Florida International University

What you'll study

The programme centres on original research in areas that typically include biomaterials and tissue engineering, biomechanics, biomedical imaging and signal processing, neural engineering, medical device design, computational bioengineering and systems biology. Students combine advanced coursework with laboratory rotations or direct placement into a research group, progressing from foundational seminars and method courses to specialised electives aligned with their dissertation topic.

• Coursework: advanced mathematics and modelling, experimental methods, statistics for biomedical research, and discipline-specific electives.
• Research training: laboratory-based investigation under the supervision of a faculty adviser, regular progress seminars and participation in group meetings.
• Examinations and milestones: qualifying/doctoral comprehensive exam and a written and oral dissertation proposal, followed by an original research dissertation and final defence.
• Professional development: opportunities for teaching experience, grant-writing workshops, and collaboration with clinicians and industry partners to support translational research skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a strong bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, biology, chemistry or a closely related field; many applicants also hold a relevant master’s degree. Successful candidates demonstrate solid preparation in mathematics, physics and core engineering or life-science fundamentals, evidence of research potential, and clear motivation for doctoral study.

• Academic transcripts showing a strong record in relevant undergraduate or graduate coursework.
• A curriculum vitae outlining research experience, publications or technical projects.
• Statement of purpose describing research interests and potential faculty mentors at FIU.
• Letters of recommendation from academic or research supervisors.
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Biomedical Engineering pursue careers in academic research and teaching, industrial R&D within medical device and biotechnology companies, regulatory science, clinical translation and hospital-based research, as well as government laboratories and policy roles. Many alumni lead product development teams, obtain research faculty positions, or found start-ups to commercialise technologies developed during their doctoral studies. The programme’s emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration also equips graduates for roles that bridge engineering, clinical practice and entrepreneurship.

Why study at Florida International University

Florida International University offers a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment with access to modern research laboratories and core facilities that support wet-lab, imaging and computational work. The university’s location in the Miami metropolitan area provides proximity to major hospitals, medical centres and a growing biotech and medical device community, facilitating clinical collaborations and translational opportunities. Students benefit from mentorship by faculty active in both fundamental and applied biomedical engineering research, opportunities for external funding and partnerships, and a diverse campus community that supports international scholars and interdisciplinary teamwork.