Biomedical Engineering PhD (Phd) at Northwestern University

Programme overview

A PhD that studies roughly equal parts engineering, life sciences and mathematics. Research areas include biomaterials and regenerative engineering, biomechanics, cell and molecular engineering, computational biomedical engineering, imaging and biophotonics, medical devices and instrumentation, and neural engineering.

Faculty: McCormick School of Engineering | Duration: About 5-6 years | Intake: Fall 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Evanston, IL, United States

What you will study

Coursework starts with mathematics, physiology and experimental design and measurement, then is tailored to the research. Entrants with a BS take 12 graduate courses; entrants with an MS take at least 9. The degree requires at least one original paper in a peer-reviewed journal.

Career pathways

Preparation to lead research in industry and universities, with access to Chicago's medical device, pharmaceutical, consulting and biomedical research industries.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

GRE scores are not required and not accepted. Three letters of recommendation are required (applications with fewer than two are not reviewed). An academic statement (500-1,000 words) and a personal statement (125-250 words) are required. Minimum GPA 3.0 (Graduate School minimum). International applicants need TOEFL 90 or higher (taken before January 21, 2026) or 4.5 or higher (taken after), IELTS 7.0, or MET 61, unless holding a degree taught in English; scores must be within two years of entry. Deadline: December 1, 2026. Fee waivers are not offered.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Graduate applications for 2026-27 open September 15, 2026; deadlines vary by programme. The Graduate School application fee is $95 and nonrefundable, paid by credit or debit card.

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