Undergraduate Program

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 >

Apply to Harvard College >

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.

Courses

View current Bio/Biomedical Engineering courses.

Research Opportunities in Bio/Biomedical Engineering

As part of your Bio/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. Learn more about research opportunities at Harvard SEAS.

Learn about the research interests of our Bioengineering Engineering faculty.

Bio/Biomedical Engineering Career Paths

Students go on to a range of careers in industry, academics, to professional schools in business, law, and medicine. 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.