PhD Biological Design at Arizona State University

Programme overview

The Doctor of Philosophy program in biological design seeks to develop a new type of scientist by training you in core disciplines related to biomedicine and biotechnology while simultaneously preparing you to participate successfully in the interdisciplinary research teams of the future. The research emphasis is on projects that are use-inspired, contributing directly to solutions for important societal challenges.

What you will study

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation Required Core (3 credit hours) BDE 702 Fundamentals of Biological Design II (3) Other Requirements (2 credit hours) BDE 598 Special Topics: Biological Design Seminar (1) BDE 791 Seminar: Biological Design Proseminar (1) Electives and Research (67 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) BDE 799 Dissertation (12) Additional Curriculum Information Courses listed under Other Requirements may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.

Career pathways

Graduates are trained at the intersection of biological sciences, physical sciences and technology through innovation, design and production. Career examples: biochemist, biophysicist, clinical scientist, environmental engineer, health and safety engineer, medical engineer, medical scientist, microbiologist.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program. All applicants must submit: graduate admission application and application fee official transcripts three letters of recommendation personal statement resume proof of English proficiency Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency. Three letters of recommendation related to the candidate's academic career are required. The personal statement should reflect the candidate's career and educational goals, and explain why the candidate is interested in pursuing this degree.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,327 a year (2026-27). Arizona resident tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads Source

International applicants: USD 24,780 a year (2026-27). International tuition. Tuition only for the graduate on-campus (Tempe/Downtown Phoenix/Polytechnic/West Valley) rate band in the ASU tuition estimator, 2026-27: Fall 2026 plus Spring 2027 term tuition summed (full-time flat rate; part-time credit loads ar Source

Entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer; the terms available for each programme are listed in Degree Search.

Graduate application deadlines are set by each programme office and listed in Degree Search. The nonrefundable application fee is $75 for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA and international online students outside the U.S., and $120 for international students on a nonimmigrant visa studying in the U.S.

Apply through the official page: https://admission.asu.edu/apply/graduate/admission

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