BS Biological Systems Engineering at University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Programme overview

Biological systems engineering (BSEN) is one of two engineering degree programs offered in the Department of Biological Systems Engineering. Biological systems engineers need to understand biological phenomena and apply engineering principles to solve challenges faced by society.

Faculty: Engineering | Duration: 127 credit hours | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall, Spring and Summer start (first-year application deadlines: Summer/Fall May 1, Spring December 1) | Location: Lincoln, NE, United States

What you will study

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems Engineering; 127 credit hours required. As such, BSEN students develop both depth through engineering coursework in one of three option areas (biomedical engineering, sustainable systems engineering, or ecological engineering) and breadth through purposefully selected coursework in the other areas.

Career pathways

To solve complex problems, a biological systems engineer needs not only to develop expertise in a specific discipline but also be prepared to work across disciplinary boundaries in diverse professional communities.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University-level (not programme-specific): admission is guaranteed to first-year applicants who complete the 16 core course units (English 4, mathematics 4, natural sciences 3, social sciences 3, world language 2) and meet one performance requirement: 3.0 cumulative high school GPA, or ACT 20+, or SAT 1040+, or rank in the top half of the graduating class. ACT/SAT scores are not required. Applicants who do not meet these requirements are reviewed by the admissions committee. College of Engineering additional requirements: 4 units of mathematics including pre-calculus/trigonometry or calculus; 3 units of natural sciences (chemistry, physics, and biology and/or earth sciences); and ACT 24+, or SAT 1180+, or ACT math 24+, or SAT math 580+, or 3.5 cumulative high school GPA. Domestic transfer students need a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5. Major department admission: Pre-professionally admitted College of Engineering (COE) students majoring in biological systems engineering (BSEN) have their records examined for advancement to professionally admitted status during the fall, spring, and summer immediately following the term in which: They have completed 43 credit hours applicable to the degree including 6 hours of BSEN subject coursework. Are enrolled in or have completed MECH 223 . Minimum cumulative GPA: 2.4 for graduation.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Entry terms: Summer/Fall (August start) and Spring (January start). The first-year, transfer and international pages list fall 2027 and spring 2027 terms; spring 2027 classes begin January 11.

Fall 2027 application for admission opens August 1, 2026.

First-year and transfer applications: Summer/Fall deadline May 1; Spring deadline December 1. Applications received after the deadline may be placed on a waitlist. Fall 2027 priority deadline for scholarship notification is November 1 (admission application).

International applicants: Fall 2027 priority deadline November 1, final deadline May 1; Spring 2027 final deadline December 1. English proficiency scores due July 15 (fall), December 1 (spring), May 1 (summer).

The application fee is $45, payable by credit card or check (international applicants pay online by credit card). First-year applicants apply through the Common Application or Nebraska's own application. ACT/SAT scores are not required for admission and are encouraged for full scholarship consideration.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.unl.edu/apply/

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