Doctoral students complete core coursework with electives at the 600 level and conduct in-depth research where they demonstrate a contribution to the advancement of knowledge in their field of study. Doctoral students are also expected to demonstrate an understanding of the development of technologies for the healthcare industry. The typical time to earn a doctoral degree is three to five years.
Requirements for the PhD degree
In their first year of study, doctoral students must select a primary research advisor and guidance committee, and develop a learning contract.
The learning contract specifies a program of study, including the major area of research, additional course requirements, teaching requirements, evaluations procedures and a proposed timeline for the comprehensive examination and prospectus.
To earn their PhD, students must complete:
- Core coursework (12 credits)
- Graded elective coursework closely related to the PhD research area (12 credits)
- Fulfillment of their learning contract
- Submission of annual progress reports
- Comprehensive examination
- Teaching proficiency requirement
- Submission and defense of a dissertation proposal
- Submission and defense of a dissertation
Note: No more than six credits of BME 697 Independent Study can be counted toward the required 24 credits of graduate study.
PhD students beginning with a master’s degree must earn 24 credits of graduate study. PhD students beginning with a BS or BA degree must earn 60 credits of graduate study.
