Program Overview

Biomedical Engineering PhD Program

The Biomedical Engineering PhD program at Northwestern University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the field of biomedical engineering. The program is tailored to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds and interests, and it offers a range of research areas and specializations.

Curriculum and Requirements

The PhD program in Biomedical Engineering requires students to complete a minimum of 12 courses, depending on their background and research area. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles of biomedical engineering, as well as advanced knowledge in their area of specialization.

• General Courses:
  • BME 512 - Seminar (3 quarters)
  • GEN_ENG 519 - Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR) (5-week, in person) & CITI training (online, self-paced)
  • TGS 546 - Teaching Experience
• Quantitative Courses:
  • BME 407 - Experimental Design and Measurement
  • ES_APPM 311-0 - Methods of Applied Mathematics OR Choose one course from Approved List #1
  • Choose one course from Approved List #2
• Life Science Courses:
  • One of BME 304, 305, 306. If you petition out of all three, choose one course from Approved List #3
  • BME 404 - Special Topics in Systems Physiology* (3-quarter sequence)
• Track Courses:
  • Choose three courses from the list of courses approved for your track
• Unrestricted Courses:
  • Choose 4 more courses**

Students Entering with MS Degree or in DPT Program

Students entering with an MS or in the DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) program must take a minimum of nine 300 or 400-level graduate courses for a letter grade. One of these may be a 499 (research credit). All of these courses must be science, engineering or mathematics courses.

• General Courses:
  • BME 512 - Seminar (3 quarters)
  • GEN_ENG 519 - Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR) (5-week, in person) & CITI training (online, self-paced)
  • TGS 546 - Teaching Experience
• Quantitative Courses:
  • BME 407 - Experimental Design and Measurement
  • ES_APPM 311-0 - Methods of Applied Mathematics OR Choose one course from Approved List #1
  • Choose one course from Approved List #2
• Life Science Courses:
  • One of BME 304, 305, 306. If you petition out of all three, choose one course from Approved List #3
  • BME 404 - Special Topics in Systems Physiology* (3-quarter sequence)
• Track Courses:
  • One of BME 304, 305, or 306. If you petition out of all three, choose one course from the list of courses approved for your track.
  • Choose two courses from the list of courses approved for your track
• Unrestricted Courses:
  • Choose 1 more course**

Students in MSTP Program

Students entering with an MSTP (Medical Scientist Training Program) must take a total of at least six 300 or 400-level graduate courses for a letter grade. None of these may be a 499 (research credit). All of these courses must be science, engineering or mathematics courses.

• General Courses:
  • BME 512 - Seminar (3 quarters)
  • GEN_ENG 519 - Responsible Conduct for Research (RCR) (5-week, in person) & CITI training (online, self-paced)
  • TGS 546 - Teaching Experience
• Quantitative Courses:
  • BME 407 - Experimental Design and Measurement
  • ES_APPM 311-0 - Methods of Applied Mathematics OR Choose one course from Approved List #1
  • Choose one course from Approved List #2
• Life Science Courses:
  • BME 404 - Special Topics in Systems Physiology* (3-quarter sequence)
  • Choose one course from Approved List #3
• Track Courses:
  • Choose one course from the list of courses approved for your track

Recommended Professional Skills

The following professional skills are recommended for all students but not required:

• Public Speaking: The Graduate School (TGS) offers public speaking workshops throughout the year. Students are strongly encouraged to participate prior to taking the oral qualifying exam.
• Grant Writing: TGS offers grant writing workshops throughout the year. Students are strongly encouraged to participate prior to taking the oral qualifying exam.