Overview

The Biological Engineering programme at the University of Hawaii at Manoa offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to merge living systems with advanced engineering principles. This degree prepares students to develop sustainable technologies that support healthy communities and resilient ecosystems across the globe.

Biological engineers at this institution employ a diverse range of scientific disciplines to solve complex problems. By combining biochemistry and synthetic biology with process engineering and machine learning, the curriculum ensures graduates are equipped for the modern workforce. The focus remains on creating novel solutions for food security and environmental sustainability.

The department emphasises the importance of resource minimisation and the detection of environmental hazards.

Why Biological Engineering at the University of Hawaii at Manoa?

The University of Hawaii at Manoa provides a unique environment for studying biological systems due to its diverse local ecosystems. The programme is housed within the Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering Department, which is known for its multidisciplinary research initiatives. Students benefit from facilities that support high-level experimentation in biotechnology and environmental monitoring.

The institution focuses on producing engineers who can address both local and global challenges, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and water quality. By integrating modern life sciences with traditional engineering mechanics, the university ensures its graduates are versatile and highly skilled. The curriculum is designed to adapt to the rapidly evolving fields of AI and synthetic biology.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 33552 per year
National fee: USD 33552 per year
Local fee: USD 11520 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Biochemistry
Synthetic Biology
Biotechnology
Process Engineering
Electronics
Programming
Metabolic Modelling
Machine Learning/AI
Mechanics
Economics
Biomanufacturing
Bioprocess Automation

Careers with Biological Engineering

Graduates of this programme are prepared for a wide variety of professional roles in the engineering and biotechnology sectors. Many find success as Biofuels and Bioprocess Engineers or Bioinformatics Analysts, working at the intersection of data and biology. The skills acquired during the degree are also highly applicable to pharmaceutical production and biomanufacturing.

Other common career paths include roles as Environmental Engineers, Data Scientists, and Food Process Engineers. Graduates are also qualified to work as Water Quality Monitors or Environment and Invasive Species Monitors, protecting natural resources. Many alumni progress into leadership positions as Project Managers or pursue innovation as Research and Development Engineers.

Accreditation

The BE program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the ABET.

Programme Structure

Courses Include:

Quantitative Biology

Biological Engineering

Applications in Biological Engineering

Mass and Energy Balances

Dynamic Systems Modeling

Dynamic Systems Modeling Laboratory

Transport Phenomena

Engineering Economics

Biomass Conversion to Biofuels and Bioenergy

Food Engineering

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-30 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Honolulu, United States

Disciplines

Bio & Biomedical Engineering Biology View 2506 other Bachelors in Biology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Complete the Freshman Application!

Application Fee: $70 U.S.

Official High School Transcripts

Letter of Recommendation

Personal Statement & List of Achievements Form

Official Standardized Test Scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Out-of-State

33552 USD / year

≈ 33552 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11520 USD / year

≈ 11520 USD / year

Living costs

Honolulu

United States

1640 - 2500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Biological Engineering.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Accreditation

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Honolulu

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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