American University of Beirut

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering (PhD)

​​​​​Educational Objectives

The Biomedical Engineering (BMEN) 
program educational objectives are to graduate PhD candidates able to:

  • Achieve their employment goals in academia and/or industry in the field of Biomedical Engineering 
  • Advance in their careers through innovation, leadership, and life-long learning

Learning Outcomes

By the time of graduation, Biomedical Engineering PhD graduates will possess the following:

  • Basic knowledge in engineering and biomedical sciences necessary to conduct research in biomedical engineering
  • Advanced knowledge in various subareas related to biomedical engineering
  • Ability to use techniques, skills, and tools useful for biomedical project design, experimental studies, and/or engineering practice
  • Ability to pursue independent research utilizing interdisciplinary knowledge from various fields, and generate novel contributions in biomedical engineering
  • Understanding of the global impact of emerging new scientific findings in biomedical engineering
  • Ability to communicate research findings effectively, in both oral and written formats, through presentations and reports including presentations at technical meetings and peer-reviewed publications
  • Teamwork and life-long learning skills
  • An understanding of ethical responsibility and the role of integrity in the advancement of knowledge through research

Curriculum

General requirements for Master's degree holders

Based on AUB's guidelines, a minimum of 48 credit hours beyond those required for the Master's degree, of which a minimum of 18 credit hours must be in graduate level course work and a minimum of 24 credit hours of thesis work. Requirements also allow a maximum of three credit hours out of the 18 credits of course work as tutorial course, and include zero credit comprehensive examination preparation course and zero credit thesis proposal preparation course.

General requirements for Bachelor's degree holders

Based on AUB's guidelines, a minimum of 78 credit hours beyond those required for the Bachelor's degree, of which a minimum of 36 credit hours must be in graduate level course work and a minimum of 30 credit hours of thesis work. Requirements also allow a maximum of six credit hours out of the 36 credits of course work as tutorial courses, and include zero credit comprehensive examination preparation course and zero credit thesis proposal preparation course.​

Admission Requirements

The application procedures and admission requirements to the PhD program will follow AUB's Graduate Studies Policies and Procedures as documented in the Graduate Catalogue. To be considered for admission, applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree from AUB or its equivalent from a recognized institution of higher learning.

The program accepts applicants holding Bachelor's Degree or Master's Degree in relevant fields of study including engineering, basic sciences, biomedical sciences, health sciences, computer science and mathematics. Acceptance of applicants into the PhD program is determined by their academic performance as well as an assessment of readiness, potential and ability to develop into independent researchers as judged by interviews by faculty members, a written statement, letters of recommendation, and other means of assessment such as publications and industry experience.

Admission for Students Holding a Master's Degree

Applicants to the PhD programs are expected to have demonstrated distinct academic ability. An applicant is considered for admission to the PhD program if they meet the following minimum admission requirements:

  • Hold a master's degree in any of the disciplines approved by the BMEN program, from AUB or other recognized institution of higher learning, with a minimum cumulative average of 85 over 100 or its equivalent.
  • Submit a complete application including:
    • Transcripts of academic record from all the institutions that were attended after high school
    • General GRE test scores. Scores up to 5 years old will be accepted in most programs requiring the GRE scores.
    • A written statement of purpose (about 400-500 words) indicating the purpose for pursuing graduate study in Biomedical Engineering at AUB, and specifying the applicant's research interests and/or practical experience in the field.
    • Three letters of recommendation.
  • Complete an interview either in person, by phone, or via Skype.
  • Must have passed the comprehensive exam.
  • Must have completed thesis requirements for the thesis option degrees.
  • Students from non-English-speaking countries must show proficiency in the English language.

Admissions for Students Holding a Bachelor's Degree

Applicants who have an excellent record of academic achievement, and a potential for creative and independent work at the bachelor level, may be admitted into a PhD accelerated track at the bachelor level. An applicant is considered for admission into a PhD track student if they meet the following minimum admission requirements:

  • A bachelor's degree in any of the disciplines approved by the BMEN program, from AUB or other recognized institution of higher learning, with a minimum major and cumulative average of 85 over 100 or its equivalent.
  • The same remaining requirements as per master's degree holders above.


Apply online to our program​

Degree Requirements

A student can graduate at the end of any academic semester provided they have satisfied the following requirements:

  • Completed 48 credits of course and thesis work according to program requirements for students entering the PhD program with a Master's degree and 78 credits for those entering with a Bachelor's degree.
  • Attained a minimum cumulative course average of 85 excluding courses taken prior to admission to the program.
  • Passed the Doctoral Qualifying Exam Parts I and II (Comprehensive and Thesis Proposal Defense Examinations).
  • Met program specific requirements for publication of thesis work by the time of graduation.
  • Successfully defended a thesis of original scholarly work.
  • Published at least one first author paper/abstract in a regional/international workshop or conference.
  • Published (or in press) at least one first author manuscript in a peer-reviewed journal.

Met the residence requirements and all pertinent AUB regulations.


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