Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical student with a faculty member

Doctor of Philosophy

About the Program

As one of the top research universities in the U.S., Case Western Reserve has a legacy of innovation. Our PhD in Biomedical Engineering program is a prime example. This interdisciplinary program, among the first of its kind in the world, combines medical and engineering disciplines to provide you with a strong foundation for your career in academia, government or industry. Specialize in biomaterials, neural engineering, cardiovascular systems, or another concentration—it’s entirely up to you. Plus, many of our students receive program funding, so you can focus on what’s most important: your academics.

What to Expect

Consistently ranked one of the best biomedical engineering programs in the U.S., this program will give you unparalleled opportunities to . Here, you can investigate brain cell activity and how the brain processes desired movement; work on propelling forward functional electrical stimulation research; better understand Parkinson’s, epilepsy and depression; or find solutions to any number of pressing biomedical problems. We’re one of the few biomedical engineering programs in the nation that hosts multiple supporting doctoral students, so your only boundary is what you can dream up.

In addition to your coursework, you’ll work alongside and learn from faculty advisors who are supportive, passionate and have a deep commitment to mentorship. Among them are 24 fellows at the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering, representing the top 2% of the biomedical engineering profession.

You have direct access to world-renowned researchers and their entire network. You don’t really find that at other places.

Nick VanDillen, ��21

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Beyond the Classroom

In addition to being surrounded by more than 150 medical and bioscience companies in Cleveland, you’ll be in the center of a vibrant medical community—with Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals and Louis Stokes VA Medical Center just steps away from campus, and MetroHealth Medical Center a short drive. Through our partnerships, you’ll get ample opportunities for hands-on research collaborations.

You’ll also be a part of one of the largest biomedical engineering enterprises in the world, thanks to our , a partnership between Cleveland Clinic and CWRU through which you can perform research alongside faculty of CWRU’s medical and engineering schools or scientists at Cleveland Clinic.

By the Numbers

#19

biomedical engineering graduate program in the nation, U.S. News & World Report

in National Institutes of Health funding and awards

1st

to develop spinal cord stimulation for pain relief and the respiratory implant

affiliated centers and institutes

$41.7

million in current grants

Admissions Details

Our program thrives when we have students with diverse perspectives and a range of educational, professional and life experiences. We look forward to learning more about you!

The application process requires:

, including a statement of purpose
$50 application fee
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in engineering, natural sciences or mathematical sciences with a minimum B+ average (either already complete, or will be complete before you enroll)
Unofficial transcripts
Current resume/CV
Three letters of recommendation
Test scores for GRE (optional)
International applicants: Results of TOEFL