Graduate Program
MIT Biological Engineering’s mission is to generate and share new knowledge on the application of engineering principles within biological systems and to provide rigorous and comprehensive education to leaders in our discipline. We focus at the interface of engineering and biology on combining quantitative, physical, and integrative engineering principles with modern life sciences research. MIT BE focuses on path breaking work at the forefront of our discipline and provides challenging opportunities for students to engage deeply with research at the most advanced levels under the direction and guidance of our faculty.
MIT BE offers a graduate PhD degree, and only accepts PhD applications through the annual Departmental process for admission fall term of the following year. PhD-level training in BE at MIT prepares students to lead research that will:
- Explain how biological systems function in terms of biological/chemical/physical mechanisms, and how they respond when perturbed by endogenous, environmental, and therapeutic factors
- Engineer innovative technologies based on this understanding and apply technologies to address societal needs across all sectors including, but not limited to, biomedicine
- Establish new biology-based paradigms for solving problems in areas of science and engineering that have not historically been impacted by biological approaches
In addition, PhD-level training in BE prepares students to translate this research for positive impact in the world by developing skills to:
- Explain technical subject matter clearly, accurately, and in a compelling and contextual manner for a range of audiences
- Engage collaboratively in diverse teams to contribute biological engineering expertise needed for multidisciplinary projects
- Exercise experience-based intellectual and operational leadership in technically and organizationally complex scenarios
- Exhibit integrity and ethical judgment in the design of research and the interpretation and application of research results
Degree Requirements
BE PhD students complete two core courses in the first year, supplemented with four additional electives (Course Requirements). Individual students pace their own progress through elective coursework in consultation with their faculty advisor.
In addition to the course requirements, students submit a thesis proposal to be completed by the end of the fall term during their third year in order to progress toward the PhD.
BE PhD students complete research rotations in the fall and winter of their first year and match with a BE Faculty member as a research advisor. Students carry out thesis research under the guidance of their advisor and with support from a thesis committee formed by the student. Technical communication is an important part of the BE PhD curriculum. Students gain and practice scientific communication skills through one or more terms of teaching experience at the graduate or undergraduate level and research-focused activities including poster and oral presentations at Departmental events including retreats, the Bioengineering and Toxicology Seminar (BATS) seminar series, and culminating in delivery of a written PhD thesis and oral defense of their thesis work.