PhD Program

A graduate student in a lab coat and safety glasses uses equipment to take measurements and view them on a computer screen.

Shape the Future of Human Health

Join Our Program

Our doctoral program prepares graduates to conduct independent, impactful research in biomedical engineering across academic, clinical, and industry settings.

Application Requirements

Program Overview

For more information about the PhD program, see the Graduate Handbook (PDF).

Coursework

For the first two years, our PhD students focus on coursework, moving from a broader selection in the first year to thesis-specific courses in the second year.

Students will select advanced biomedical engineering, approved engineering, biology, statistics, and elective courses to support or supplement their research interests. For the full course lists, see the Graduate Studies Handbook.

Choosing Your Research Laboratory

While students will have identified a general area of interest before entering the program, everyone will be given an opportunity to explore a range of biomedical engineering subfields before committing to a research laboratory at the end of their second semester.

In addition to coursework, students will also attend seminar series and laboratory rotations during their first year, to get a detailed look at the research being done here at Rochester. Students should also take this time to get acquainted with the faculty, advanced students, and research in the department.

Preliminary Examination

After their first year, students will take the PhD preliminary examination to demonstrate their ability to critically evaluate biomedical research and apply quantitative engineering approaches, confirming their readiness to pursue targeted research for their thesis.

Thesis Prep and Qualifying Examination

After students have passed the preliminary examination, found a thesis advisor, and selected a research topic, they will start preparing for the PhD qualifying examination. This examination consists of a paper, no longer than 13 pages, that describes their proposed research into an unsolved, scientifically important problem. Students will also prepare a presentation for the oral examination, not exceeding 50 minutes. The committee members can ask questions during and following this presentation.

The biomedical engineering PhD program culminates with a final research thesis on the topic approved during the qualifying examination, as well as an oral defense of that research.

Experience Tailored to You

Whether you plan on going into research, academia, or industry after graduation, our PhD students get the practical experience they need to succeed in the areas they’re interested in.

Research Groups

Prospective students do not apply for admission in a specific research group. Instead, they must first be admitted into our PhD program, and then they join a research group after successful completion of two semesters of coursework. This gives students time to get to know the different faculty and their research.

Laboratory Rotations

Students are required to complete three laboratory rotations. PhD students who completed a thesis-based MS in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ are only required to complete two rotations.

Teaching Assistantships

All biomedical engineering PhD students are required to serve as a TA for two semesters. This service is required whether or not the student has received financial support from the University and is typically done during the student’s second year.

URBEST

Biomedical engineering PhD students can also participate in the . The URBEST program prepares graduate students and postdoctoral trainees for careers outside of academia by creating new opportunities for experiential learning through internships and externships.

Sample Schedule

The biomedical engineering PhD program is a combination of research, coursework, teaching assistantships, and thesis work that students complete over four or more years. The typical PhD schedule is outlined here.

First Year

  • Full-time coursework and study
  • Complete lab rotations (by April 15)
  • Choose PhD advisor (by April 15)
  • Preliminary examination
  • Begin PhD thesis research

Second Year

  • Form thesis advisory committee
  • Research
  • Complete core coursework
  • Complete teaching assistantship requirements
  • Meet with PhD research advisory committee (before August)

Third Year

  • Oral qualifying examination
  • Thesis proposal
  • Research
  • Elective courses

Fourth Year

  • Oral thesis defense
  • Thesis submission
  • Research
  • Elective courses

More Information

If you're interested in learning more about the PhD in biomedical engineering at the ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ, email bmegraduateofc@rochester.edu, or call (585) 275-3891.