The Doctor of Philosophy is a research degree granted on the basis of broad knowledge of engineering applications in biology and medicine and an in-depth study in a specific area leading to a dissertation reflecting original and independent work by the candidate.

Applicants to the Ph.D. program are generally expected to have a master’s degree. Under special circumstances, exceptional students may bypass the M.S. or be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program upon approval of the biomedical engineering faculty. Courses for advanced study are determined in consultation with an advisory committee and will be selected from the areas of engineering, mathematics, life sciences and chemistry. To earn a Ph.D. degree, students must:

1. Meet the general requirements of The Graduate School.
2. Successfully complete PGY 502.
3. Pass the Qualifying Examination. This exam, consisting of written and oral components, is designed and administered by the student’s Doctoral Advisory Committee.
4. Conduct original research and satisfactorily defend a dissertation documenting independent and comprehensive scholarship.