Biomedical Engineering, PhD
Biology, Genetics, Research, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biomedical
Develop advanced skills to create innovative diagnostics and therapeutics that transform patient care and revolutionize human health. You'll make an impact through research in an interdisciplinary and collaborative environment.
The School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering faculty offer a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in biomedical engineering.
You get the opportunity to study:
- biomaterials, biosensors, biomarkers and biomimetic materials
- biomedical imaging
- molecular, cellular and tissue engineering
- neural and rehabilitation engineering
- synthetic and systems biology
The PhD in biomedical engineering is conferred upon evidence of excellence in research resulting in a scholarly dissertation that is a contribution to knowledge.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
This video provides an overview of the Biomedical Engineering, PhD degree program at ASU.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (3 credit hours) Required Bioengineering Courses (18 credit hours) Other Requirement (3 credit hours) Technical Electives (6 credit hours) Research (37 credit hours) Seminar (5 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information Courses used to satisfy the technical electives requirement must be selected from the list of 400- to 700-level courses that are not selected as required BME courses.
BME 701 Fundamentals in Scientific Proposal Writing (3)
Doctoral students are required to complete six credit hours from each of the following three areas:
BME graduate courses (BME prefix) (6)
life science or biology graduate courses (6)
quantitative math or engineering (6)
BME 780 Practicum (3)
BME 792 Research (37)
BME 591 Seminar (5)
BME 799 Dissertation (12)
Up to six credit hours of the required biomedical engineering courses and technical electives combined may be at the 400 level.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- statement of purpose
- resume or curriculum vitae
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Students should view the School of Biological and Health Systems admission checklist for specific admission procedures and deadlines.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/15 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 07/15 | Priority |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Ability to independently develop an approach for identifying problems, collecting, analyzing and interpreting data in the area of biomedical engineering
- Develop ability to communicate original biomedical research as scholarly work or publication
- Develop teaching practices under faculty supervision that are appropriate for biomedical engineering education within industry or academia
Professionals who specialize in biomedical engineering research areas are in high demand across sectors and industries, including business, academia, hospitals, government agencies and research facilities. Graduates with the skill sets gained through the program are sought-after by local, national and international employers.
Career examples include:
- bioinformatics scientist
- biomedical engineer
- geneticist
- medical scientist
- molecular biologist
- professor
Harrington Bioengineering Program
|
ECG 334
sbhse.advising@asu.edu
480-965-3028
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

