time. Students from both majors continue their education in graduate, medical, law, pharmacy or veterinary school.

Careers

Students from both majors go on work in many of the same fields:

Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Genome Engineering & Gene Therapy
Tissue Engineering & Regeneration
Biomaterials
Drug Delivery
Imaging and Diagnostics
In Vivo Imaging
Labs on a Chip
Medical Devices
Sustainable Biofuels

Photovoltaics (PV)
Hydrogen Production
Decarbonization
Nanomaterials & Nanotechnology
Materials Science & Catalysis
Polymers
Plastic Upcycling
Quantum Simulations
Data Science
Microelectronics & Semiconductors

Bachelor of Science Programs

Chemical Engineering (BS)

A degree in chemical engineering provides students a broader energy and materials education while still allowing students to delve into bio-focused topics through the wide array of allowed technical electives. While they can later apply their problem-solving skills in many different fields, students become especially equipped to tackle the world’s energy and climate change challenges or work on the forefront of materials and microelectronics.

Biological Engineering (BS)

The biological engineering curriculum teaches students to create biological processes and products for application in a myriad of fields, from pharmaceuticals to biomaterials to sustainable biofuels. Students in this major receive the same fundamental engineering education as the chemical engineers but in their junior and senior years focus more on biological systems and applications.

Biotech 3D printer

Ìý

#11

Public chemical engineering
undergraduate program
U.S. News and World Report, 2025

Ìý

10-20%

of our students continue to medical or graduate school

Ìý

> 25%

of ChBE students study abroad

Ìý

> 50%

of ChBE undergraduate students participate in research

What's the difference?

Biological Engineering vs. Biomedical Engineering

Biological engineering students utilize aÌýbiochemical engineering core background to create biological processes and products with many medical, energy and climate change applications.

Biomedical engineering students utilize anÌýelectromechanicalÌýengineering core background to innovate the healthcare industry.

BAM Program and Research Opportunities

Accelerated Master's Degree

Current CU Boulder undergraduates can earn both a bachelor's and master's degree faster through the Bachelor’s–Accelerated Master’s (BAM) program.Ìý

ÌýBAM Program

Undergraduate Research Opportunities

Over 50% of our undergraduate students conduct laboratory research, gainingÌývaluable technical and problem solving skills while enhancingÌýtheir resumes.

Undergrad Research

Mentor Programs and Career Resources

PeerandAlumni-Student Mentor Programs

Get matched with a more senior student or alum for practical advice on classes, careers and life beyond school.

ÌýPeer MentorÌýÌýAlumni-Student Mentor

ProReady – Your Personalized Path

Prepares engineering students for career success in their chosen field.ÌýÌý

Prepare for Your Career

Ìý

ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Ìý

ÌýVisit