Biological engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
Overview
Related Topics
Where life meets tech
Advance engineering solutions to global challenges through a Ph.D. in biological engineering. This research-intensive doctoral program prepares you to develop deep expertise in biological and biosystems engineering while conducting original research with applications in human health, agriculture, environmental sustainability, water resources, biotechnology and renewable energy. Your work can contribute to innovations in areas such as biomaterials, medical devices, biological systems and technologies that improve the way we produce food, manage resources and protect human and environmental health.
Your doctoral studies are shaped around your research interests and faculty expertise. Admission considers the alignment between your academic background and research goals and available faculty interests, funding and facilities, allowing you to pursue a focused program of advanced engineering and scientific investigation. Individual programs normally involve three years of study beyond the bachelor’s degree.
As a biological engineering Ph.D. student, you’ll develop expert engineering and scientific knowledge in your research area while learning to conduct original research and accurately analyze experimental results. You’ll investigate questions that extend beyond established knowledge, evaluate evidence and generate research that can inform new technologies, engineering approaches and solutions. You’ll also develop the ability to communicate complex research findings to disciplinary experts, interdisciplinary collaborators and broader audiences through both written and oral communication.
The program intentionally broadens your perspective beyond engineering and science. You’ll complete an educational experience in the humanities, social sciences, foreign language or another approved area, helping you consider technical challenges within their larger human and societal contexts. This combination of specialized research expertise and broader perspective prepares you to lead research and innovation in universities, national laboratories, government agencies and private industry. Graduates can pursue careers as university faculty, research scientists, biological and biomedical engineers, environmental engineers, biotechnology and pharmaceutical researchers, and technology innovators working to improve quality of life through engineering.
The Ph.D. is offered in Moscow, Boise and Coeur d’Alene.
View the online biological engineering graduate handbook
This program could be a good fit if you are interested in:
- Advancing research in human health and medical technologies
- Driving innovation in biotechnology and pharmaceutical development
- Solving environmental and sustainability challenges through engineering
- Improving food, agriculture and bio-based systems
- Pursuing careers in academia, industry or government research
- Leading multidisciplinary research that creates real-world impact
Solutions start here
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in biological engineering is a 78-credit doctoral program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in research, innovation and technology development. Through advanced coursework, independent research and faculty mentorship, you’ll develop the expertise to solve complex challenges at the intersection of engineering and biology. The program equips graduates to advance solutions in healthcare, biotechnology, agriculture, environmental sustainability and bio-based systems.
Learning outcomes
Through this program, you will develop the ability to conduct independent, innovative research and address complex biological engineering challenges. You will gain further expertise in engineering principles, biological systems, research methods and scientific communication. Through your dissertation research, you’ll develop research questions, evaluate scientific literature, design experiments, analyze data and contribute new knowledge to the field. The program prepares you for careers in academia, industry, government research and advanced technology development.
Class format
The program combines graduate coursework with extensive doctoral research. You’ll be expected to complete core courses in areas such as transport phenomena, chemical engineering kinetics, engineering analysis, seminars and doctoral research while working with a major professor and supervisory committee. You will complete coursework and progress through key milestones including the qualifying examination, dissertation proposal, preliminary examination, advancement to candidacy and final dissertation defense. Research experiences may include laboratory studies, computational modeling, technology development and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Faculty expertise
You will work alongside faculty in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering who are advancing research that addresses critical challenges in health, sustainability and technology. Faculty expertise includes:
- Biotechnology and biological systems
- Biomaterials and medical technologies
- Sustainable energy and bio-based solutions
- Environmental engineering and water resources
- Food and agricultural systems
- Process modeling and optimization
- Advanced materials and engineering applications
Through faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration, students develop research projects that contribute to scientific discovery and create solutions for real-world challenges. These faculty advisors and doctoral committees guide students in building the expertise needed to become independent researchers, innovators and leaders in biological engineering.
View the online biological engineering graduate handbook
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,361 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Environmental Engineers
$121,781 - Biomedical Engineers
$124,454 - Quality Control Systems Managers
$127,466 - Conservation Scientists
$76,794 - Health and Safety Engineers
$111,881
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs and funding
Funding is competitive and faculty may provide graduate funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities or explore graduate fellowship programs.
University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.
Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
- View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
- Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
- Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Contact information
Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.
Program contact:
Dev Shrestha
devs@uidaho.edu
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Graduate Admissions:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Find Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering faculty advisors.
Application information
Applicants for the Ph.D. in biological engineering must meet the following admission requirements:
Program availability
- Semester intake: Fall or Spring
- Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 or J-1 visa status
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Start dates:
University requirements
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in a field other than nursing
- Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent to Graduate Admissions by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- GRE: Not required
- Letters of recommendation: Three
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
- Application Fee: $50
Application and admission process
Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.
Applicants seeking a Ph.D. are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the College of Engineering website to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.
Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.
International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.