HIGHER EDUCATION
UNM to offer new undergraduate degree in bioengineering
Officials say it is the university鈥檚 first new undergraduate degree in 40 years
Published
Modified
The University of New Mexico will offer a new undergraduate degree this fall.
Starting this month, students can earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in bioengineering, which university officials say will prepare them for careers in healthcare, agriculture, food science and pharmacy.
UNM officials said the 鈥渉ighly requested鈥� program will provide pathways to medical school or careers in engineering. Bioengineering applies engineering principles to biology and medicine through math and science.
鈥淲e鈥檝e heard from many students that a bachelor鈥檚 degree in bioengineering is highly desirable, and we are thrilled to meet that demand,鈥� Donna Riley, UNM鈥檚 dean of engineering and computing, said in a statement. 鈥淏iotech is an economic development priority for the state, and we believe this degree will enhance our ability to foster innovation in this area.鈥�
Students can choose from tracks including pre-med, biomaterials, biochemicals, tissue engineering and biomanufacturing, according to a university news release. The program will be offered through UNM鈥檚 Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.
Unlike the university鈥檚 other undergraduate engineering programs, bioengineering students will have access to UNM鈥檚 Health Sciences Center and the national laboratories for research, officials said.
The university is also expanding its Health Sciences Center, including plans to double the size of the UNM School of Medicine, in the coming years.
UNM Provost Barbara Rodriguez said in a statement that the program is intended to help 鈥渕eet the growing demand for professionals at the intersection of engineering, medicine and biomedical innovation.鈥�
Natalie Robbins covers education for the Journal. You can reach her at nrobbins@abqjournal.com.
