Michigan State University

What you'll study

The PhD is built around independent, faculty‑mentored research combined with a tailored programme of graduate coursework. Core themes reflect the department's interdisciplinary strengths and typically include modules in biomechanics, biomaterials and tissue engineering, bioinstrumentation and biomedical devices, medical imaging, cellular and molecular engineering, and computational methods for biological systems.

• Foundational graduate courses in advanced transport phenomena, biomaterials, and biomedical systems modelling.
• Specialist electives such as regenerative medicine, neural engineering, biosensors and microfluidics, multiscale modelling, and imaging modalities.
• Research rotations (for students entering without a prior MS research degree) to identify a dissertation advisor and research direction.
• A qualifying examination or candidacy evaluation to transition from coursework to full‑time dissertation research.
• Original doctoral research culminating in a written dissertation and public defence; opportunities to disseminate work through peer‑reviewed publications and conferences.

Students typically work in laboratory groups that make use of MSU's core facilities and interdisciplinary institutes, combining experimental, computational and translational approaches. Teaching and professional development activities are integrated into the programme to prepare students for a broad range of careers.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, biomedical engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics or a closely related quantitative discipline. A master's degree with a research component can be advantageous but is not strictly required for admission.

• Academic record: Strong undergraduate performance in relevant coursework such as calculus, differential equations, thermodynamics, materials, circuits or cell and molecular biology.
• Research experience: Prior research, laboratory experience or internship work is highly desirable and strengthens applications.
• Supporting documents: Statement of purpose describing research interests, curriculum vitae, and at least three letters of recommendation from academic or research referees.
• English language proficiency: Required for applicants whose first language is not English; demonstrated by recognised test scores or approved university exemptions.
• Additional considerations: Some applicants may be invited for an interview with prospective advisors. The programme evaluates fit with faculty research areas when making offers.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD programme pursue a variety of careers across academia, industry and healthcare. Typical career paths include:

• Academic research and teaching as postdoctoral researchers and faculty members.
• R&D roles in medical device, biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies developing diagnostics, implants, imaging systems and therapeutic technologies.
• Translational research positions in hospitals, clinical research organisations and technology incubators, supporting product development and regulatory processes.
• Positions in data science and computational biology, applying modelling and machine learning to biomedical problems.
• Technical leadership in start‑ups, technology transfer, patenting and consultancy.

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State offers an environment that emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering, basic sciences, human and veterinary medicine, and industry partners. The university provides access to modern core facilities and institutes that support biomedical engineering research, enabling projects that span molecular to system scales.

• Interdisciplinary research culture: Strong links across departments and research centres facilitate translational projects and access to clinical and animal models when appropriate.
• Research resources: Well‑equipped laboratories and shared core facilities for imaging, micro/nanofabrication, biomaterials characterisation and computational resources.
• Funding and training support: Graduate funding is commonly available through research assistantships, teaching assistantships and competitive fellowships; professional development programmes prepare students for research communication and career advancement.
• Location and partnerships: Proximity to a vibrant regional research and industry ecosystem provides opportunities for collaborations, internships and technology translation.

Overall, the PhD in Biomedical Engineering at Michigan State is suited to motivated researchers who want to conduct high‑impact, interdisciplinary work that bridges engineering and the biomedical sciences.