PhD Program

The Biomedical Engineering Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree provides the scientific foundation to prepare students for careers in the biomedical engineering industry and for advanced training in biomedical sciences. We offer opportunities for students to focus on biomechanics and mechanobiology;Ìýmedical devices;Ìýimaging and diagnosticsÌýor therapeutics. We partner with top-ranked medical institutions (CU Anschutz), laboratories (NIST), and numerous Front Range medical companies to promote translational approaches to solve pressing biological problems and unmet medical needs.

Our PhD degree is designed to prepare students for postdoctoral positions in university and academic/government laboratory environments, or as faculty members in colleges and universities globally. Graduates will also be prepared for success in related medical and other schools (veterinary, medicine, law, etc.).

Students must complete 30 credits of advanced graduate study in the discipline, as well as at least 30 dissertation credits. The PhD degree typically takes four to five years to complete. Students may choose to complete a PhD in Biomedical Engineering to:

  • Deepen their scientific knowledge in the discipline by taking focused and advanced courses AND conducting cutting-edge research.
  • Obtain core knowledge in biosciences as it relates to academia, industry, hospitals, and government labs.
  • Learn to manage an open-ended research project and publish peer-reviewed journal articles in biomedical engineering.

Students must identify a faculty research mentor to collaborate with on their dissertation. This requires completion of a research project with a faculty mentor, a written dissertation that describes the research in detail, and an oral defense in front of a committee of program faculty. The scope of the research project is typically designed to lead to dissemination of new scientific knowledge in the form of three or more peer-reviewedÌýjournal articles.

For more information

Email us at:
bmegraduate@colorado.edu

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Program Overview Coursework Requirements Dissertation Credits Admission Requirements
Program Overview

Program Overview

The structure of the curriculum will provide advanced training and study in biomedical engineering and science topics consistent with the program focus on biomechanics, imaging & diagnostics, therapeutics and medical devices. To provide foundational and advanced studies in biomedical engineering subdisciplines, the curriculum prepares graduates with experience in:

  1. Applying principles of engineering, biology, human physiology, chemistry, calculus-based physics, mathematics (through differential equations) and statistics;
  2. Solving bio/biomedical engineering problems, including those associated with the interaction between living and non-living systems;
  3. Analyzing, modeling, designing, and realizing bio/biomedical engineering devices, systems, components, or processes; and
  4. Making measurements on and interpreting data from living systems,
  5. Providing foundational and advanced study in biomedical engineering subdisciplines that align with and help to accelerate student research goal.

Curriculum Requirements

You must complete a minimum of 30 graduate-level credits at the 5000 level or higher. Some research advisors will require that their students complete more than 30 course credits, and the Department recommends that specific course decisions should be agreed upon through individual faculty/student discussions.

All PhD students are required to take Anatomy and Physiology for Engineers.

Dissertation Credits

​In addition to coursework, you are required to complete 30 dissertation hours. Students are not able to register for thesis credits on their own and should schedule an appointment with a graduate advisor to be registered.

Dissertation credits taken during the semester of the comprehensive exam can count as pre- or post-comprehensive dissertation credits. You must continuously enroll in five dissertation credits in the semesters following passing the comprehensive exam.
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Admission Requirements

The Biomedical Engineering program generally follows admission requirements set forth by the Graduate School.

Biomedical EngineeringÌýPhD Program RequirementsÌý

  • 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA.
  • A personal statement. This should briefly describe past work in the proposed or allied fields of study, including non-course educational experiences, teaching, or other relevant employment, publications, theses, research in progress, other scholarly activities, and plans for graduate study and a professional career. We are particularly interested in demonstrations of the intellectual merit and broader impacts of applicants' activities and plans. Additionally, please identify specific faculty members whose research interests align with your plans and who may serve as a suitable mentor.
  • Three (3) letters of recommendation.
  • There are no course pre-requisites.
  • GRE is not required.
  • The application deadline for FallÌýis December 1.

The Graduate School Requirements

  • Domestic Applicant Graduate School RequirementsÌý
  • International Applicant Graduate School Requirements
  • English proficiency requirements for Graduate School admission

Biomechanics

Biomechanics is the study of mechanical laws related to the movement and structures of living organisms and serves as the scientific foundation for the program.ÌýAn emphasis on biomechanics will prepare our students for medical school and graduate school, as well as careers in sports medicine, physical therapy, and other occupations that require a strong biomechanics foundation.

Imaging and Diagnostics

Imaging and diagnostics envelopes a wide range of methods to non-invasively look inside of the body. Medical imaging is an integral part of modern healthcare, encompassing a growing range of technologies that span whole organism to subcellular length scales to provide structural and functional information of health and disease. Imaging devices can be found in hospitals, clinics, and research laboratories throughout the world, requiring a growing need for biomedical engineers to lead the development of new technologies.

Therapeutics

As the world shifts towards more effective, accessible and personalized healthcare, Biomedical Engineers will need to apply their knowledge of transport phenomena, immunology, and biochemical engineering in unique ways. Therapeutics involves the integration of these principles to develop robust solutions to challenges in antibiotic resistance, targeted cancer treatments, and tissue regeneration.

Medical Devices

The medical devices trackÌýfocuses on engineering practice and innovation, meeting the current and future industry demands for the state.ÌýAn increasing number of technologies and applications, combined with the needs of an aging population and growing reliance on personalized medicine, suggest a growing demand for biomedical engineers with experience in devices.

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#22

Public graduate biomedical engineering program
US News & World Report 2023-24

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38

Program
Faculty
CU Boulder BME

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$97,410

National Median Salary

for Biomedical Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021

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Partnerships

Anschutz Medical School,
National labs (NIST)

Colorado front range

Student Accomplishments