Our research-oriented Ph.D. program provides high-level command of concepts and an unsurpassed research experience that turns students into world-class researchers with specialization in their chosen area of research.
Biomedical engineering at Cornell University focuses on interdisciplinary research to achieve a quantitative understanding of human biology at all spatial and temporal scales, from molecules and cells to tissues and organs, with the goal of improving human health. Our mission is to educate students to understand the human body as an integrated system and the mechanisms of disease through quantitative engineering analysis, and to use that understanding to design better therapeutic strategies, devices, and diagnostics.
Application Deadline: The application requirements and deadline for the Ph.D. programs are listed on the Graduate School's website.
GRE: Cornell's graduate field of biomedical engineering will no longer requires GRE scores from applicants, and will review all applications blinded for GRE scores.
Graduate education at Cornell is focused on individualized programs tailored to the background, needs, and interests of each student. Cornell combines an Ivy League tradition with many features of a land grant university to provide outstanding programs of teaching and research in all areas of human inquiry. Students shape their course of study working within an academic framework developed with a Special Committee of faculty advisors chosen by the student. Doctoral programs are typically completed in five to six years.
While a list of our research areas cannot fully capture the integrated nature of Biomedical Engineering at Cornell, it does provide helpful information to understand the breadth of research available at the Meinig School.
In addition to a world-class research environment, the BME department at Cornell has opportunities for you to learn to become a better educator, communicator, and science advocate. Cornell BME students have opportunities to teach students at various levels, from middle school through high school to undergraduates, educating them about science and engineering.
I was amazed at how inclusive and family-oriented the BME faculty, staff, and students were. Many things assured me that I would be in a supportive and collaborative environment which is exactly what I wanted and needed.
"I find the ability to help people the most rewarding thing about my research. As an individual, I love to volunteer, but there is only so much that a single person can do. When I conduct research, it feels like I am working on something bigger than myself, with capabilities to help thousands, maybe millions of people." Read more about Lela Bones, Ph.D. Student
"Diagnosed with a genetic connective tissue disorder when I was 15, I had to go through many different treatments for this disease. I met a team of biomedical engineers at Mayo Clinic who helped me regain my ability to walk, and I knew that I wanted to make a difference in patients’ lives just like they made a difference in mine." Read more about Meet our Students: Rose Buchmann, Ph.D. Student
Now a senior associate in the Biomedical Engineering & Sciences Practice at Exponent, Inc., Ph.D. alum Derek Holyoak's work involves a mix of proactive biomedical research/testing and reactive scientific litigation. Read more about Derek Holyoak, Ph.D. ’18
