University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

What you'll study

The PhD programme emphasises original research and advanced coursework across core areas of biomedical engineering. Students typically complete a combination of taught modules, laboratory rotations, qualifying examinations and a research dissertation. Core subject areas include:

• Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: biomaterials, scaffold design, stem cell engineering and host response.
• Biomedical imaging and instrumentation: optical, MRI and ultrasound methods, image processing and instrument design.
• Biomechanics and mechanobiology: musculoskeletal mechanics, cellular mechanotransduction and biomimetic systems.
• Computational and systems biology: bioinformatics, multiscale modelling, systems pharmacology and machine learning for biological data.
• Micro- and nanofabrication for medical devices: microfluidics, sensors, lab-on-a-chip and implantable devices.

Programme structure is individualised with a plan of study established with a faculty advisor. Early-stage students commonly undertake rotations to identify a thesis lab, complete advanced coursework to build depth and breadth, pass a qualifying or candidacy exam, and then focus on dissertation research. Students engage with interdisciplinary collaborators across UNC-Chapel Hill, including the School of Medicine, UNC Health, and engineering partners, and may take elective courses from neighbouring departments.

Entry requirements

Applicants normally hold a bachelor’s degree with strong preparation in engineering, physics, mathematics, biology or a related field; many applicants also hold a relevant master’s degree. Typical academic expectations include a high level of achievement in prior study and demonstrable research experience, such as undergraduate projects, internships or publications.

Required application materials generally include:

• Academic transcripts from all post‑secondary institutions attended.
• A statement of purpose describing research interests and fit with faculty research groups.
• A curriculum vitae or résumé detailing research experience and training.
• Letters of recommendation, preferably from research supervisors or faculty who can comment on research potential.
• Evidence of English language proficiency if English is not your first language.

The programme assesses fit with faculty research strengths and available supervisory capacity; strong applicants demonstrate clear research goals, prior laboratory experience and alignment with faculty expertise. Standardised test requirements (where used) and minimum GPA expectations are set by the department and may change, so consult the programme's admissions pages for current guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates from the PhD in Biomedical Engineering pursue a range of careers that leverage deep technical and research skills. Common pathways include:

• Academic research and teaching: postdoctoral fellowships leading to tenure-track or research faculty positions.
• Industry R&D: roles in biotechnology, medical devices, diagnostics, imaging companies and pharmaceutical research.
• Clinical translation and regulatory science: positions in hospitals, translational centres or regulatory agencies working on device approval, clinical trials and technology translation.
• Start‑ups and entrepreneurship: founding or joining start‑ups to commercialise biomedical technologies; roles in product development and business development.
• Government and non-profit research: research scientist roles in national labs, funding agencies and policy organisations.

The programme’s close ties with UNC Health, research centres and the regional bioeconomy facilitate internships, collaborative projects and employment connections.

Why study at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The doctoral programme is delivered within the joint UNC–NC State Department of Biomedical Engineering, combining strengths in engineering, clinical medicine and translational research. Students benefit from collaboration with the UNC School of Medicine, clinical partners at UNC Health, and access to research centres such as cardiovascular, cancer and neuroscience institutes.

Facilities supporting doctoral research include advanced imaging cores, micro‑/nanofabrication and cleanroom resources, shared animal research facilities, and computational infrastructure. The university environment fosters interdisciplinary mentorship, regular seminar series, and opportunities to engage in translational projects with clinicians and industry partners. Graduate students also have access to professional development, grant‑writing training and entrepreneurship support to prepare for diverse research and leadership careers.