Program Requirements

Overview

The general requirements for the Ph.D. degree in Biomedical Engineering (BME) are summarized in this section. More detailed information can be found in the BME Program Guidelines and Regulations.

  • Required Coursework -- Students complete most of their required coursework during the first 2 years. Thereafter, the majority of the time is spent conducting research under the supervision of a faculty mentor.
  • Qualifying Examination -- All students must pass a written and oral qualifying examination to advance to candidacy for the Ph.D. by the end of the 2nd year of training.
  • BME Seminar -- All students must present departmental research seminar by the end of the 3rd year.
  • Ph.D. Dissertation and Oral Examination -- All students must complete a Ph.D. dissertation and pass the Graduate Council Oral Examination. It is generally expected that students will complete this requirement during 5th year of training.

 

Faculty Advisor

Biomedical Engineering graduate students work directly with a faculty advisor upon admission. The faculty advisor and student will meet regularly (at least 2-3 times per term) to discuss coursework, academic performance and research opportunities, and otherwise to help and advise the student during the 1st year. Students are strongly encouraged to use their faculty advisor as a resource and sounding board.

 

Coursework Requirements

Biomedical Engineering Degree Requirements (2015-2016)

OHSU Biomedical Engineering students are expected to meet the degree requirments according to the checklist for the academic year at the time of matriculation.

  • Students are required to earn a minimum of 135 graduate-level term-hour credits. At least 54 must be in BME 603 Ph.D. Dissertation Research.
  • The required courses include BME 607 Biomedical Engineering Seminars, CONJ 650 Principles of Scientific Conduct and Practice, CONJ 620 Introduction to Biostatistics for Basic Sciences.
  • In addition, 4 electives must be selected from either BME or other School of Medicine departments.
  • Graduate credit is granted only for coursework in which an A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, or P (Pass) grade is received. C- or lower will not earn credit.
  • Students are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in graduate-level work.