Bioengineering PhD

Earn Temple University’s Bioengineering PhD and pursue research that will establish you as an expert within the field. Develop the expertise to uncover new insights, innovate new products or expand the leading-edge of knowledge in the field of bioengineering.

The program is defined by a strong emphasis on translational medicine—always pushing to ensure evidence-based conclusions reach the clinical testing stage and, if confirmed, added to treatment protocols. The college offers you many research areas to explore, pivoting around advances in biological imaging, biomaterials and injury biomechanics, neuroengineering, stem- and cancer-cell engineering, synthesis and properties of biomaterials, targeted drug delivery, tissue regeneration, and more.  

Doctoral candidates have pursued their research with collaborators Temple’s Fox Chase Cancer Center, Katz School of Medicine, Kornberg School of Dentistry, and College of Science and Technology. 

Your progress is fostered by state-of-the-art lab facilities and the support of a small engineering community with an intimate learning atmosphere.

Most courses and lab work occur during the day, but you may take evening classes to complete the program’s didactic coursework.

Completion Requirements

Completion requirements depend on whether you enter the doctoral program with a master’s degree.

  • If you have a master’s degree, you must complete 15 credits of PhD-level didactic coursework and 15 credits of PhD exams and dissertation research, for a total of 30 credits.
  • If you only have a bachelor’s degree, you must complete 45 credits of master’s- and PhD-level coursework and 15 credits of PhD exams and dissertation research, for a total of 60 credits. See the Admissions section below for more information.

Between didactic coursework, dissertation research and examinations, the PhD can take four or five years, depending on your trajectory and project interests. You have up to seven years to complete your degree.

There are three major pieces of culminating work for the PhD.

  • Preliminary examination: This exam evaluates your communication, information-synthesis and research skills.
  • Dissertation proposal: Research and write your proposal, and present it at an open college seminar.
  • Dissertation writing and defense: Present and defend your dissertation in front of a dissertation committee.
Bioengineering students in a lab

Classes & Curriculum

The coursework you complete will be selected in consultation with your research advisor and doctoral advisory committee and follow the outline of your plan of study.

See a full list of courses for the PhD in Bioengineering.

PhDs Awarded

For the academic year 2015–2016, the Department of Bioengineering awarded five PhDs.

Related Graduate Degrees

Labs & Research

As a Bioengineering graduate student, you’ll have access to cutting-edge equipment and faculty conducting research funded through grants from organizations such as the American Heart Association, the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and others, in areas including

  • biomaterials, 
  • imaging and optical spectroscopy,
  • injury biomechanics,
  • neuroengineering,
  • neuromechanics of locomotion,
  • regenerative tissue engineering,
  • stem and cancer cell engineering, and
  • targeted drug delivery.

Learn more about the Department of Bioengineering’s labs and equipment.

Research Funding

The College of Engineering had more than $14 million in active research in 2016–2017. With external support from prestigious organizations including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Navy and the American Heart Association, faculty members of Temple University’s College of Engineering are engaging in advanced research. Graduate students will find multiple opportunities to partner with faculty on innovative projects and perform experiments. Take a look at the full range of labs in the College of Engineering.

In 2016, the National Science Foundation placed Temple among the top 100 in terms of research expenditures, which amounted to $242 million. Learn more about the university’s expanded research support efforts.

Carnegie Classification

In 2016, Temple was elevated to an R1 institution of “very high research activity” by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, placing it in the top 4% of all four-year educational institutions in the nation. Temple’s research enterprise distinguishes itself through its focus on community, and using advances in technology to make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Philosophy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2024–2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,332.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,744.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

The College of Engineering reflects the diversity that has always been a hallmark of life at Temple. With students from diverse cultural backgrounds and regions across the world, Temple’s classrooms are enriched with countless perspectives, giving students a global point of view across disciplines and fields, and strengthening bonds that encourage success among students.

As a community, Temple’s shared responsibility is to enhance the quality of life for all members of the Temple community, providing a safe, supportive and welcoming environment in which to learn, work and grow.

Learn more about the College of Engineering’s commitment to creating an inclusive, equitable climate for its community.

PhD Advising

PhD students should identify a faculty advisor prior to applying. A faculty advisor will guide you in navigating the curriculum and selecting the appropriate coursework to achieve your academic and professional goals. Applicants may reach out to faculty via the faculty directory. 

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