Biomedical Engineering PhD students have the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge research with engineering faculty in many different biomedical fields. Our program provides the scientific foundation to prepare students for careers in academia, healthcare, industry and government labs.
The PhD program is open to both first-time graduate students as well as those who hold master’s degrees.
For more information, visit the Biomedical Engineering PhD Program page.
Requirements
All Biomedical Engineering PhD student must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework at the 5000 level or higher, plus 30 credit hours of dissertation credits. Some research advisors will require that their students complete more than 30 course credits, and the department recommends that specific course decisions should be agreed upon through individual faculty/student discussions. Students must receive a minimum grade of B- (2.7) in each class to count towards the degree. Students must also maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher to be in good standing with the graduate school.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Required Course | ||
| BMEN 5117 | Anatomy and Physiology for Biomedical Engineering (Fall) | 3 |
| Additional Coursework | ||
| Designated biomedical engineering courses 1 | 15 | |
| Additional credit hours obtained, as needed, from other fields (e.g., business or other engineering electives) 1 | 12 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
| 1 | May be fulfilled by courses taken as part of a prior MS or PhD program. |
Preliminary Examination
Biomedical Engineering PhD students are required to pass a preliminary examination. It consists of a comprehensive review of primary literature that supports the current and future research directions of the student. This must be completed within the first three semesters after matriculation into the program.
Comprehensive Examination
The Comprehensive Examination is an important second evaluation step required to advance the student to candidacy for the PhD degree, which is typically completed within the first three years after matriculation to the program and greater than one year prior to graduation. It consists of an NIH R21-style research proposal in addition to an oral exam with a selected committee of faculty advisors, both focusing on the proposed course of research. Students will also likely have completed one chapter of their dissertation for submission to a peer-reviewed journal before taking the Comprehensive Exam.
PhD Dissertation
Students must write a dissertation based on original research conducted under the supervision of a graduate faculty member. The dissertation must fulfill all Graduate School requirements. After the dissertation is completed, an oral final examination on the dissertation and related topics is conducted by the student’s doctoral committee.
Time Limit
All degree requirements for the Biomedical Engineering PhD must be completed within six years of the date commencing coursework.