What is bse.unl.edu (Biological Systems Engineering | Nebraska)?
Updated
bse.unl.edu is the official website of the Department of Biological Systems Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (Nebraska). It serves as the department's public-facing hub for academic programs, admissions, scholarships, research, and faculty information. If you are a prospective student, current student, researcher, or visitor trying to understand what the department offers and how to engage with it, this site is the authoritative starting point.
What the site covers
The homepage and its navigation are organized around a few core areas:
- Academic programs — detailed pages for each major, including 4-year plans
- Admissions and visits — pathways to apply and schedule a campus visit
- Scholarships and financial aid — department and university-level funding information
- Research — faculty-driven work at the intersection of biology and engineering
- Faculty directory — profiles of experts leading innovation and discovery
The site's tagline, "Bringing Engineering and Technology to Life," reflects its focus on applying engineering principles to biological and agricultural systems.
Academic programs
The department offers three undergraduate majors, each with a distinct emphasis:
| Major | Focus | 4-Year Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Engineering | Blends outdoor passion with biology, math, and technology to address food, water, energy, and natural resource needs | Available |
| Agricultural Systems Technology | Combines technology, agricultural science, and business practices to solve 21st-century agricultural challenges | Available |
| Biological Systems Engineering | Integrates biology and engineering to solve complex, cross-disciplinary problems | Available |
Each program page includes a "Learn More" link and a 4-year plan to help students map their path from enrollment to graduation.
Admissions, scholarships, and financial aid
The site provides clear entry points for prospective students:
- Apply Now — the primary call to action for admission
- Visit Campus — plan a visit to explore classrooms, labs, and collaborative spaces
- Scholarships & Financial Aid — scholarships are awarded by the department and the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA) based on criteria including cumulative GPA, ACT/SAT scores, financial need, and a resume of activities. The site notes that not all scholarship opportunities are major-specific.
Research and faculty
The department positions itself around research that turns scientific curiosity into real-world impact. The faculty directory highlights experts who are "leaders in research and discovery," and the site emphasizes that BSE students develop technical and problem-solving skills applicable to careers in industry, research, consulting, and public service.
Who the site is for
- Prospective students — explore majors, 4-year plans, scholarships, and visit options
- Current students — access program details and department resources
- Researchers and faculty — find collaborators and learn about ongoing work
- Industry and public service partners — understand the department's capabilities and graduate outcomes
Key takeaway
bse.unl.edu is the University of Nebraska–Lincoln's Biological Systems Engineering department website. It is the place to go if you want to understand the department's degree programs, apply for admission, find scholarship information, or learn about research and faculty in the field where biology and engineering intersect.