<p>I've heard two negative comments about Berkeley's BioE program like it's not ranked high or something and that the program isn't ABET accredited but I haven't verified any of these comments. </p>
<p>Are they true and if they are, will these factors improve within the next 3-4 years and what is causing these factors? Why would BioE be one of the hardest majors to get into at the CoE if it's ranking is low compared to an impacted major like EE (which I think is 2nd at Berkeley), and aren't there many EE classes that are cross listed with BioE, so if BioE kids are taking classes that are cross listed with EE or MechE which are top undergrad programs, then shouldn't BioE also be top ranked since those kids are doing the same classes and thus putting forth the same amount of work?</p>
<p>Thanks for reading this you guys and I look forward to reading your responses!</p>
<p>BioE is neither accredited nor ranked highly because it’s a new program. It’s true that many classes carry over into MechE and EECS [which actually isn’t impacted anymore] but it takes a couple graduating classes to receive abet accreditation, I think. In a few years, the rankings should be better and the dept will gain accreditation barring any horrible oversight.</p>
<p>And BioE is hard to get into because many hardcore pre-med ppl apply to the program. To want to be a BioE major requires you to be above average at bio, physics and chemistry while most people excel at most 2/3 [in my experience]. So many qualified applicants apply to that major.</p>
<p>^Ahh I see that makes perfect sense! Thank you and btw does the BioEng BBQ during welcome week have non-beef stuff there? I know this question is random but I was just wondering. Thanks for answering my question so thoroughly though!</p>
<p>Take a look around the Stanley Hall’s lab and you’ll quickly realize it’s only a matter of (very short) time that Cal will be a top notch in BioE program, I am so certain.</p>
<p>As above, it’s low-ranked right now because the schools known for their BioE programs have had them for ages, and Berkeley isn’t one of them. IIRC, Tulane is regarded as the best in the country, or was a few years back.</p>
<p>The ABET certification thing is pretty insignificant; as I think came up a few weeks back, it’s only relevant for some government positions, so it’s not all that relevant.</p>
<p>As much as I am a big Tulane booster, I don’t think it is or was ranked #1 for quite some time. It was one of the first programs in the country, and it is still extremely excellent. But let me be clear, these rankings are ridiculous anyway, especially for undergrad. For many people, Tulane is a wonderful place to be in school. They like the size, the city, the weather, all kinds of things. Some don’t. Many love Johns Hopkins, many Berkeley. If Berkeley is indeed the school for you, go for it and don’t worry about those other factors. The Berkeley name alone will carry tons of weight, no matter the major. Otherwise, take a look at the schools that have BioE that match you academically, then weed them out based on location, finances, whatever. Go to the school that fits you best, and don’t worry about rankings or some of the other peripheral issues.</p>