Report an accessibility problem

Biomedical Engineering, PhD

Biomedical Engineering, PhD

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Biomedical Engineering, PhD

Biology, Genetics, Research, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, biomedical

Program description
Degree awarded: PHD  Biomedical Engineering

The School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering faculty offer a graduate program leading to the PhD in biomedical engineering.

Areas of study include:

  • biomaterials, biosensors, biomarkers and biomimetic materials
  • biomedical imaging
  • molecular, cellular and tissue engineering
  • neural and rehabilitation engineering
  • synthetic and systems biology

The doctoral degree in biomedical engineering is conferred upon evidence of excellence in research resulting in a scholarly dissertation that is a contribution to knowledge.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term 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 the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
Degree requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Bioengineering Courses (18 credit hours)
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)

Other Requirement (3 credit hours)
BME 780 Teaching Practicum (3)

Technical Electives (9 credit hours)

Research (37 credit hours)
BME 792 Research (37)

Seminar (5 credit hours)
BME 591 Seminar (5)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
BME 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information
Up to six credit hours of the required biomedical engineering courses and technical electives combined may be at the 400 level.

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.

Admission requirements

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:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. a statement of purpose
  4. resume or curriculum vitae
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. 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.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 12/15Priority
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 07/15Priority
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • 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
Career opportunities

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. The skill sets gained by graduates of the doctorate program in biomedical engineering are sought by local, national and international employers.

Career examples include:

  • bioinformatics scientist
  • biomedical engineer
  • geneticist
  • medical scientist
  • molecular biologist
  • professor
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
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.

click back to top