Syracuse University

What you'll study

The PhD programme emphasises original research supported by a foundation of advanced coursework and professional development. Early in the programme students complete core and elective courses to build breadth and depth in areas such as biomaterials, biomechanics, tissue engineering, bioinstrumentation and biomedical imaging, computational biology and systems physiology.

• Core topics: advanced biomaterials, biomechanics and mechanobiology, physiological systems and modelling, medical imaging fundamentals, bioinstrumentation and sensors.
• Advanced and elective topics: tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, neural engineering, microfluidics and lab-on-chip technologies, computational methods for biological data, systems and synthetic biology, medical device design and regulatory science.
• Research training: laboratory rotations (depending on prior experience), directed research, dissertation project, research seminars and journal clubs.
• Professional development: graduate teaching opportunities, science communication, grant writing and ethics in research.

The typical structure involves an initial period of intensive coursework and laboratory rotations (or direct placement into a research group for students with related master’s-level experience), followed by a qualifying/qualitative assessment, focused dissertation research under a faculty advisor, and the defence of the doctoral dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biomedical engineering, biology, physics, chemistry, computer science or a closely related field. A relevant master’s degree can be advantageous but is not universally required for admission.

• Academic background: strong undergraduate academic record in quantitative and life-science coursework (advanced mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology where applicable).
• Application materials: official transcripts, curriculum vitae, statement of purpose describing research interests and fit with department faculty, and academic references who can speak to research potential.
• Research experience: prior laboratory or industry research experience is highly desirable and strengthens an application; applicants without extensive research experience should clearly articulate research readiness and motivation.
• English language proficiency: required for applicants whose first language is not English, demonstrated by an approved English test or accepted institutional exemption.

Admissions are competitive and decisions consider the whole application package, including alignment with faculty research interests and the availability of an advisor and research funding.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Biomedical Engineering pursue a range of careers in academia, industry and the public sector. Common pathways include:

• Academic faculty positions and postdoctoral research in engineering, biomedical sciences and interdisciplinary departments.
• R&D roles in medical device, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including product development, validation and clinical translation.
• Engineering roles within hospitals and healthcare systems focused on clinical engineering, medical imaging and device integration.
• Positions in regulatory science, quality assurance, and consulting related to medical technology and life-science innovation.
• Technology transfer, entrepreneurship and start-up leadership, particularly for candidates engaged in translational or device-oriented research.

Why study at Syracuse University

Syracuse University combines a collaborative College of Engineering and Computer Science environment with interdisciplinary opportunities across health sciences and the physical sciences. PhD students benefit from close faculty mentorship, access to modern core facilities for imaging, biomaterials, microfabrication and computational modelling, and pathways to translational work through industry and clinical partnerships.

The department places emphasis on translating fundamental research into practical technologies while fostering professional skills such as teaching, grant writing and communication. Students join a research community that supports collaboration, multidisciplinary projects and career development across academia, industry and entrepreneurial ventures.