Ph.D. in Bioengineering
One of the most innovative graduate programs at The Grainger College of Engineering.
The Bioengineering Graduate Program is preparing future bioengineering leaders in academia, industry and government. This program has a proven track record of providing students with educational and research training and experiences that integrate the sciences of biology and medicine with the practices and principles of engineering. Students have the opportunity to work with a range of Graduate Program Faculty who represent numerous disciplines. For advice about how to choose the right advisor for you, read this blog post written by our current graduate students.
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M.S./Ph.D. Technical Research Areas
Faculty members, research and teaching professors, as well as graduate students in the department of bioengineering are engaged in cutting-edge research focused on the following key areas of discipline. See our news section to explore the latest research updates.
Bioimaging at Multi-Scale
Developing technology that quantitatively images the structure and function of biological systems spanning a range of sizes, including molecules, cells, tissue, and complete organs. Our faculty and students are improving an array of imaging tools and creating new techniques to better diagnose and understand cancer, diabetes, Parkinsons, heart disease and other illnesses.
Faculty With Primary Interest in This Area
- Mark A. Anastasio
- Aron Keith Barbey
- Stephen A. Boppart
- Yoram Bresler
- Yun-Sheng Chen
- Minh N. Do
- Wawrzyniec Dobrucki
- Michael Insana
- Joseph Maria Kumar Irudayaraj
- Fan Lam
- Hua Li
- Zhi-Pei Liang
- Ling Jian Meng
- Shuming Nie
- Michael L. Oelze
- Gabriel Popescu
- Andrew M. Smith
- Pengfei Song
- Brad Sutton
- Michelle Y. Wang
- Yang Zhao
Bio-Micro and Nanotechnology
Developing molecular-scale materials and lab-on-a-chip devices to sense, manipulate, and re-engineer molecular and cellular structure and function. By applying semiconductor fabrication techniques to biology, our researchers can create next-generation tools used in life science research, drug development and screening, genomics, disease diagnosis, and environmental monitoring.
Faculty With Primary Interest in This Area
Synthetic Bioengineering
Applying engineering principles to the design of fundamental biological components. Our researchers are designing new biological parts, devices, and systems that can improve human health and sustainability.
Faculty With Primary Interest in This Area
Molecular, Cellular and Tissue Engineering
Developing biomaterials and approaches for regenerative medicine to improve the understanding and treatment of disease. Our researchers conduct work that enhances drug delivery and stem cell engineering.
Faculty With Primary Interest in This Area
Computational and Systems Biology
Applying high-performance computation, large-scale informatics, and control systems to very large-scale cell networks in order to generate a new understanding of human health.
Faculty With Primary Interest in This Area
Research in BME Education
The Bioengineering teaching faculty members are revolutionizing the undergraduate curriculum by aligning its courses with medical practice and education. From an immersive first-year course to the culminating capstone project, our teaching faculty are working to translate theory into practice through innovative programs and courses.
Faculty With Primary Interest in This Area
Five-Year Ph.D. Funding Guarantee
Starting in Fall 2020, Grainger Engineering Ph.D. students in their first five years of enrollment are guaranteed a funded appointment for fall and spring that includes a full tuition waiver, a partial fee waiver, and a stipend. Students are also eligible for summer support. Students must remain in Good Academic Standing and successfully perform the duties of their assistantships.
Degree Requirements
Learn more about our diverse, multidisciplinary programs that emphasize translational research and applied experiences at the intersection of engineering, biological and medical sciences.
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree requirements
Master of Science (M.S.) degree requirements
Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree requirements
Application Fee Waiver
Domestic applicants may be qualified for an application fee waiver if you are a University of Illinois employee or a fee waiver recipient through these programs: I-Promise Scholar, McNair Scholar or the Big Ten Alliance FreeApp.
Research Institutes and Laboratories
Bioengineering students and faculty benefit from strong collaborations across campus as well as access to a number of major research facilities at Illinois that support undergraduate and graduate student education and enhance rapid technology transfer from the university to industry.
Facilities
Everitt Laboratory is the centralized hub for the department of bioengineering. The recently renovated lab provides modern instructional and research facilities for learning, creating and innovating.
“As an international student trying to make it into academia in the United States, I learned first-hand how important it is to have role models who had a similar career trajectory like mine. My advisor supported me every step of the way.”
Indrajit Srivastava
M.S & Ph.D. Alumnus
Preparing For Your Application
Learn about the course work you'll need before you apply.
Application Process, Deadline and Requirements
The application process is entirely online. Track your admission progress and process electronically.
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Graduate Admissions FAQ
This list includes questions most often asked regarding graduate admissions.