Biomedical Engineering PhD Programs & BME PhD Degrees

Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering Programs combine advanced engineering principles with the study of biology and medicine. Students explore the life sciences and make use of theories and computation practices from disciplines that include core biological sciences, engineering, computer science and advanced mathematics. Often referred to as a BME PhD, a Biomedical Engineering PhD program offers in-depth training; students conduct original research that culminates in a doctoral dissertation. Biomedical engineering advances knowledge and develops new devices at the crossing points of engineering, biology, and medicine.

Biomedical Engineering PhD Program Overview

Admission to a Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering Program may vary. Typically a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in biology, mathematics or computer science is required. Ideal candidates for BME PhD programs are individuals interested in specialized research in topics such as tissue regeneration, biomaterials or medical optics. Students are trained to become leaders in research and development in industrial and university settings.

FUN FACT: Biomedical engineering has existed for centuries, perhaps even thousands of years. In 2000, German archaeologists uncovered a 3,000-year-old mummy from Thebes with a wooden prosthetic tied to its foot to serve as a big toe. Researchers said the wear on the bottom surface suggests that it could be the oldest known limb prosthesis.^[i]

The term Biomedical Engineering refers to the application of engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes. As an academic field it encompasses bioinformatics, biomechanics, biomaterial, biomedical optics, tissue engineering, genetic engineering, neural engineering, pharmaceutical engineering, medical devices, clinical engineering, and rehabilitation engineering.

Selecting a Doctorate in Biomedical Engineering Program: Online or On-Campus?

Since one of the potential career outcomes from earning a PhD in Biomedical Engineering is academia, some Biomedical Engineering PhD programs require doctoral students to demonstrate teaching competence as part of their training. In this event, attending courses on-campus may work in your favor, as graduate students often gain hands-on experience as teaching assistants. You can locate Biomedical Engineering graduate schools on GradSchools.com; use the city, state or country tabs to browse listings, such as Biomedical Engineering PhD or PhD in Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering.

Since doctoral degrees in Biomedical Engineering are research-intensive, you might also choose an online BME PhD, especially if you are currently working, or live too far from the school you wish to attend. Some online programs, such as PhD in Biochemical Engineering may require some time spent on campus, so always request information from the graduate school to see what their format entails.

Biomedical Engineering PhD Potential Curriculum

During the initial stage of a PhD in Biomedical Engineering Program, students participate in fundamental life science curricula. Often, because of the advanced nature of the course material, these classes can sometimes be taken from a medical school’s curriculum. Most universities prefer students who have a strong interdisciplinary background or can demonstrate experience in interdisciplinary research.

Biomedical Engineering PhD programs are often interdisciplinary and will prepare students to work with teams of other specialists to create and evaluate systems that solve complex medical problems.

As a result, coursework in a doctorate in biomedical engineering program can vary greatly, and may depend on a student’s chosen area of specialty, recommendations of advisors or advisement committees, research projects and school. Students in the biomedical engineering doctoral program study equal portions of engineering, life sciences, and mathematics.

Common course topics might include:

• Biomedical imaging
• Biostatistics
• Nanotechnology
• Molecular Biology
• Cardiovascular systems
• Computational modeling of Physiological systems
• Bioengineering

Potential Career Path For BME PhD Graduates

Biomedical Engineering PhD graduates are prepared for a variety of potential career paths that might include:

• Research and development positions at the highest levels in private industry and in government laboratories
• Teaching positions in Biomedical Engineering fields at universities
• Positions in universities, hospitals or companies where they perform and direct original research
• Medical Equipment manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing
• Navigational, measuring, electro medical and control instruments manufacturing

Job Outlook and Salary For Biomedical Engineers

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Biomedical Engineers are part of a very fast-growing industry; employment is projected to increase by 7% between 2023 and 2033. The median annual wage for biomedical engineers was $100,730 in May 2023.

Ready to Pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical engineers apply their knowledge of engineering, biology, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological and health systems and products. If you are interested in innovations, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and health management and care delivery systems, a Biomedical Engineering PhD program will prepare you for a variety of potentially exciting career opportunities!

Frequently asked questions about the Biomedical Engineering PhD programs

What are Biomedical Engineering PhD Programs?

Biomedical engineering PhD degree programs combine engineering principles with the study of biology and medicine. Students explore the life sciences and make use of theories and computation practices from disciplines that include core biological sciences, engineering, computer science and mathematics.

What is Biomedical Engineering PhD Potential Curriculum?

During the initial stage of a Biomedical Engineering PhD program, students participate in fundamental life science curricula. Coursework in a biomedical engineering PhD program may vary greatly, and may depend on a student’s chosen area of specialty, recommendations of advisors or advisement committees, research projects and school. Students in the biomedical engineering doctoral program study equal portions of engineering, life sciences, and mathematics.

What are Potential Career Path For BME PhD Graduates?

Biomedical Engineering PhD graduates are prepared for a variety of potential career paths that might include, Research and development positions at the highest levels in private industry and in government laboratories, Teaching positions in Biomedical Engineering fields at universities, Positions in universities, hospitals or companies where they perform and direct original research, Medical Equipment manufacturing, Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing, and Navigational, measuring, electro medical and control instruments manufacturing.

GradSchools.com offers 93 Graduate Schools with PhD in Biomedical Engineering Programs