Biomedical Engineering (PhD)

Program Overview

The PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Central Florida prepares graduates for research careers in academia, industry, and government. It combines advanced problem-solving, high-quality research, and effective communication skills, enabling graduates to conduct cutting-edge research and contribute to the advancement of the biomedical field. The program offers two pathways for students with MS or BS degrees in engineering or related disciplines.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Central Florida (UCF) is designed to prepare graduates for successful careers in research and development within the biomedical industry, academia, and government research laboratories and agencies.

Objectives:

The program aims to equip graduates with the following abilities:

• Advanced problem-solving: Apply knowledge of mathematics, engineering, and science to formulate and solve relevant biomedical engineering problems.
• High-quality research: Conduct high-quality research at the interface of engineering and medicine.
• Effective communication: Communicate scientific and technical research effectively in writing and oral presentations.
• Independent research: Conduct independent cutting-edge research and contribute to the existing body of knowledge.

Program Eligibility:

The program is intended for students with a master's or bachelor's degree in:

• Biomedical Engineering (BSBME)
• Aerospace Engineering (BSAE)
• Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
• Materials Science and Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Or a closely related discipline.

Program Tracks:

The PhD in BME degree offers two pathways:

• PhD in BME for MS holders: For students with formal training in engineering or biomedical engineering who have earned an MS degree and are seeking higher-level graduate education and research training.
• PhD in BME with MSBME along-the-way: For engineering students admitted into the PhD program with a BS in biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related discipline.

Assessment:

The program includes the following assessments:

• Qualifying Examination (QE): A proposal-based examination taken within the first two years of the program to evaluate the student's topical and technical skills for conducting research.
• Candidacy Examination: A written and oral presentation of a research proposal taken near the end of coursework.
• Dissertation Defense Examination: A defense of the doctoral dissertation.

Careers:

The PhD in Biomedical Engineering prepares graduates for careers in:

• Research and Development: In the biomedical industry, academia, and government research laboratories and agencies.

Other:

• Interdisciplinary nature: Biomedical engineering is highly interdisciplinary and covers many areas of science and engineering.
• Curriculum structure: The curriculum consists of a core set of 7 required courses (21 hours) and an additional 12 elective courses (36 hours).
• Elective course flexibility: The elective courses can include independent study and directed research but must include a minimum of 6 hours of formal coursework chosen from a selection of graduate elective courses.
• MAE Graduate Seminar Requirement: All MAE PhD students are required to register, participate, and receive a satisfactory (S) for four (4) semesters of MAE Graduate seminar, with at least two of these taken prior to candidacy.
• Financial Assistance: Graduate students may receive financial assistance through fellowships, assistantships, tuition support, or loans.
• Fellowship Information: Fellowships are awarded based on academic merit to highly qualified students.
• Program Completion Requirements: The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biomedical Engineering requires successful completion of a minimum of 72 credit hours at the graduate level beyond the BS (a combination of 5000, 6000, and 7000 level classes) and the successful defense of a PhD dissertation.

In State Tuition:

$369.65 per credit hour

Out of State Tuition:

$1,194.05 per credit hour