Biological Design, PhD
Are you inspired by the complexity of living systems? In this innovative doctoral program, you'll explore the foundations of biological engineering while developing solutions to current biotechnological challenges. Conduct advanced research that challenges traditional boundaries as you prepare to lead in academic and applied research settings.
Quick facts
Locations
Credits
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
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. This is a highly mentored program of personalized study that provides you with significant interaction with the large and vibrant local research community.
The curriculum has three key distinguishing features: a personalized plan of study that enables you to explore the disciplinary and interdisciplinary areas of greatest interest; encouragement to choose a dissertation research project that is use-focused, contributes to solving a large-scale challenge, and promises rich transdisciplinary experiences; and opportunities to participate in a proseminar format to encourage broad research interactions and discuss problems and challenges in biological design research.
Curriculum
This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (3 credit hours) Other Requirements (2 credit hours) Electives and Research (67 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
BDE 702 Fundamentals of Biological Design II (3)
BDE 598 Special Topics: Biological Design Seminar (1)
BDE 791 Seminar: Biological Design Proseminar (1)
BDE 799 Dissertation (12)
Courses listed under Other Requirements may be substituted with approval of the academic unit.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)
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: Additional Application Information 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. The resume should include prior research and employment experience, honors, awards, memberships held, publications, etc. For additional admission requirements, including transcripts, fees and international application requirements, students should see the ASU Admission Services website.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Application deadlines
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority* |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Priority* |
*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimateCareer opportunities
Graduates are trained at the intersection of biological sciences, physical sciences and technology through innovation, design and production. They find career opportunities in health care, biotechnology, pharmaceutical discovery, biomanufacturing, security, environmental technologies and food agribusinesses.
Career examples include:
- biochemist
- biophysicist
- clinical scientist
- environmental engineer
- health and safety engineer
- medical engineer
- medical scientist
- microbiologist
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School for Engineering of Matter,Transport & Enrgy
|
USE 138
semtegrad@asu.edu
480-965-2335
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
