The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering offers an innovative graduate program and emphasizes the doctoral degree in Chemical Engineering and a doctoral degree in Biological Engineering.  Our biological engineering degree seeks to leverage the measurement, theory, and manipulation of biomolecules and biological systems for addressing the next challenges in our world. Recent advancements in imaging, data processing, and synthesis have enabled access to biological information previously limited to the imagination. Thus, modern biology serves as the foundation of this program for the development of new models, processes, and technologies to advance human needs.

Admission is based on overall student qualifications and is independent of research subject area. Department faculty and staff members do not conduct individual recruiting practices for prospective graduate students. Prospective student information will only be reviewed through formal submittal to the Graduate Admissions Committee.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must utilize the online application system.

• Hold a baccalaureate degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
• The GRE is no longer a requirement for admission to our graduate program and it is not part of our review process.
• Personal Statement: All applicants must provide a personal statement.  In your personal statement, please 1) summarize your educational and research experiences and their implications to your pursuit of a PhD, 2) explain how graduate studies will enable you to realize your professional and personal ambitions, and 3) conclude with why you believe the University of Colorado is an institution that can help you realize your professional goals. Be specific in detailing research experiences and research interests, listing faculty members by name.
• Unofficial transcripts from all attended institutions of higher education. For review and decision purposes you are required to upload an unofficial copy of your transcript(s) in the online application. We require one copy of the scanned transcript from each undergraduate and graduate institution that you attended. This includes community colleges, summer sessions, and extension programs. While credits from one institution may appear on the transcript of a second institution, unofficial transcripts must be submitted from each institution, regardless of the length of attendance, and whether or not courses were completed. Failure to list and submit transcripts from all institutions previously attended is considered to be a violation of academic ethics and may result in the cancellation of your admission or dismissal from the university. ONLY after you are recommended for admission will you need to provide official transcripts. Read the instructions for uploading unofficial transcripts to your application.
• Three letters of recommendation. You will enter your recommender’s contact information into the online application.
• International applicants must submit an unofficial score report for the TOEFL (minimum 100ibt), IELTS (minimum 7.0) or Duolingo (minimum 120) English proficiency exam to the University of Colorado Boulder. The department will waive the English language requirement if the applicant has studied at a U.S. institution for a minimum of one year within two years of your desired admission term, or the applicant is a citizen of one of the following countries: Australia, Belize, Botswana, Anglophone Canada, Commonwealth Caribbean, Ghana, Great Britain, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Scotland, Singapore or South Africa.

Fall 2026 Domestic Application Deadline: December 15th, 2025