Biomedical Engineering (PhD)

The Doctorate of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering program is a 53-credit-hour plus dissertation degree program.

The Catholic University of America's Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering program provides an interdisciplinary education combining engineering principles with biological and medical sciences to solve complex problems in medicine and biology. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills necessary for advanced research and academic careers.

Coursework Requirements

• Core Areas: Courses cover a broad range of topics, including Biomaterials and Biotechnology, Biomechanics, Rehabilitation Engineering, Bioinstrumentation & Medical Imaging, Home Care Technologies & Telemedicine, and Clinical Engineering.
• Flexibility: Students can take courses from related departments such as Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, as well as from other institutions within the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area.

Comprehensive Examination

• Timing: Taken after completion of coursework.
• Format: Includes written components to test knowledge in major and minor areas of study.
• Requirement: Must pass to advance to candidacy for the doctoral degree.

Dissertation

• Proposal: Students must submit a dissertation topic and have it approved by the Biomedical Engineering Department and the Vice Provost for Graduate Studies.
• Research: Conduct original research under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
• Defense: Oral defense of the dissertation before a committee, including members from outside the department.

$1,850 / credit hour

More information about this degree is available on the School website or by request from our Admissions team.