Discover Bioengineering

The world of bioengineering, also known as biomedical engineering, has expanded immensely and continues to grow at a rapid pace, creating new opportunities for engineers who have knowledge of biological sciences, chemistry and physical systems. 

Pacific is one of the first universities in the country to offer a Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering degree. Students in the program explore biomechanical, bioelectrical, biotransport and biomaterial topics. Within the bioengineering program there is a specialized pathway that supports pre-health and pre-medical students as they complete the requirements for admission to professional programs.

As a bioengineer, you can impact the quality of life of patients. Career options are wide-ranging and include medical research, design of medical instruments, biorobotics and even intellectual property law.

The bioengineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, https://www.abet.org, under the General Criteria and the Bioengineering Program Criteria.

Outstanding Student
Jenny Vo '23

Jenny Vo traveled from Vietnam to California to study bioengineering at Pacific. She was attracted to Pacific because of the Cooperative Education program (CO-OP) and has since completed an eight-month internship at Abbott Laboratories, working on medical devices in the heart failure unit.  While she says she experienced culture shock when she first came to the U.S., Jenny says she now feels “at home” on campus and has found a tight-knit, supportive community in the bioengineering program.

Learn more about Jenny
Jenny Vo, bioengineering major
Bioengineering major Joaquin Gonzalez works on his senior project.
Outstanding Student
Joaquin Gonzalez '23

Joaquin Gonzalez is a senior bioengineering student graduating in Spring 2023. The personal connections he’s formed with professors and peers were highlights of his unique Pacific experience. A natural leader and altruist, Joaquin hopes to use his degree to design products that will help others and save lives. 

Learn more about Joaquin

Collaboration that Counts

Students in the Department of Bioengineering benefit from cross-disciplinary collaboration during their undergraduate career, particularly with Pacific’s renowned health science programs in pharmacy, dentistry, physical therapy, speech-language pathology, audiology and physician assistant studies. Our students’ ability to explore courses in the medical disciplines will support their preparation for working within the medical arena.

Earn While You Learn

All bioengineering students are encouraged to engage in professional development experiences outside the classroom.  This could include a seven-month, paid CO-OP working in industry and earn an average of $3,700 a month. This professional experience allows students to explore potential career paths while also developing skills necessary to compete in the global job market after graduation. 

Discover the Cooperative Education Program

Outcomes

Upon completion of their degree, graduates of bioengineering are equipped with the competency, adaptability and hands-on experience needed to enter the global workforce or a postgraduate program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for bioengineers was $97,410 per year in 2021.

Degree Offered

Bachelor of Science in Bioengineering

Bioengineering Course Catalog
Curriculum Overview

Bioengineering Program Educational Objectives

Within a few years of graduation, graduates of the Bioengineering program are expected to be able to:

  • Apply engineering solutions to biomedical, human health, or biological problems
  • Engage in life-long learning and pursue advanced level studies  
  • Demonstrate leadership, collaboration, and communication skills in their profession

Bioengineering Student Outcomes

Upon graduation, graduates will have:

  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
  5. an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies

Bioengineering Undergraduate Enrollment and Degrees Awarded

Academic Year Enrollment Awarded Degrees
2021 67 11
2020 73 19
2019 86 17
2018 88 13
2017 70 14

 

Engineering and Computer Science Scholarship Application Instructions

How to Apply

  • Visit https://pacific.academicworks.com
  • Sign in using your Pacific Net ID and Password
  • Complete the General Application
  • Complete the Conditional SOECS Application
  • Choose "Apply" for any recommended scholarship opportunities based on your responses and academic profile.  Please read the scholarship criteria carefully to confirm that you are qualified BEFORE you apply.
  • You will need to upload an unofficial transcript.

 

Any Engineering or Computer Science Major

Name of Scholarship Qualification Criteria
Maryam H. Dashti Endowed Scholarship Merit-Based; first preference for a student from Kuwait; second preference for a student from Gulf States Region; third preference for international student
B.G. Glenn A Goddard Veteran's Endowed Scholarship Merit-Based, currently serving in a military reserve program, honorably discharged veteran or participant in ROTC program.
Robert L. Heyborne Endowed Scholarship Merit-Based, full-time undergraduate student, minimum 3.0 GPA, Junior/Senior standing preferred
George and Sue Schroeder Endowed Scholarship Undergraduate School of Engineering & Computer Science student, Minimum 3.2 GPA
Paul M. Sensibaugh Engineering Endowed Scholarship Merit-Based, preference for students who have graduated or transferred from San Joaquin County Schools
Louise Stark Endowed Scholarship for Women Engineers Need-Based, Undergraduate Female, Good Academic Standing, minimum 2.5 GPA

 

Any Engineering Major

Name of Scholarship Qualification Criteria
Hamma Fund Scholar (administered by Dean's Office) Merit-Based, last two semesters of Undergrad Program with the goal of enrolling in Master's Program at Pacific, Member of Tau Beta Pi (Award covers 1 fiscal year of graduate school, including books)
Minority Engineering Endowed Scholarship Need-Based, Preference for African American or other underrepresented ethnicities
Edward E. Whitacre, Jr. Endowed Scholarship Need-Based, full-time Engineering major, minimum of 3.0 GPA
Students working at the bioengineering lab.

Contact Us

Contact Image
Bioengineering
209.946.3178 ljohnston@pacific.edu

Anderson Hall 200

Lisa Johnston
Admin. Assistant II
ljohnston@pacific.edu