Washington University in St. Louis is a world leader in research and education. The McKelvey School of Engineering provides the opportunity for graduate students in our Department of Biomedical Engineering to work across the university's top programs — including the School of Medicine.

Our trainees graduate prepared to become leaders in industry or with the training they need to continue innovative research to improve the human condition. We offer a master of science in biomedical engineering and a doctor of philosophy in biomedical engineering, as well as combined MD/PhD degrees given jointly with the School of Medicine.

Meet our faculty

The Department of Biomedical Engineering has 21 full-time tenure-track faculty members and more than 100 affiliate faculty members throughout the McKelvey Engineering and the School of Medicine.

View our faculty directory

Funding

Our PhD students are fully-funded, including full tuition support and health and dental insurance. Doctoral candidates also receive a generous stipend to cover living expenses. This support is guaranteed as you continue to make satisfactory progress towards your degree.

Nearly a third of PhD students studying biomedical engineering receive research support through an external fellowship. The department encourages students to apply for fellowships offered through the department as well as national competitive fellowships. 

Admission requirements

Applicants for our graduate programs should have a baccalaureate degree in engineering, the physical sciences or mathematics. A life science degree may be accepted with evidence of adequate quantitative coursework. Admitted master’s and PhD students typically have had grade point averages of 3.5 and 3.7 out of 4.0, respectively.

The GRE test is optional for fall 2022 BME applicants. International students must submit TOEFL scores earned within the past two years. Scores of 100 or greater are generally required with no less than 20 on each section.

Recommended courses
  • Advanced Calculus and Differential Equations
  • Probability and Statistics
  • Engineering Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Introductory Computer Science
  • Circuits/ Electrical Networks
  • Basic Courses in Molecular and Cell Biology
  • General and Organic Chemistry

Diversity  

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at the McKelvey School of Engineering is committed to advancing inclusion, representation and diversity. We believe in creating and maintaining a culture that embraces and appreciates the strength and value of differences in gender, race, ethnicity, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, philosophy, disability and sexual orientation.

Read more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Meet WashU BME

Interested in learning more? Join the McKelvey School of Engineering for its PhD Virtual Showcase anytime before Wednesday, Dec. 15. 

You'll have the opportunity to learn more about our groundbreaking research, meet our faculty, connect with current students and tour our campus. 

Register for an upcoming information session