MS leading to PhD Program
The MS–to–PhD program offers a pathway for exceptional students without a master’s degree to pursue a PhD in Columbia Biomedical Engineering. Admitted students complete MS requirements alongside PhD research under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
MS Requirements (30 credits total):
Students must fulfill all MS degree requirements before advancing to doctoral status. Coursework should support preparation for the PhD qualifying exam and include two semesters of master’s research.
Required Courses (18 credits):
- BMEN E6003: Computational Modeling of Systems
- One graduate-level course (3+ credits) in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or BMEN E4110 (Biostatistics for Engineers)
- Four BME graduate courses
- Two semesters of BMEN E9700 Graduate Seminar (0 credits)
Technical Electives (12 credits):
- Four SEAS courses with BME-relevant content
- Up to 6 credits may be research
After completing the MS and applying for graduation, students transition to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS) to continue the PhD. It is recommended to pick up the MS diploma promptly, as delays may impact tuition processing during the school transition.
Doctoral Degree
Doctoral students must complete 30 credits beyond the MS degree, including 9 core credits: BMEN E6003 (Computational Modeling of Physiological Systems) and two graduate-level courses (6+ credits) in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or BMEN E4110 (Biostatistics for Engineers). If these courses were taken during the MS, a technical elective may be substituted. Students must also register for BMEN E9700 (BME Seminar) and research credits during their first two semesters.
Remaining coursework is chosen with a faculty advisor to prepare for the qualifying exam and to build expertise in a focused area of biomedical engineering.
All PhD students must complete two semesters of teaching experience (one for MD/PhD students), which may include lab supervision, grading, or assisting with course materials. Columbia BME is the only engineering department offering PhD training to MD/PhD students, who are expected to complete the PhD in 3.5 years, meeting all standard program requirements.
Doctoral Qualifying Examination
Doctoral candidates must pass a qualifying examination, offered once annually, after completing 30 graduate credits. The exam includes an oral presentation analyzing assigned scientific papers and answering questions on applied mathematics, quantitative biology and physiology, and track-specific topics. Students must submit a written analysis of the papers before the oral exam. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.2 is required to register for the exam.
Doctoral Committee and Thesis
After passing the qualifying exam, students select a faculty member as their research advisor and submit a research proposal to a committee of three BME faculty. This committee evaluates the proposal’s scope, suitability, and research plan, approving it outright or recommending revisions. Typically, the proposal is submitted by the fifth semester of doctoral study.
Per Graduate School regulations, students must submit and defend a thesis before a committee of five faculty, including at least one member from another department, school, or university. Additionally, every doctoral candidate must have at least one first-author, full-length paper accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal before being recommended for the degree.