Biomedical Engineering (PhD) at University of Southern California

Programme overview

The PhD in Biomedical Engineering produces independent investigators who apply advanced engineering concepts to biomedical problems, preparing for careers in academic research and teaching or as investigators in industrial or government laboratories. It is designed to be completed in four years of full-time work beyond the Bachelor of Science.

Duration: Normally 4 years full-time beyond the BS; at least 60 units | Study mode: full-time | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

The first two years focus on formal coursework and the last two on research. Students complete the screening exam by the third semester, choose a major field such as biomedical imaging, signal processing or neural engineering, and pass a qualifying exam with a written proposal and oral defense. BME 533 seminar is taken for three semesters.

Career pathways

Academic research and teaching; independent investigator in industrial or government laboratories.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelor of Science in engineering or a natural science and satisfactory GRE scores. Undergraduate work should include basic biology, physics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, differential equations and digital computation; missing subjects are made up in the first two years. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required in graduate coursework. MS graduates of the department may apply and apply their MS courses to the doctorate. USC Graduate School English proficiency for PhD applicants whose first language is not English (unless waived): TOEFL iBT 100 with at least 20 on each sub-score, IELTS Academic 7 with at least 6 on each band, or PTE 68 with at least 53 on each band; scores no older than 24 months, no super scores; individual departments may set higher minimums.

Duration: Normally 4 years full-time beyond the BS; at least 60 units

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