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
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Bioengineering Fundamentals | ||
| Select 4 courses with Attribute EPBF or BE 5000/6000-level courses. 1, 4 | 4 | |
| Biomedical Science | ||
| Select 1 course with Attribute EPBS. 2, 4 | 1 | |
| Statistics and Domain Math Courses | ||
| Select 1 course with Attribute EPBM. 3, 4 | 1 | |
| Bioengineering Seminars | ||
| Select a minimum of two seminars each in: | 1 | |
| Bioengineering Graduate Seminar | ||
| Soft Skills for Bioengineering PhDs | ||
| Responsible Conduct of Research Requirement | ||
| EAS 9000 | Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR), Engineering | 0 |
| Bioengineering Research | 9 | |
| Dissertation 5 | ||
| Independent Study Research | ||
| Total Course Units | 16 | |
- 1
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. A list of courses students have taken recently to fulfill this requirement can be found in the catalog.
- 2
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 in the catalog.
- 3
Suggested courses include:
- ENM 5020 Numerical Methods and Modeling
- ENM 5100 Foundations of Engineering Mathematics - I
- ENM 5110 Foundations of Engineering Mathematics - II
- BE 5100 Biomechanics and Biotransport
Additional math course recommendations can be found in the catalog.
- 4
BE 9999 Independent Study Research BE 9999 may be taken as a 1:1 substitute for up to two credits of didactic classes (BE Fundamentals, Biological Science, or Statistics and Domain Math).
- 5
Doctoral students are expected to maintain full-time status and to enroll in BE 9999 Independent Study Research while conducting research, in year one and two in consultation with their advisor. A student should enroll in BE 9950 (0 CU's) in year three and beyond once they advance to candidacy. A student must be in BE 9950 in their final semester.
University PhD Benchmarks
In addition to Program requirements, the following milestones must be completed:
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Evaluation | ||
| Candidacy Examination | ||
| Dissertation Defense/Oral Exam | ||
| Dissertation Deposit | ||
For more information view the University’s Academic Rules for PhD Programs.
Sample Plan of Study
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| First Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| BE 6990 | Bioengineering Graduate Seminar | 0 |
| BE 5730 | Soft Skills for Bioengineering PhDs | 0.5 |
| EAS 9000 | Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR), Engineering | 0 |
| 2 CU's BE Fundamental Course (Attribute EPBF) 1 | 2 | |
| BE 9999 | Independent Study Research | 1 |
| Spring | ||
| BE 5730 | Soft Skills for Bioengineering PhDs | 0.5 |
| BE 6990 | Bioengineering Graduate Seminar | 0 |
| Biomedical Science Course (Attribute EBPS) 1 | 1 | |
| Statistics and Domain Math Course (Attribute EBPM) 1 | 1 | |
| BE 9999 | Independent Study Research | 1 |
| Summer | ||
| Qualification Evaluation 2 | ||
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| 2 CU's BE Fundamental Course (Attribute EPBF) 1 | 2 | |
| BE 9999 | Independent Study Research | 1 |
| Spring | ||
| BE 9999 | Independent Study Research | 3 |
| Third Year and Beyond | ||
| Fall | ||
| Dissertation Proposal 3 | ||
| BE 9999 | Independent Study Research | 3 |
| Spring | 0 | |
| BE 9950 | Dissertation | 3 |
| Total Course Units | 19 | |
- 1
Selected in consultation with research advisor. Course Attribute lists for EPBS, EPBM, and EPBF can also be found in the requirements outline.
- 2
Qualifications Evaluation will be completed during the first Summer or Early Fall of the second year.
- 3
The Dissertation Proposal is required by the end of the Fall semester in the Third Year.
- 4
CPT courses cannot count towards degree: EAS 8980