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In this program, you'll combine coursework in engineering and life sciences to conduct independent research in the human health and well-being fields. You'll learn to merge engineering principles with science to understand health-related problems and design innovative solutions, including methods, devices and software. 

As a biomedical engineer, you'll focus on technological and medical advancements to develop new devices and equipment that improve human health. You might design software for medical equipment, create computer simulations to test new drug therapies, build artificial body parts like hip and knee joints, develop materials for replacements or design rehabilitative exercise equipment. 

Start Dates: Fall, Winter, Spring or Summer 

Curriculum: 90 Credit Hours  

Program Length: 48-60 months for students entering with a Master of Science degree. 
72-84 months for students entering with a bachelor's degree.

 

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20 Credit hours dedicated to your independent PhD research

5% Projected employment growth for 2022-2032 for biomedical engineers BLS.gov

$137,377 Average annual salary Glassdoor.com

PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Your Biomedical Engineering curriculum includes:

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    Cross-disciplinary coursework 

    Given the diversity and the multidisciplinary nature of biomedical engineering, the curriculum is designed to offer a common set of core courses to provide the fundamentals of biomedical technology, research and design, advanced statistical and numerical methods, as well as a course for professional development.

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    Wide range of elective courses for specialization 

    The core coursework is augmented by a wide range of elective courses allowing students to obtain depth and breadth in their area of specialization. 

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    Independent research opportunities 

    Twenty credit hours dedicated to designing and creating novel methods, devices, and software to bring innovative solutions to health-related problems. 

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    Learn from experts in the biomedical field 

    Learn from faculty who hold degrees in or conduct primary research in areas associated with biomedical engineering, topics including orthopedic biomechanics, computational biomechanics, cardiovascular biomechanics, biosensing, biofluorescence, medical device development, applications of AI in biomedical sciences and engineering, assistive technologies, applications of nanotechnology in bioengineering, and neuro-engineering.   

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Application Information

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Admission Steps

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Tuition

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Graduate Teaching and Graduate Research Assistantships

You can access funding through graduate teaching and research assistantships. While these assistantships are competitive, you are encouraged to apply before the priority admissions deadline. Learn more about GTA/GRA positions at DU. 

 

Admission Requirements

  • Degree and GPA Requirements
    • Bachelor's degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.  
    • Grade point average: The minimum undergraduate GPA for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver is a cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or a 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) of your baccalaureate degree. An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution supersedes the minimum standards for the baccalaureate. For applicants with graduate coursework but who have not earned a master’s degree or higher, the GPA from the graduate work may be used to meet the requirement. The minimum GPA is a cumulative 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework undertaken.  
  • Prerequisites
    • Admission to the program requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field from a regionally accredited college or university. 
  • Standardized Test Scores 
    • GRE scores are optional for admission to this program. Applications submitted without scores will receive full consideration. Every application undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, including a careful review of all application materials.  
    • If you choose to submit test scores, you may upload your Test Taker Score Report PDF, which is considered unofficial. Official scores must be received directly from the appropriate testing agency upon admission to the University of Denver. The ETS institution code to submit GRE scores to the University of Denver is 4842.
  • Other Required Materials 
    • PhD applicants should contact faculty to find a research advisor BEFORE submitting the application. Applications without a research advisor commitment may be considered for a master’s program only.
  • English Language Proficiency Test Score Requirements 

    The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:  

    • Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80  
    • Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5  
    • Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176  
    • Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115  

    English Conditional Admission: No, this program does not offer English Conditional Admission. 

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Advance your career with a PhD in Biomedical Engineering

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Biomedical Engineering PhD Courses

Required Courses - 13 Credit Hours 

  • ENBI 4600 - Biomedical Engineering: Technology, Research and Design 
  • ENBI 4610 - Experimental Design in Biomedical Sciences 
  • ENGR 4300 - Advanced Numerical Methods 
  • ENME 4900 - Grad Professional Development 

Elective Core - 8 Credit Hours 

Technical Electives - 4 Credit Hours

  • BIOL 3241 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Skeletal, Nervous and Muscular Systems 
  • BIOL 3242 - Human Anatomy and Physiology - Systems of Homeostasis 
  • BIOL 3640 - Introductory Neurobiology 
  • BIOL 3647 - Neuroscience of Movement 
  • CHEM 3811 - Biochemistry-Proteins 
  • ENBI 4500 - Biofluids 
  • ENBI 4510 - Biomechanics 
  • ENBI 4520 - Introduction to Cardiovascular Engineering 
  • ENBI 4530 - Biomechanics of Human Movement 
  • ENBI 4630 - Biomaterials 
  • ENBI 4800 - Advanced Topics (Bioengineering) 
  • ENGR 3630 - Finite Element Methods 
  • ENGR 3450 - Biosensing Technology 
  • ENGR 3455/4455 - Fluorescence and Its Applications in Biomedical Sensors 
  • ENGR 4350 - Reliability 
  • ENGR 4620 - Optimization 

Technical Electives for Those With a Non-Engineering Degree

Candidates without an engineering degree must take courses in engineering with the following prefixes ENCE, ENEE, ENME and numbered 3000 or higher, and they must be approved by an advisor.

  • ENBI 4500 - Biofluids 
  • ENBI 4510 - Biomechanics 
  • ENBI 4520 - Introduction to Cardiovascular Engineering 
  • ENBI 4530 - Biomechanics of Human Movement 
  • ENBI 4620 - Bioelectronics 
  • ENBI 4630 - Biomaterials 
  • ENBI 4800 - Advanced Topics (Bioengineering) 
  • ENGR 345 - Biosensing Technology 
  • ENGR 3455/4455 - Fluorescence and Its Applications in Biomedical Sensors 
  • ENGR 3620 - Advanced Engineering Mathematics - Corporate 
  • ENGR 3630 - Finite Element Methods 
  • ENGR 4100 - Instrumentation and Data Acquisition 
  • ENGR 4350 - Reliability 
  • ENGR 4620 - Optimization

Research Coursework - 20 Credit Hours

  • ENGR 5995 - Independent Research

For students entering with a bachelor’s degree, 90 credits are required, at least 75 of which must be completed at the University of Denver.

Center for Orthopedic Biomechanics

At DU’s Center for Orthopedic Biomechanics, you'll apply engineering principles to investigate clinically relevant issues. Using a combination of experimental and computational tools, you'll conduct research in areas such as in-vivo joint mechanics, human motion, musculoskeletal modeling, computational biomechanics, fluid-solid interactions, wearable sensor systems and implant device testing. 

Housed in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, the Center for Orthopedic Biomechanics offers a dynamic research environment dedicated to advancing orthopedic biomechanics, improving patient outcomes and educating students. Learn more about how you can contribute to this exciting field.

Featured Biomedical Engineering Faculty

Dr Dali Sun

Dr Dali Sun

Assistant Professor, NSF Career Awardee 2023 

Biosun Lab at University of Denver http://www.biosunlab.com/  

Biosun Lab offers mentoring opportunities for motivated Ph.D students in  Biomedical Engineering and Electrical Engineering. 

View Faculty Profile

Join a diverse and growing field of engineering

According to a report by the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), the Biomedical Engineering doctoral degree is one of the most highly ranked out of 23 engineering degrees in these categories: 

1st In the number of doctoral degrees awarded to underrepresented minorities

3rd In the number of doctoral degrees awarded to women

5th In the number of doctoral degrees awarded overall in 2019

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Get Started on Your PhD in Biomedical Engineering

Advance your career in the biomedical field with a PhD at the University of Denver’s Ritchie College of Engineering and Computer Science. 

Apply Now