Biocomputational Engineering Program Admission FAQs

What are the prerequisites for biocomputational engineering?
Before being admitted to the biocomputational engineering program, you must complete prerequisite math/science courses, lower-level General Education requirements (or an associate’s degree), and 60 total credits. Students can apply as transfer students from community colleges or four-year institutions. For more information, visit the program’s Admissions page.
When is the application deadline?
For consideration of merit-based scholarships, students must submit their application by the early action deadlines of March 1 for fall. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with a priority deadline of June 1.
What items are required for my application to be considered complete?
As a transfer student, submit an online application through your StandOut Admissions Network account. In addition, students must submit all college transcripts, including current courses in progress. Start your application today! Letters of recommendation, activities/awards lists, and resumes are optional.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $75 and must be paid online by credit card at the time of application submission. Fee waivers are available.
Can I apply for scholarships?
Yes! In addition to the many scholarship opportunities offered by University of Maryland and the A. James Clark School of Engineering, you are also eligible to apply for scholarships available specifically for students attending USG. Students wishing to apply for these scholarships need to complete the USG General Scholarship Application —which conveniently considers you for all scholarship opportunities offered at USG.
Will my diploma say the Universities at Shady Grove?
No. Upon completion of all program requirements, the diploma will state that you earned a degree in Biocomputational Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park.
I have more questions. Who can I speak to for more information?
You are welcome to reach out to our program representative, who would be happy to answer your questions. You can reach us at biocomp@umd.edu or you can book a meeting. You can also request more information here and we will be in touch with you.

Biocomputational Engineering Program Specific & Campus Life FAQs

Where are the biocomputational engineering classes held?
All courses are held at the new, state-of-the-art Biomedical Sciences and Engineering (BSE) education facility at the Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville, MD.
Who teaches the courses in the biocomputational engineering program?
The instructors are full-time UMD professors with backgrounds in computational biology, biotechnology, and data science. They are trained in modern instructional techniques that promote active learning and inquiry-based learning in the classroom. Discover what Dr. Yousefi, one of our faculty instructors, has to say about our biocomputational engineering program.
Where can I go to access student services?
You have options! As a UMD student, you are encouraged to use the many services available to students at the USG campus, but are also welcome to visit the campus at College Park anytime. USG is a full service campus that provides academic, career, and mental health services. The campus is home to over 80 student organizations and students are encouraged to get involved.
Am I ever required to go to the UMD College Park campus?
Everything you need is at USG, but you are always welcome to visit the main campus for services, events, and activities.

Careers in the Biotech Industry FAQs

What jobs can I have after graduating from the biocomputational engineering program? Will a biocomputational engineering degree prepare me for a career in the biotech industry?
Due to a strong foundational knowledge of biology and medicine as well as data science and computation, graduates will be uniquely positioned as ideal candidates for biotech firms and consulting firms. They will be highly qualified for meaningful and fulfilling career opportunities in the emerging biopharma, biotech, and biomedical industries, especially in Maryland and throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Explore what you can do with a biotechnology degree.
Learning how to get into the biotech industry is half the battle. Is the industry even hiring?
Absolutely. The biotech industry is a huge and growing industry actively seeking new experts with skills in biology and data science. The COVID-19 pandemic has also shed light on the ever-increasing demand for researchers and engineers to devote their time toward the study and prevention of new infectious diseases.

Biocomputational engineering is an emerging field that fuses bioengineering — a discipline grounded in the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, and biology — with computation and data science. Watch the video to explore how a biocomputational engineering degree can equip you with a variety of skills so you can leverage technology to improve global health.

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