Master's in Biological Chemical Engineering overview
The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Biological Chemical Engineering degree program provides graduates with the flexibility to adapt to a variety of industrial experiences, and forms the basis for an expanding career in biomolecular and biopharmaceutical engineering. Graduates from this program have the skills to identify, evaluate and manage cost and performance decisions throughout the major stages of life in large-scale developments in the pharmaceutical and related industries. Lehigh graduates have said that the Lehigh Master’s Degree has been an important enabler for them to aspire to and achieve higher level positions along both technical and management career ladders.
Master's in Biological Chemical Engineering highlights
- 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- 20% of faculty are in National Academies.
- 40% of faculty hold prestigious NSF CAREER awards.
Biological Chemical Engineering salary and career outlook
Graduates of Lehigh's master's programs are well-prepared for leadership roles across various industries. Graduates of the M.Eng. in Biological Chemical Engineering program have found careers with highly competitive salaries in top companies and institutions such as:
- Air Products
- Mayo Clinic
- Merck
- Regeneron
- Harvard
- MIT
Biological Chemical Engineering program format
The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Biological Chemical Engineering is a coursework-based program offered both on campus and online. This format is designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers and for recent graduates who want to deepen their knowledge in this specialized field. It can be pursued at the student's chosen pace, either full-time or part-time. The curriculum offers core chemical engineering and biotechnology coursework, and affords significant flexibility in tailoring the remaining technical coursework among advanced topics in chemical engineering, biology, chemistry, and beyond, to meet each student's own career goals.
Biological Chemical Engineering collaborations
Students work alongside world-renowned faculty, gaining specialized technical knowledge and an interdisciplinary outlook. The department, college, and institution foster a welcoming and close-knit intellectual community, with three Interdisciplinary Research Institutes that allow groups of faculty and students from diverse research areas to converge to tackle challenging technical problems.
Biological Chemical Engineering external funding
The department's research is sponsored by a variety of sources, including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Petroleum Research Fund. This funding helps support a robust research environment for both faculty and students, and ensures that education in the classroom remains leading edge in terms of technology advancements and innovations. Partial merit-based and tuition scholarships are available.
Master's in Biological Chemical Engineering admissions requirements
To be considered for admission to the master's program, candidates must hold at least a Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) degree in a related field. A complete application must include:
- A candidate's personal statement detailing motivation for graduate study, relevant background, and research experience.
- The candidate's resume summarizing background relevant to graduate study.
- Complete transcripts from each college and university attended. Unofficial copies may be uploaded initially, but official transcripts are required upon accepting an offer of admission.
- At least two (2) letters of recommendation from qualified individuals. Preference is given to letters from research advisors and professors, but letters from technical/industrial employers are also accepted.
- For international students whose first language is not English who have not studied in the US or countries where English is an official and widely spoken language, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Cambridge English Qualification test scores are required.
- A non-refundable application fee of $50.
- GRE test scores are not required.
Frequently asked questions about a graduate degree in Biological Chemical Engineering
Q: Is this a research-based degree?
A: No, the M.Eng. in Biological Chemical Engineering is a professional, coursework-only degree. If you are interested in a research-intensive path, you should consider the Master of Science (MS) or PhD in Chemical Engineering.
Q: Can I complete this degree online?
A: Yes, this program is offered with both on-campus and online options, providing flexibility for students.
Q: What is the main focus of this degree?
A: This degree is designed for students interested in the intersection of engineering and biological systems, preparing them to innovate in areas like bioscience, health, and biopharmaceutical applications.


