Biomedical Engineering, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) offered by the F. Joseph Halcomb III, MD, Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Kentucky is a research degree granted on the basis of broad knowledge of engineering applications in biology and medicine and an in-depth study in a specific area leading to a dissertation reflecting original and independent work by the candidate. Students receive educational and research opportunities through the facilities and faculty of the department and its ideal geographic proximity and close ties to other units across the University, ranging from engineering to basic science to clinical departments.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the PhD program must meet the requirements of the Graduate School and are generally expected to have a master’s degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program or its equivalent. Under special circumstances, exceptional students may bypass the master’s and be admitted directly to the PhD program upon approval by the biomedical engineering faculty. Applicants with degrees in non-engineering disciplines are considered on a case-by-case basis. Admission to the program normally requires a GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale on all graduate and undergraduate work, a statement of the applicant’s reasons for wanting to pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering, and letters of recommendation from three faculty members familiar with the applicant’s record. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required; however, submission of scores is recommended and may be helpful in evaluating your credentials. Satisfying the above requirements does not guarantee admission to the program; at the same time, admission decisions are based on a holistic review of the application without regard to minimum grade or score requirements alone. Applications are reviewed by a committee of BME Faculty on a rolling basis.

Degree Requirements

• Meet the requirements of the Graduate School.
• Successfully complete 36 credits of coursework including PGY 502   (Physiology) and BME 609   (BME Ethics). Courses for advanced study are determined in consultation with an advisory committee and are selected from engineering, physical sciences, mathematics, life sciences, and medicine. 18 credits of coursework can be waived upon request with the approval of the Graduate School if the student possesses a valid Master’s degree.
• Pass the Qualifying Examination. This exam, consisting of written and oral components, is designed and administered by the student’s Doctoral Advisory Committee.
• Present and satisfactorily defend a dissertation documenting independent and comprehensive scholarship.

For further information, contact the DGS at bmedgs@uky.edu or visit https://www.engr.uky.edu/research-faculty/departments/biomedical-engineering