Overview

Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics from University of California, Santa Cruz builds upon the research and academic strengths of the faculty in the Biomolecular Engineering Department, as well as many other departments.

The BME concentration is designed for students interested in protein engineering, stem cell engineering, and synthetic biology. The emphasis is on designing biomolecules (DNA, RNA, proteins) and cells for particular functions, and the underlying sciences are biochemistry and cell biology.

The BINF concentration combines mathematics, science, and engineering to explore and understand biological data from high-throughput experiments, such as genome sequencing, gene-expression chips, and proteomics experiments.

Careers

Students in Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics can look forward to careers in academia, the information and biotechnology industries, public health, or medical sciences.

Unlike other engineering fields, but like life sciences, biomolecular engineers generally need to get Ph.Ds to get cutting-edge research and design jobs.

Those in bioinformatics can get good-paying jobs with just a B.S., though an M.S. degree offers the most potential for rapid advancement.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Computer Systems and C Programming

Applied Discrete Mathematics

Bioethics in the 21st Century: Science, Business, and Society

Cell and Molecular Biology

Bioinformatics

Molecular Biology

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-01-03 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-07-31 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2026-03-31 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-10-31 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2026-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2025-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

IELTS

6.5

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TOEFL^® IBT

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115

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Bio & Biomedical Engineering Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Biochemistry View 183 other Bachelors in Bioinformatics & Biostatistics in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

IELTS

6.5

Free IELTS Mock Tests!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

Duolingo English Test

115

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Other requirements

General requirements

You must achieve a minimum GPA of 3.00 in the "a–g" courses.

Non-residents must earn a minimum GPA of 3.40.

Take the ACT Plus Writing or the SAT with Essay

The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test or the SAT with critical reading, mathematics, and writing scores from the same sitting.

Proof of English Proficiency

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of California, Santa Cruz and/or in United States, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fee

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International

50244 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 50244 USD per year during 48 months.
National

50244 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 50244 USD per year during 48 months.
In-State

16044 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 16044 USD per year during 48 months.

Living costs for Santa Cruz

1710 - 2560 USD /month

Living costs

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 Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics.

Available Scholarships

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

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