Overview

The Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics programme at University of California, Santa Cruz provides a rigorous interdisciplinary education at the intersection of life sciences and engineering. By combining expertise from mathematics, chemistry, and computer science, the curriculum prepares students to develop innovative technologies for the bio-industrial sector.

This course leverages the significant academic strengths of the Biomolecular Engineering Department. Students benefit from a research-intensive environment that addresses major challenges in modern medicine and genomics. The curriculum is designed to foster technical proficiency alongside critical analytical skills required for scientific discovery.

Why Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics at University of California, Santa Cruz?

University of California, Santa Cruz is recognised as a leading institution for engineering education, recently ranked as the number two public university in the nation for high-paying engineering roles by the Wall Street Journal. The programme is supported by world-class faculty and state-of-the-art facilities within the Baskin Engineering Building.

The institution offers a unique 4+1 pathway, allowing dedicated students to transition smoothly from undergraduate studies to a master's degree. This accelerated option enhances technical expertise and improves career prospects in a competitive global market. Students are immersed in a community focused on cutting-edge biotech and protein engineering research.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 37602 per year
National fee: USD 37602 per year
Local fee: USD 16785 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on the integration of computational tools with biological systems. Modules may include:

Biomolecular Engineering
Bioinformatics
Biotechnology
Genomics
Protein Engineering
Computational Biology

Careers with Biomolecular Engineering and Bioinformatics

Graduates are well-prepared for diverse professional paths in academia, public health, and the medical sciences. The programme provides a strong foundation for those entering the information and biotechnology industries, where bioinformatics specialists often secure lucrative positions immediately after graduation.

While many students pursue a B.S. to enter the workforce, the programme also serves as an excellent platform for advanced doctoral research. Graduates frequently find employment in cutting-edge research and design roles within the bio-industrial sector, contributing to advancements in healthcare and genomic technology.

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 2027-09-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Cruz, United States

Disciplines

Bio & Biomedical Engineering Bioinformatics & Biostatistics Biochemistry View 936 other Bachelors in Biochemistry in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

3.0 GPA For California residents

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

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TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

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98 accuracy using real exam data
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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

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

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Out-of-State

37602 USD / year

≈ 37602 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16785 USD / year

≈ 16785 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Cruz

United States

1710 - 2560 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 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.

About

Overview

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

Santa Cruz

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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