Bioengineering
Penn awarded the nation’s first Doctorate in Bioengineering in 1953, establishing a legacy of leadership in a field that continues to shape the future of medicine, science and technology. Today, Bioengineering at Penn brings together faculty and students from engineering, medicine, and the arts and sciences on a unified campus designed for interdisciplinary collaboration.
The doctoral program offers a flexible curriculum, a world-class research environment and access to a collaborative community of scholars across academia, industry, government and medicine. Students are trained at the intersection of biology, medicine and engineering, with opportunities to pursue research that advances both fundamental discovery and translational innovation. Through first-year lab rotations, doctoral students are thoughtfully matched with faculty mentors whose research aligns with their interests, allowing them to begin building the foundation for dissertation research early in the program.
Learn how to apply to the Bioengineering Ph.D. program and explore the requirements, deadlines and review process for prospective doctoral students. This section provides guidance for applicants preparing to join a rigorous research community at the intersection of engineering, biology and medicine.
Explore the academic pathways, milestones and resources that shape the Bioengineering Ph.D. experience. This section includes information about curriculum requirements, degree timelines, fellowship support and combined degree opportunities for students pursuing advanced interdisciplinary training.
Access advising resources designed to support doctoral students from their first semester through dissertation completion. This section connects students with the Ph.D. Student Handbook, new student guidance, academic forms and milestone resources needed to navigate the program successfully.
