Graduate Program

Program of Study

84 credit hours
Qualifying examination (written and oral)
Thesis research proposal/comprehensive examination
Dissertation and oral defense

A minimum of 84 credit hours is required for the Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering. Students who have received an M.S. degree from another university may petition for transfer of up to 32 credit hours applicable toward the Ph.D. degree. Students must pass the Ph.D. qualifying examination within the first year of full-time Ph.D. studies. This is a written and oral examination intended to explore both the depth and breadth of the student s academic abilities. Within two and one-half years of matriculation, students will be required to defend their thesis research proposal (comprehensive examination). A written dissertation and oral defense are also required for receiving the doctoral degree. Dissertation format and deadlines are established by the Graduate College.

There are no specific courses that are required for the doctoral degree in biomedical engineering. However, a minimum of three courses in life science, three courses in mathematics, and six courses in biomedical engineering or other engineering-related courses are required. The specific courses selected to meet these requirements will depend on the entering qualifications of the student and the nature of the thesis research proposal. In general, the student's thesis committee will determine the specific courses requirements necessary for graduation.