Doctoral program · Rossin College
PhD in Bioengineering
The PhD in Bioengineering at Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science is a research doctorate that typically takes five years and trains engineers to build diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for affordable healthcare.
- Degree awardedDoctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering
- DepartmentBioengineering
- Typical time to degree5 years (typical)
- Credit hours72 minimum
- Fall deadlineDecember 15
- GRENot required
- Application fee$50 USD
Overview
What the PhD in Bioengineering is
Doctoral students in Lehigh Bioengineering enter from a wide range of backgrounds — biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, materials science, biochemistry and biology. The program emphasizes academic rigor and quantitative problem-solving for biomedical applications.
The department maintains a 3-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio that ensures personalized mentoring and close collaboration, and the program trains students to work across these disciplines — offering diverse opportunities for advanced studies and research geared toward diagnostic and therapeutic technologies for affordable healthcare.
The Department of Bioengineering maintains the authoritative program detail — see the department page.
Research
Three principal research thrusts
Doctoral research in the PhD in Bioengineering spans 3 areas published by the Department of Bioengineering.
Biocomputations and Modeling
Biomolecular modeling, bioinformatics, systems and controls, machine learning, data analytics, biomedical image analysis.
Diagnostics, Sensors and Devices
Biomedical imaging, biophotonics, BioMEMS, biosensors, microfluidics, bioelectronics, medical devices.
Materials and Therapies
Biomaterials, nanomaterials, tissue engineering, neuroengineering, biofluid mechanics.
Degree requirements
What the doctorate requires
Minimum 72 credits. Lehigh publishes the following complete set of requirements.
- Credit hours
A minimum of 72 credits.
- Mathematics or statistics
One of BIOE 452 Mathematical Methods In Engineering I, BIOE 415 Bioengineering Statistics, or BIOE 463 Numerical Methods for Scientists and Engineers.
- Communications
BIOE 455 Scientific and Professional Communications for Bioengineers (3 credits).
- Life sciences
One of BIOE 410 Advanced Engineering Physiology (3 credits) or BIOE 445 Quantitative Biology.
- Technical electives
Fifteen credits of adviser-approved technical electives at the 300 level or higher. Per university policy, graduate students may count no more than 12 credits at the 300 level toward the PhD.
- Dissertation research
Six credits of dissertation research, plus an additional 42 credits of electives and/or dissertation research.
- Qualifying examination
A qualification exam, typically taken after three semesters of study.
- Dissertation and defense
A final written dissertation and an oral defense of the dissertation.
Year by year
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | Core courses, research group selection, partnering with an advisor, skill development. |
| Year 2 | Balance coursework and research; complete the PhD qualifying exam. |
| Year 3 | Dissertation development, publications, and a formal presentation milestone. |
| Year 4 | Research continues; dissertation proposal presentation. |
| Year 5 | Dissertation defense. |
Curriculum
Core and required courses
| Code | Course | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| BIOE 410 | Advanced Engineering Physiology | Graduate-level engineering physiology. |
| BIOE 415 | Bioengineering Statistics | Probability and statistics for bioengineering. |
| BIOE 445 | Quantitative Biology | Graduate-level quantitative biology. |
| BIOE 452 | Mathematical Methods In Engineering I | Analytical math methods for engineering sciences. |
| BIOE 455 | Scientific and Professional Communications for Bioengineers | Scientific communication for bioengineers. |
| BIOE 463 | Numerical Methods for Scientists and Engineers | Numerical methods for scientists and engineers. |
Funding
Financial support
Prospective Rossin College graduate students have access to a variety of financial support, both internal and external. The Department of Bioengineering does not publish program-specific stipend or assistantship figures.
- PhD applications submitted by December 15 are considered for financial aid.
- Financial aid for Lehigh’s graduate programs consists mainly of fixed-rate federal student loans through the Office of Financial Aid.
- Loan eligibility requires enrollment at least half-time — six credits during the academic year, three credits in summer.
- Emergency loans and grants are available through the Graduate Life Office.
Admissions
How to apply
Applications for admission — all semesters, all levels — are completed online. Applications open September 1; PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration.
What to submit
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts (with English translation for international applicants)
- Statement of purpose / essay
- Letters of recommendation (typically three)
- Résumé or CV
- Application fee of $50 USD
The GRE is not required or considered for any Rossin College graduate program.
English proficiency minimums
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 81 (old scale) / 4 (new scale); Speaking 22/4, Writing 20/4, Reading 20/4, Listening 16/4 |
| IELTS | Overall 6.5; Speaking 6.5, Writing 6, Reading 6.5, Listening 6 |
| Duolingo English Test | Overall 125; Speaking 125, Writing 120, Reading 125, Listening 110 |
| Cambridge | Overall 176; Speaking 176, Writing 169, Reading 176, Listening 169 |
| Pearson (PTE) | Overall 68, with 53 or higher on each band |
Scores expire two years from the test date. MyBestScore and One Skill Retake formats are not accepted. Waivers are available for applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of an English-speaking country, earned a U.S. degree with two or more years of in-person study, earned a degree taught in English in an English-speaking country, or studied or worked full-time in an English-speaking country for two or more years within the last five.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which department at Lehigh offers the PhD in Bioengineering?
The PhD in Bioengineering is offered by Lehigh University’s Department of Bioengineering, within the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Full program detail, faculty and current requirements are maintained on the department’s own page: https://engineering.lehigh.edu/bioe/graduate/program-info
How long does the PhD in Bioengineering take?
5 years (typical).
How many credits does the PhD in Bioengineering require?
Minimum 72 credits.
Is the GRE required for the PhD in Bioengineering?
No. The GRE is not required or considered for any P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate program. Scores may be submitted but may not be reviewed.
What is the application deadline for the PhD in Bioengineering?
PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration. Applications open September 1.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $50 USD. Applications for admission at all levels are completed online through Lehigh’s graduate application portal.
What research areas can I work in as a PhD in Bioengineering student?
Three principal research thrusts published by the Department of Bioengineering: Biocomputations and Modeling; Diagnostics, Sensors and Devices; Materials and Therapies.
What is the qualifying examination for the PhD in Bioengineering?
A qualification exam, typically taken after three semesters of study.
What English proficiency scores are required?
International applicants must meet Lehigh’s minimum scores: TOEFL iBT overall 81 (old scale) or 4 (new scale); IELTS overall 6.5; Duolingo English Test overall 125; Cambridge overall 176; or Pearson (PTE) overall 68. Scores expire two years from the test date. Waivers are available in defined circumstances.
Where is the PhD in Bioengineering based?
The Department of Bioengineering is located in Sinclair Lab, 7 Asa Drive, Suite 205, Bethlehem, PA 18015, on Lehigh University’s campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Who do I contact about the PhD in Bioengineering?
The department can be reached at inbioe@lehigh.edu or (610) 758-4091. General Rossin College graduate enquiries go to engineering@lehigh.edu.
Contact
Talk to the department
Department of Bioengineering
Address
Sinclair Lab
7 Asa Drive, Suite 205
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone and email
(610) 758-4091
inbioe@lehigh.edu
P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science
19 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, PA 18015
engineering@lehigh.edu
More from the department