Biological Systems Engineering
Biological Systems Engineering involves sustainable production, storage, and conversion of biomaterials into useful and valuable products. Engineers in this field will tackle real-world problems such as developing renewable biofuels and bioenergy, developing sustainable materials and bioproducts, and finding solutions to food insecurity by developing technologies for the food industry and sustainable agricultural practice. This program will combine biological and chemical sciences with mathematics and engineering principles, along with a concentration of courses in either nutritional sciences, food and bioprocess engineering, agricultural engineering, or fiber and biopolymer engineering.
Engineer with Purpose
Learn more about the Biological Systems Engineering program at Texas Tech University through student testimonials, faculty highlights, and facility tours.
Degree & Course Details-
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Students have access to modern labs and facilities equipped with the latest technology, providing an ideal environment for both learning and innovation.
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Diverse Research Areas
From renewable energy and robotics to fluid dynamics and materials science, we explore a wide range of topics that contribute to global technological advancements.
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Industry Connections
The college has strong ties with industries, offering students access to internships, co-op programs, and job placement services for smooth transition to professional careers.
Key Courses
View Degree Courses in Catalog
BSE 3363 - Biochemical Engineering
Introduction to biochemical engineering, including design of processes that involve biological organisms; cellular, molecular and tissue engineering; biomaterials and biotransport.
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- Credit Hours: 3
- Prerequisite(s): CHE 2310, CHE 3315, CHEM 3305, MATH 2450, PHYS 1408, BIOL 1404.
BSE 3365 - Biotransport
Mass and momentum transport in living systems.
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- Credit Hours: 3
- Prerequisite(s): CHE 3315, MATH 3350 or MATH 3354, BSE 3363.
BIOE 3202 - Bioinstrumentation and Bioinformatics Laboratory
Covers laboratory topics strongly related to chemical and biological engineering background, including tissue engineering, microscopy, industrial biotechnology, and drug design.
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- Credit Hours: 2
BSE 4385 - Bioprocess Control
Problems and solutions associated with optimization and control of bioprocesses.
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- Credit Hours: 3
- Prerequisite(s): MATH 3350 or MATH 3354, BSE 4364, BIOE 3202.
Accelerated B.S. to M.S. in Bioengineering
Texas Tech offers an accelerated pathway for select BS programs like the accelerated Bachelor of Science in Biological Systems Engineering to Master of Science in Bioengineering. High achieving juniors take graduate courses as senior electives, completing both degrees in five years to save time and costs while building research foundations for bioengineering careers.
Career Paths & Salary Ranges
Our Biological Systems Engineering graduates are making an impact across industries. Explore where our alumni are working and what they're building.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Incoming students are considered for merit scholarships when they apply for admission. Admitted students can find additional internal and external scholarship opportunities through Scholarship Universe.
Whitacre College of Engineering Scholarships
Support for high‑achieving engineering students demonstrating leadership and academic excellence.
View WCOE ScholarshipsDepartment of Chemical Engineering Scholarships
Opportunities for department merit-based scholarships.
View CE ScholarshipsStudent Spotlight
Meet a few students sharing their experiences in engineering at Texas Tech.
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Blair Dodge
Chemical Engineering
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Job Vasconcelos
Chemical Engineering
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Sela Boswell
Chemical Engineering
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Cecelya Fung
Chemical Engineering
Student Organizations
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American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE) student chapter
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Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) student chapter
Related Programs
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Chemical Engineering BS
Chemical Engineering -
Biology
Biology -
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Reach out to our team to learn more about the incredible opportunities at Texas Tech.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have dual-credit or AP classes, will those credits count toward my degree?
Yes, review the listing of Texas Tech courses where credit can be earned by standardized test.
Can I switch my degree plan/major?
Yes, Biological Systems Engineering has the same foundational courses as all engineering majors, and very similar sophomore classes as Chemical Engineering. You should speak to your academic advisor to help facilitate switching majors.
What happens if I fail a class?
Typically, you will need to repeat it the next time it is offered. We do allow a few courses to be taken online or at another institution with approval of the department.
I’m interested in research, where can I find opportunities?
Connect with the Associate Chair for undergraduate affairs, Dr. Jeremy Marston, or directly to professors and ask them if they have openings in their labs.
Will my degree be ABET-accredited?
The Biological Systems Engineering bachelor’s program will be undergoing its first accreditation process in Fall 2029, and once accredited, the accreditation will retroactively apply to recent graduates.
Programs
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Address
Texas Tech University, 2500 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79409 -
Phone
806.742.2011 -
Email
webmaster@ttu.edu