Bioengineering Major Program

2024-25 Bioengineering Undergraduate Program Requirements

Understanding and interfacing with complex living systems is at the heart of bioengineering with applications ranging from advancing human health to promoting environmental sustainability. The mission of Stanford's Department of Bioengineering is to create a fusion of engineering and the life sciences that promotes scientific discovery and the development of new biomedical technologies and therapies through research and education.

The Department of Bioengineering is jointly supported by the Schools of Medicine and Engineering. The Bioengineering (BIOE) major enables students to embrace biology as a new engineering paradigm and apply engineering principles to medical problems and biological systems.

Students who obtain a BS in BIOE will obtain a solid background in the basic sciences (chemistry, physics and biology) and mathematics. They will take three engineering fundamentals courses including an introductory bioengineering course and computer programming. Starting in the sophomore year, BioE students will begine to take a series of core classes to gain essential knowledge to pursue a career in bioengineering and will then have the opportunity to pursue elective courses suited to their own interests.

Bioengineering students have a wide variety of options upon graduation. Many will continue on to graduate school or medical school. Others will choose to work in biotechnology, government service, medical device, medical imaging, or other medical and non-medical industries. Other BioE graduates may choose to pursue advanced degrees in business or law or follow a different career path.

NOTE: Students intending to apply to medical school will need to take additional advanced science courses. While we offer advice regarding pre-medical requirements, it is important to schedule an advising appointment with a pre-medical advisor in Sweet Hall to learn more about how to best prepare for admission to medical schools and the MCAT.

UG Student Services: Eric Giudice, 121 Shriram, at emgdice@stanford.edu
UG Director: Karl Deisseroth
Bioengineering Chair: Marcus Covert 

For instructions on how to declare the BioE major, jump to the bottom of this page.

Research Experience for Undergraduates

Our Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program offers Stanford students the opportunity to work closely with a faculty member and their research groups on advanced research topics during the Summer Quarter. Applications are typically due late January. Interested students should check the BioE website for announcements.

BIOE Program Sheet  Excel or PDF

See Explore Degrees for list of BIOE (and all other School of Engineering) program requirements.

Components of BIOE

All BioE students take courses to get a solid foundation to prepare them for the study of bioengineering. Most of the math and science courses are typically taken during freshman and sophomore year; see BioE 4-Year Plans for details

Honors Option

Students who qualify are encouraged to apply for the BIOE Honors program at the end of their junior year. Students who are accepted spend their senior year exploring a research topic in-depth and writing an honors thesis.  Honors programs allow undergraduates with strong academic records and enthusiasm for independent research to engage in a significant project leading to a degree with departmental honors. This program provides a unique opportunity for qualified BioE majors to conduct independent research at an advanced level with a faculty mentor and submit a final thesis. Students should review program deadlines via the Bioengineering Honors Program

Coterm Contacts

Instructions for Declaring Major in Bioengineering (BIOE-BS)

Declaring a BioE major consists of the following steps:

1. Login to Axess and request to major in Bioengineering. Do not choose the Honors option in Axess unless you have already been approved and admitted into the Honors Program by the department.
2. Download or print a copy of your unofficial Stanford transcript from Axess.
3. Download a BioE program sheet. You must choose a program sheet from a year you were enrolled at Stanford. Enter “AP” instead of a grade for any course waived due to AP credit. Please note: when completing the program sheet, include courses you plan to take as well as those you have already taken.
4. Complete the BIOE Declaration webform, found on the Declaration website
5. Meet with your assigned advisor to discuss the program, review your 4-year plan, and have him/her sign your completed program sheet (this meeting can be virtual).
6.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding declaring BioE, please reach out to BioE Student Services Officer, Eric Giudice, emgdice@stanford.edu.

When your major is approved in Axess, you will be notified via e-mail.