Program Overview

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Biological Design, PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy program in biological design seeks to develop a new type of scientist by training students in core disciplines related to biomedicine and biotechnology while simultaneously preparing them to participate successfully in the interdisciplinary research teams of the future.

Program Description

The research emphasis is on projects that are use-inspired, contributing directly to solutions for important societal challenges. This is a highly mentored program of personalized study that provides significant interaction with the large and vibrant local research community.

Key Features

• A personalized plan of study that enables students to explore the disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas of greatest interest
• Encouragement to choose dissertation research projects that are use-focused, contribute to solving a large-scale challenge, and promise rich transdisciplinary experiences
• Opportunities to participate in a proseminar format to encourage broad research interactions and discuss problems and challenges in biological design research

At a Glance

• College/school: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Location: Tempe
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

Degree Requirements

• 84 credit hours
• A written comprehensive exam
• An oral comprehensive exam
• A prospectus
• A dissertation

Required Core

• BDE 702 Fundamentals of Biological Design II (3)

Other Requirements

• BDE 598 Special Topics: Biological Design Seminar (1)
• BDE 791 Seminar: Biological Design Proseminar (1)

Electives and Research

• 67 credit hours

Culminating Experience

• BDE 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information

Other courses under Other Requirements may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements
• A bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution
• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program
• Graduate admission application and application fee
• Official transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Resume
• Proof of English proficiency

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Application Deadlines

• Fall: 12/31 (Priority)
• Spring: 08/01 (Priority)

Career Opportunities

Graduates are trained at the intersection of biological sciences, physical sciences, and technology through innovation, design, and production. They find career opportunities in:

• Health care
• Biotechnology
• Pharmaceutical discovery
• Biomanufacturing
• Security
• Environmental technologies
• Food agribusinesses
• Career examples include:
  • Biochemist
  • Biophysicist
  • Clinical scientist
  • Environmental engineer
  • Health and safety engineer
  • Medical engineer
  • Medical scientist
  • Microbiologist

Research Areas

• Biology
• Biotechnology
• Medicine
• Nanotechnology
• Design
• Genomics

STEM-OPT Extension

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website. The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.