Bioengineering, PhD

The first doctorate degree in bioengineering in the nation was awarded at Penn in 1953, and since that time, Penn Bioengineering has been an integral academic program linking faculty from the engineering, medical, and arts and sciences schools on a single centrally-located campus. Penn Bioengineering provides students with a flexible curriculum and a world-class research environment. Students are given the opportunity to work in a collaborative culture that includes multiple generations of leaders in academia, government, and industry.

For more information: http://www.be.seas.upenn.edu/prospective-students/doctoral/index.php

Required Courses

Responsbile Conduct of Research Requirement
EAS 9000Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR), Engineering0
Biomedical Science2
Select 2 courses with Attribute EPBS 1
Bioengineering Fundamentals4
Select four courses with Attribute EPBF
Statistics and Domain Math Courses2
Select two courses with Attribute EPBM 3
Bioengineering Seminars1
Select a minimum of two seminars each in:
BE 6990
Bioengineering Graduate Seminar
BE 5730
Soft Skills for Bioengineering PhDs
Bioengineering Research
BE 9999
Independent Study Research
BE 9950
Doctoral Dissertation Status
Total Course Units9

University PhD Benchmarks

In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:

Qualifying Evaluation
Candidacy Examination
Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam
Dissertation Deposit


For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.

1

Select 2 courses in biomedical sciences such as cell biology and/or systems physiology. Courses are chosen in consultation with advisor. A list of courses that students have taken recently to fulfill this requirement can be found on the Bioengineering website.

2

Select four BE or Engineering courses devoted to analytical methods, modeling, experimental methods and data analysis which focus on the student concentration. Courses will be chosen in consultation with the advisor.

3

Suggested courses include:

The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2025 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.

Sample Plan of Study

First Year
Fall
Biomedical Science Course
Statistics and Domain Math Courses 1
BE 6990Bioengineering Graduate Seminar0
BE 5730Soft Skills for Bioengineering PhDs0.5
EAS 9000Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR), Engineering0
Spring
BE 6990Bioengineering Graduate Seminar0
BE 5730Soft Skills for Bioengineering PhDs0.5
BE 9999Independent Study Research1
Biomedical Science course 1
BE Fundamental 1
Summer
Qualification Evaluation 2
Second Year
Fall
Statistics and Domain Math Courses
BE Fundamental 1
BE 9999
Independent Study Research
Spring
2 Bioengineering Fundamental 1
BE 9999
Independent Study Research
Third Year and Beyond
Dissertation Proposal 3
Final Exam and Dissertation Defense
BE 9999
Independent Study Research
or BE 9950
 Doctoral Dissertation Status
1

Selected in consultation with the research advisor.

2

Qualifications Evaluation will be completed during the Summer or Early Fall.

3

The Dissertation Proposal is required by the end of the Fall semester in the Third Year.