DRAFT - Bioengineering Minor - Standard - SO

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Bioengineering

Major

The Bioengineering minor at West Point equips cadets with the knowledge and skills to apply engineering principles to biological systems, advancing innovations in health, human performance, and military readiness. Through courses in biomechanics, biomaterials, and bioinstrumentation, you’ll learn to design solutions that enhance soldier resilience and support cutting-edge medical technologies.

Offered by the Department of Chemical & Biological Science & Engineering.

Bioengineering: Where Innovation Meets Mission Readiness

The Bioengineering minor combines engineering principles with life sciences to solve complex challenges in health, defense, and technology. Understanding biological systems through an engineering lens empowers you to design solutions that enhance soldier resilience, advance medical treatments, and strengthen national security - all while sharpening analytical and problem-solving skills that translate into success in any mission.

The West Point Advantage

At the United States Military Academy, Bioengineering is not just a minor. It’s a strategic advantage.
You’ll gain expertise in biomechanics, biomaterials, and biomedical systems while developing critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills. The program blends rigorous academics with practical application and integrates purposeful leadership into every experience - preparing you to excel in dynamic, high-stakes environments.

Integrated military focus

  • Apply engineering principles to improve soldier health, performance, and operational effectiveness.
  • Gain the skills to translate bioengineering innovations into real-world military and leadership roles.

Hands-on research

  • Step into immersive lab experiences where theory becomes action.
  • Drive innovation through projects that tackle military health, prosthetics, and biotechnology challenges head-on.

Ethics and innovation

  • Build a career grounded in ethical responsibility while advancing cutting-edge biomedical technologies.
  • Shape solutions that balance bold innovation with integrity and accountability.

Mentorship that matters

  • Learn from experienced faculty and military leaders who are invested in your success.
  • Forge lasting mentor relationships that guide your academic journey and career progression.
  • Their commitment reflects the Academy’s mission: to develop leaders of character who inspire trust and achieve results.

The Foundation to Solve Tomorrow’s Challenges

West Point’s approach ensures you graduate ready to innovate, inspire, and succeed in:

Military medicine and health sciences

  • Support the development of advanced prosthetics and rehabilitation technologies.
  • Apply bioengineering principles to improve soldier health and recovery.

Biodefense and environmental security

  • Design systems to counter biological threats and safeguard national security.
  • Engineer solutions for safe water, food, and environmental health in deployed settings.

Research and development for advanced technologies

  • Innovate in biomaterials and tissue engineering for enhanced soldier resilience.
  • Contribute to cutting-edge research in biomechanics and biomedical devices for defense.

Operational planning with technical expertise

  • Advise commanders on bioengineering applications during missions.
  • Integrate technical data into operational plans for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Information for Future Cadets

Resources for Current Cadets

Bioengineering: Solutions for Military Readiness

Bioengineering at West Point is a launchpad for future innovators, military leaders, and problem-solvers. 

What makes it unique? It’s the fusion of advanced engineering principles with life sciences, combined with West Point’s unmatched leadership development. You’ll be mentored by distinguished military and civilian faculty who bring real-world expertise and a passion for teaching. Every course is designed to build not only your technical skills but also your ability to lead in complex, high-stakes environments.

Core Foundation

The major begins with a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and engineering fundamentals. These courses develop your understanding of biological systems and engineering design while sharpening analytical and ethical decision-making skills:

  • CH383 & CH384 – Organic Chemistry I & II
  • CH385 – Introduction to Cell Biology
  • CH387 – Human Physiology
  • CH473 – Biochemistry
  • EM301 – Mechanics
  • EM364 – Fluid Mechanics

Complementary courses in calculus, physics, and general chemistry ensure you’re equipped with the mathematical and scientific tools needed to excel.

Advanced and Applied Courses

West Point’s Bioengineering curriculum emphasizes innovation and application. You’ll explore biomechanics, biomaterials, and biomedical systems through courses such as:

  • CH450 – Bioengineering Modeling & Analysis
  • CH479 – Methods & Applications of Biotech
  • EM411 – Biomechanics
  • CY305 & CY355 – Cyber Foundations (STEM Depth)

These courses reflect West Point’s nationally ranked programs in engineering and science - designed to prepare cadets for leadership in a rapidly evolving world.

Hands-On Learning

At USMA, learning is active and immersive. You’ll conduct research, collaborate in labs, and apply your knowledge to real-world challenges. Honors students can pursue:

  • CH489 & CH490 – Individual Research I & II

Whether you’re designing prosthetic technologies or developing biomaterials for soldier protection, you’ll be guided by faculty who are accessible, invested in your success, and committed to your growth as a scholar and leader.

Electives and Specialization

Customize your academic journey with electives that align with your interests and career goals. Choose from topics such as:

  • CH460 – Human Anatomy
  • CH376 – Advanced Techniques in Light Microscopy
  • PL390 – Biological Psychology
  • NE474 – Radiological Safety

These options allow you to specialize in areas critical to military readiness, medical service, and defense innovation.

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Bioengineering: Beyond the Classroom

At West Point, the Bioengineering minor is more than a rigorous academic program. It’s a gateway to real-world impact, leadership development, and national recognition. You’ll engage in hands-on learning, cutting-edge research, and prestigious academic enrichment programs that prepare you to lead in biomedical innovation, military health, and defense technology.

Internships

Gain practical experience through internships with Army research labs, medical technology centers, and defense agencies. These opportunities connect classroom knowledge to mission-driven applications - from advanced prosthetics to soldier performance optimization.

Experiential and Hands-On Learning

Bioengineering brings classroom concepts to life through immersive labs, design projects, and simulations. Whether you’re studying biomechanics, biomaterials, or biomedical systems, you’ll gain practical experience that builds confidence and competence:

  • Design and test biomedical devices for military applications.
  • Use advanced modeling tools and high-tech equipment in state-of-the-art labs.
  • Present your research and network with professionals at national and international engineering and military conferences - representing USMA among top innovators in bioengineering.

Research and Facilities

While completing your degree, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in lab work with the CBSE, Center for Molecular Science, Photonics Research Center, and other research facilities for academic credit. Conduct original research alongside faculty mentors in areas like tissue engineering, biomechanics, and soldier health optimization. Your work contributes directly to Army readiness and technological advancement. 

Scholarships, Honors, and Recognition

Bioengineering majors are eligible to participate in the West Point Scholars Program, which provides personalized support for competitive national scholarships, such as:

  • Rhodes Scholarship
  • Marshall Scholarship
  • Fulbright Fellowship
  • Gates Cambridge Scholarship

The West Point Technical Scholars Program (TSP) mentors and guides cadets in pursuit of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship as they seek national and international honors for their performance. With over 240 scholarships and fellowships, the TSP has continued to fill Army ranks with innovative leaders prepared for the challenges they will face throughout their careers.

West Point also celebrates academic excellence and leadership through:

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