Biological Design, PhD
Biology, Biotechnology, Medicine, Nanotechnology, approved for STEM-OPT extension, design, genomics
Are you inspired by the complexity of living systems? In this innovative doctoral program, you'll explore the foundations of biological engineering while developing solutions to current biotechnological challenges. Conduct advanced research that challenges traditional boundaries as you prepare to lead in academic and applied research settings.
The Doctor of Philosophy program in biological design seeks to develop a new type of scientist by training you in core disciplines related to biomedicine and biotechnology while simultaneously preparing you to participate successfully in the interdisciplinary research teams of the future.
The research emphasis is on projects that are use-inspired, contributing directly to solutions for important societal challenges. This is a highly mentored program of personalized study that provides you with significant interaction with the large and vibrant local research community.
The curriculum has three key distinguishing features: a personalized plan of study that enables you to explore the disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas of greatest interest; encouragement to choose a dissertation research project that is use-focused, contributes to solving a large-scale challenge, and promises rich transdisciplinary experiences; and opportunities to participate in a proseminar format to encourage broad research interactions and discuss problems and challenges in biological design research.
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
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (3 credit hours) Other Requirements (2 credit hours) Electives and Research (67 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
BDE 702 Fundamentals of Biological Design II (3)
BDE 598 Special Topics: Biological Design Seminar (1)
BDE 791 Seminar: Biological Design Proseminar (1)
BDE 799 Dissertation (12)
Courses listed under Other Requirements may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.
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
- three letters of recommendation
- personal statement
- resume
- 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.
Three letters of recommendation related to the candidate's academic career are required. The personal statement should reflect the candidate's career and educational goals, and explain why the candidate is interested in pursuing this degree. The resume should include prior research and employment experience, honors, awards, memberships held, publications, etc.
For additional admission requirements, including transcripts, fees and international application requirements, students should see the ASU Admission Services website.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Priority |
Graduates are trained at the intersection of biological sciences, physical sciences and technology through innovation, design and production. They find career opportunities in health care, biotechnology, pharmaceutical discovery, biomanufacturing, security, environmental technologies and food agribusinesses.
Career examples include:
- biochemist
- biophysicist
- clinical scientist
- environmental engineer
- health and safety engineer
- medical engineer
- medical scientist
- microbiologist
School for Engineering of Matter,Transport & Enrgy
|
USE 138
semtegrad@asu.edu
480-965-2335
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.
