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Biomedical Engineering

Learn More About the Department

95%

Of Ph.D. Students are Fully Funded

$77k+

Average Starting Salary for BME Undergraduates

65%

Of Undergraduate Students Participate in Research

Financial Support

Doctoral Students
The vast majority of doctoral students—approximately 95%—receive full financial support through teaching assistantships, graduate research assistantships or a variety of UT Austin and external fellowships.

Benefits may include paid tuition and fees, a competitive stipend and health insurance coverage for the duration of the student's degree program. Financial support is contingent upon the availability of funds and satisfactory progress toward the doctoral degree.

Master's Students
Students admitted to the master's programs are eligible for, but not guaranteed, financial support.

Fellowship Opportunities

More than half of our graduate students have fellowships through the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, The University of Texas at Austin or other organizations.

All admitted doctoral applicants are nominated for institutional recruitment fellowships through the Graduate School and the Cockrell School of Engineering. Selected applicants receive notification of these awards in the spring. Applicants do not apply to these awards directly; rather, the admissions committee coordinates nominations for the awards.

The UT Austin Graduate School provides more information on recruitment fellowships and externally funded fellowships. The Department of Biomedical Engineering also offers the Imaging Science and Informatics Fellowship Program.

Already received a fellowship? Visit the Graduate School for more information for current fellows, including requirements and stipulations fellows must meet to receive support.

Programs

Where can I learn about the graduate program?

The best resource to learn about the graduate program is the BME Graduate Program Handbook. The handbook covers all program requirements, including detailed information about coursework, milestones, supervisor selection and general departmental information. All questions about the program should be directed first to the BME Graduate Program Administrator at bme-grad@engr.utexas.edu.

Can I transfer coursework?

UT Austin permits the transfer of up to 6 hours of coursework to an M.S., as long as those courses do not count toward another conferred degree. Ph.D. students who earned an M.S. or completed graduate-level coursework prior to admittance at UT Austin are eligible to receive credit for up to 6 hours of coursework toward their Ph.D. program.

How can I schedule a visit with the department?

Due to the overwhelming number of requests to visit our department, we do not conduct individual visits. Applicants who are offered admission will have the opportunity to visit during recruitment events. To meet with a faculty member outside of a recruitment event, contact them directly.

I am currently a graduate student at The University of Texas Austin. Can I complete a Change of Major application to apply to BME?

Change of Major applications are not accepted for our graduate programs. Even if you are currently a UT graduate student, you must apply to the program.

Am I required to have an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering to apply?

The department accepts students from a variety of backgrounds, including engineering, natural sciences, math, physics, computer science and more. We recommend a number of college-level prerequisites be complete at the time of application.

What professional development and extracurricular activities are available for students?

Our students participate in national and departmental engineering organizations and serve in leadership roles in the Graduate Student Society, Graduate Student Assembly, Graduate Engineering Council and other student organizations. Our department hosts several seminar speakers throughout the year, and students are encouraged to attend seminars in other departments that are related to their work.

A number of students attend and present at national and international conferences each year. Many faculty, department staff and graduate students attend the Biomedical Engineering Society conference each year to present and support graduate student recruitment efforts.

What are the requirements to enter the graduate program?

Prospective graduate students can learn more about the BME program requirements on our department's Admissions page.

How long does it typically take to finish a Ph.D.?

Completion time varies but averages around 5 to 6 years to attain a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering.

I've contacted faculty and haven't received a response. What do I do now?

Our faculty teach, research and travel often. Follow up with them. If you still cannot get in touch after a period of time, you may contact the Graduate Program Administrator at bme-grad@engr.utexas.edu.

Who are the faculty members of the Department of Biomedical Engineering?

The Department of Biomedical Engineering has a faculty directory which lists all faculty, their research interests, contact information and more.

What are the application statistics for your department?

The UT Austin Graduate School maintains all application statistics.

I have questions that are not answered on the website or the BME Graduate Program Handbook. Who should I contact?

Contact the Graduate Program Administrator at bme-grad@engr.utexas.edu.

Admissions

When is the application due, and when should I submit it?

Applications for fall admission are due December 1 each year. After submitting the initial application and paying the application fee, it takes up to 48 hours to receive the link to upload the required documents.

Submit your application well in advance of the deadline to ensure all materials are received on time.

Can I submit materials late?

No, you may not submit materials after the deadline or change your application. Ensure your first submission is accurate and complete, as changes are not allowed.

Do I have to take the TOEFL?

International applicants are required to take the TOEFL and submit official, valid, unexpired scores as part of the application process. The score must be valid at the application deadline. The Department of Biomedical Engineering does not accept IELTS scores for English proficiency. Some international applicants may be exempt from the TOEFL.

More information for international students can be found on the UT Austin Graduate School website.

Is there an application fee waiver?

Some applicants are eligible for a fee waiver, and specific criteria are provided by the UT Austin Graduate School.

Where do I send paper/print documentation?

All application materials must be submitted online. If you must submit paper documents, do not send them to the BME department. Instead, send materials to Graduate and International Admissions.

Can you tell me the status of my application?

Applicants may check their application and materials submission on the MyStatus page.

Can you confirm that materials have been received by the Graduate and International Admissions Center (GIAC) and International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS)?

The department cannot confirm that application materials have been received. You may check the MyStatus page.

I am concerned my references will not submit by the deadline. What do I do?

After entering your recommender's information in the application, an automatic email will be sent to them with instructions for submitting their recommendation online. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that reference letters are submitted prior to the deadline.

Once you have submitted your application, you can use the self-service feature on the MyStatus page to resend the Request for Reference email to your recommenders, if necessary. You can use this site to supply an alternate email, such as Gmail, if your recommender's spam filter blocks the original request or has removed the link.

Submitting an early application will ensure your recommendation letters are received by the deadline.

When will I know my admission status?

For fall admission, you will typically receive notification by the end of March. All applicants will receive notification; please do not contact us asking for updates.

I am an international student. What additional requirements must I fulfill? If I am accepted, what paperwork do I need to complete?

Review the Biomedical Engineering department admissions page to learn more about required application materials. You should also review the International Student and Scholar Services page and the Graduate School International Students Admissions page.

Applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents must apply using the domestic application. Applicants who are permanent residents of the U.S. are not required to submit TOEFL scores. International applicants who attended UT Austin for their undergraduate degree may use the domestic application.

My TOEFL scores expire before the application deadline. If I apply before they expire, will they still count?

Your scores must be valid at the application deadline.

I applied last year and wasn't accepted. Can you provide me with specific feedback on my application?

Each year we receive a large number of competitive applications and are not able to provide individualized feedback. Know that every applicant's materials are reviewed. Coursework, GPAs, references, personal statements, CVs and TOEFL scores (if applicable) are all heavily considered in the admissions process.

How do I submit my transcripts as part of the admission application? Do I need official transcripts?

All applicants are required to submit copies of official transcripts as part of the application process. The Graduate School does not accept unofficial transcripts or score reports. Your application is not complete until you fulfill transcript requirements.

I can't find the application on ApplyTexas. Where is it?

The UT Austin Graduate School provides graduate school applications for the Cockrell School.

More information on graduate school application deadlines and information can also be found on the Cockrell School Graduate Admissions page.

Is the GRE required to apply? Can I submit scores anyway?

The GRE general test is not required to apply to our graduate program. Our committee does not consider GRE scores in its application review, even if they are submitted by an applicant. Applicants are in no way advantaged if they decide to submit GRE scores to the University.

Note that GRE requirements across UT Austin may vary. Applicants to multiple programs should confirm the GRE requirements with each individual program.

Can I apply to multiple graduate programs at UT Austin?

Yes, you may apply to multiple graduate programs at UT Austin.

Does Texas BME admit students to the master's program?

As a research-focused graduate program, our admissions committees primarily admit to our doctoral program. We do not anticipate admitting students to a standalone master's program in the near future.

Texas BME continues to consider applications and admit students to the B.S. BME/M.S. Integrated Program (for current Texas BME undergraduate students only) and the M.D./M.S. Dual Degree Program (for current Dell Medical students only).

Funding

What funding will I receive if admitted?

Only students admitted to the BME Ph.D. program are eligible for full funding throughout their program, contingent on funding availability and satisfactory academic progress. Doctoral students may receive a competitive stipend, tuition and health insurance funds through a combination of fellowships and employment as teaching assistants or graduate research assistants.

Admitted students should refer to their official funding offer for details.

How do I apply for a fellowship, teaching assistant or graduate research assistant position?

If admitted, the department may nominate you for institutional fellowships. You will be contacted if we need additional information or materials from you. Students who are not funded by a fellowship may be offered a teaching assistantship (TA) or graduate research assistantship (GRA) after admission.

Master's students may apply for TA positions, both in BME and in other, related departments, to earn a stipend, funding toward tuition and fees and health insurance coverage. Although not guaranteed, master's students may earn funding through a GRA position as well. More information about student employment policies is provided by the Graduate School.

What is the requirement to become a TA or GRA?

All BME doctoral students must serve as a TA for at least one semester. Students apply to be a TA and are assigned after admission to the program. We do not accept TA or GRA applications prior to admission.

GRA positions may be offered directly by faculty to students after admission.

What is the minimum stipend for TAs and GRAs?

The BME base stipend for those with TA or GRA assignments for the 2025–2026 academic year is $34,000 per year. This amount may be supplemented with fellowships from the Cockrell School of Engineering.

Master's students who earn a position as a TA or GRA will receive commensurate stipend rates as well.

Will I receive any other benefits of employment?

Student academic employees (TAs and GRAs) receive a tuition reduction benefit and are eligible for health insurance at no cost. Admitted students should discuss professional development (travel) support with their supervisor.

Are master's students funded?

Master's students are not guaranteed support, but may earn support in some semesters. Additional funding information is available on our department's Graduate Funding page. 

Should I apply for financial aid?

Whether or not you apply for financial aid is up to you. Doctoral students are fully funded at a competitive rate above the UT Austin's established cost of attendance and typically do not apply for aid.

If you do apply for financial aid, your financial aid offer may be adjusted based on your funding offer from the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Keep in mind that doctoral students do not pay their own tuition.

Master's students are not fully funded and may require financial support in the form of financial aid.

Is there any financial support for traveling to conferences and meetings?

The department nominates students for travel awards to attend major professional meetings for the fall, spring and summer sessions. Research advisors also fund student travel to present at conferences.

Am I required to pay taxes?

In general, wages and fellowship earnings are taxable. Departmental staff cannot provide tax guidance to students. However, the Graduate School provides more information about tax considerations.

Application Cycles 

Applications for admission are accepted for fall admission only. Spring admission for doctoral applicants is possible via faculty nomination only. The next application cycle is for fall 2026 entry. We do not anticipate offering admission to the standalone master’s program for fall 2026 entry. Applications for admission to the B.S. BME/M.S.E. Integrated Program (for Texas BME undergraduates only) and the M.D./M.S.E. Dual-Degree Program (for Dell Medical students only) remain open.

graduation cap iconGRE scores are not considered in the admissions process.

 Deadlines

  • Doctoral program: December 1 each year
  • MD/M.S. Dual-Degree program: December 1 each year
  • B.S. BME/M.S. Integrated program: June 1 each year

The application for admission typically opens in early August each year.  

All admission decisions are made in the context of laboratory space and resources available each year.

Admission decisions are communicated to applicants by the end of March.
Applications that are incomplete as of the application deadline, including all documents, score reports and official transcripts will not be given full consideration. The deadline is absolute, and we cannot grant extensions due to the condensed timeline of the admission process.

After submitting your application for admission through the Cockrell School of Engineering, it can take up to 48 hours to receive a link to upload required documents. Please take this into consideration and submit your application early.

Review instructions to apply to the B.S. BME/M.S.E. Integrated Program (available for current UT Austin biomedical engineering students). 

Holistic Review

The BME admissions committee takes a holistic approach to application reviews. We fully review every application that we receive by the established deadline. The committee does not consider GRE scores as part of its review. Applicants are not advantaged if they decide to submit GRE scores as part of their application. The committee considers all parts of the application when making admission decisions:

  • Grade Point Average
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Structured personal statement
  • Undergraduate degree area and institution
  • Official transcripts
  • Research and work experience
  • TOEFL scores, if applicable
  • Contribution to diversity through personal experience and volunteer service

Applicants are encouraged to make use of application resources including a tip sheet and webinar on writing a strong personal statement.

The Graduate School reports average GPA numbers of applicants, admitted students, and entrants to our program.

TOEFL scores (if applicable) are required to apply and a total score of 100 or greater is recommended. Some applicants are exempt. Scores must be valid on the application deadline. We do not accept IELTS scores in lieu of TOEFL scores.

PhD Admissions: Direct Admit Model

At UT Austin BME, we use a Direct Admit process to match PhD applicants with faculty advisors during admissions. This ensures students start their PhD with a defined research direction and guaranteed funding.

How It Works:

  1. Application Review
    Qualified applicants are invited to our BME Preview Event — a campus visit and interview weekend.
  2. Preview Event
    Applicants meet with faculty, tour labs, and engage with current students to explore fit and research interests.
  3. Faculty Matching
    After the event, faculty select applicants they wish to directly admit into their research group.
  4. Admission + Funding
    Matched students receive admission to the PhD program, a full funding package, and a confirmed spot in a faculty lab.

Recommended Prerequisite College-level Courses

Biomedical engineering is an interdisciplinary field, and we admit students from many different backgrounds including biology, chemistry, physics, computer science and other engineering disciplines. To ensure admitted students are prepared for our graduate engineering curriculum, the BME admissions committee recommends applicants complete the following courses prior to applying:

  • Calculus-based physics (two semesters)
  • Differential equations
  • Statistics
  • Chemistry
  • Cell or molecular biology
  • Physiology

A master's degree is not required to apply. Doctoral applicants should possess a bachelor's degree in an area compatible with the field of biomedical engineering. If you possess a master's degree, some of your previous graduate coursework may be applied toward the doctoral program of work.

Master's degree applicants should possess a bachelor's degree in an area compatible with the field of biomedical engineering.

 

 

Texas BME student wearing lab safety gear and looking at computer in lab

As a research-driven department, the Department of Biomedical Engineering (BME) primarily focuses on our doctoral degree program. If you are considering a Ph.D. as a terminal degree, we strongly suggest you apply directly to the doctoral program. A master's degree is not required to apply for the BME doctoral program.

Our graduate program offers two pathways to earn a master's degree (for already admitted B.S. and medical students), which are detailed below. For requirements beyond what is provided here, see the Graduate Program Handbook. 

BME B.S./M.S. Integrated Program

For current UT Austin undergraduate students majoring in biomedical engineering, we offer a B.S. BME/M.S. integrated degree. This program allows students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering and a Master of Science in engineering in five years. Entrants to the program may choose to complete a master's degree with coursework or a master's degree with a thesis.

Texas BME undergrad students in their third year can apply for this integrated program.

MD/M.S. Dual Degree Program

In collaboration with Dell Medical School, our department offers an M.S. degree specifically designed for current medical students. Dell Medical students can choose the biomedical engineering M.S. to fulfill requirements in year 3, also known as the Growth Year. The overarching goal of the program is to produce physicians who can practice medicine and biomedical research with the quantitative analytical skills of an engineer.

Current medical students apply to the program during their second year.

Clinical Innovation and Design Fellowship

Launched in 2020, our department also offers the Clinical Innovation and Design Fellowship in collaboration with Dell Medical School. Under the mentorship of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers, clinicians and business experts, fellows complete a nine-month team-based project to translate human needs into solutions.

Fellows practice design thinking and are involved in all aspects of medical device development and innovation, from needs assessment and analysis of current solutions to prototyping and business plan development.

Fellowship Applicants

Application to this program is restricted to current Dell Medical School students in their third year (Growth Year) and B.S. BME/M.S. Integrated students in their fifth year. Medical students may complete this program as a distinction or as a component of the MD/M.S. Dual Degree program. Integrated students complete this program as a component of the master's degree.

 

Need More Information? Contact:
Texas biomedical engineering staff, Jenny Kondo


Jenny Kondo

Graduate Program Administrator

bme-grad@engr.utexas.edu

doctoral program

Coursework and Development

Our doctoral degree program trains students in cutting-edge research to solve real-world problems. Our approach to coursework includes a Personal Learning Plan, which tailors educational experiences to meet individual needs. A student's coursework is selected in consultation with the student's supervisor, dissertation committee and the graduate advisor to ensure adequate breadth and depth of knowledge across one or more of our eight research areas. Students are encouraged to take advantage of on-campus professional development resources to aid in their individual development.

Graduates of our program are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry and government labs. 

 graduation cap icon Doctoral candidates in our program typically complete the degree in ~5.6 years.

graduation cap icon Applicants who hold bachelor's degrees in a field related to BME are eligible to apply.


Program Requirements

In addition to coursework requirements, students must complete a qualifying exam by the end of their first year in the program, a dissertation proposal between the second and third year, and a final oral defense typically at the end of the fifth year. All Ph.D. students in biomedical engineering are required to complete at least one semester as a teaching assistant.

Students are holistically supported through a variety of opportunities, including training in the responsible conduct of research, creation of an individual development plan, graduate research seminars, professional development seminars and BMEntored—a peer mentorship program for first-semester doctoral students. Detailed information about program requirements can be found in the Graduate Program Handbook.

Supervisor Selection 

To meet individual needs, our department supports both a direct match and a rotation system for supervisor selection. Students may join labs of BME faculty and non-BME faculty who are members of our Graduate Studies Committee. Prospective students may contact faculty directly to inquire about open positions in each lab.

How to Apply

See our Admissions page to learn more about eligibility, application instructions and application deadlines.

 

Need More Information? Contact:
Texas biomedical engineering staff, Jenny Kondo


Jenny Kondo

Graduate Program Administrator

bme-grad@engr.utexas.edu

The overarching theme of this program is to train comprehensive imaging scientists in the skills necessary to improve the prevention, detection, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases

The basic requirement to complete this portfolio program is 12 hours of coursework (4 courses), which provide the requisite core knowledge for an imaging scientist. Learn more about portfolio programs at The University of Texas at Austin Graduate School. If you are interested in completing the Imaging Science and Informatics Portfolio Program, please contact the Graduate Program Administrator. 

Core Areas

  • Instrumentation, Devices, and Contrast Agents
  • Image processing
  • Modeling and visualization
  • Informatics

Program Highlights

  • Prestigious fellowship supported by NIH grant T32 EB007507
  • Comprehensive and cohesive scope of education
  • Personalized mentor team
  • Graduate portfolio in Imaging Science from UT Austin
  • Capstone laboratory course
  • Innovative externship opportunities
  • Clinical immersion experience
Required Courses for Portfolio Completion (12 credit hours)
  1. Approved course in Biomedical Imaging Modalities (3 credit hours)
  2. Approved course in Image Processing (3 credit hours)
  3. Approvd course in Modeling and Visualization (3 credit hours)
  4. Approved course in Data Mining and Informatics (3 credit hours)

Some, but not necessarily all, of these courses may count toward your doctoral degree requirements as well. Additionally, optional coursework and seminars are available to portfolio students.

Fellowship in Imaging Science and Informatics

The Department of Biomedical Engineering was awarded a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) training grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), an Institute within the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This grant includes competitive fellowships to support selected biomedical engineering doctoral students in the Imaging Science and Informatics Portfolio Program. The prestigious one-year fellowship includes a stipend, funds for educational and research supplies, and two semesters of tuition.

To be eligible for the fellowship, one must be an admitted doctoral student in Biomedical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin. After admissions to the BME doctoral program, candidates will have the opportunity to request consideration for the fellowship.

This very prestigious fellowship supports interdisciplinary training through an extended support network of faculty and clinical mentors, toward the goal of becoming a comprehensive imaging scientist. Students with research interests that extend beyond imaging sciences and informatics have been successful at diversifying their training through this program, while having the honor of being a Ruth L. Kirschstein Fellow.

Required Courses for Fellowship Recipients (18 credit hours + seminars):

In addition to the 12 credit hours (4 courses) required to complete the Portfolio listed above, Kirschstein Fellowship Recipients must complete the following additional 6 credit hours (2 courses):

  1. BME 381J.8 Functional Imaging Lab (3 credit hours)
  2. Approved course in Image Processing (3 credit hours)
  3. Approved course in Modeling and Visualization (3 credit hours)
  4. Approved course in Data Mining and Informatics (3 credit hours)
  5. BME 385J Imaging Clinical Immersion (3 credit hours)
  6. BME 381J.8 Functional Imaging Lab (3 credit hours)
  7. BME 197E Professional Responsibilities Seminar (1 credit hour)
  8. BME 197P Professional Development Seminar (1 credit hour)

Some or all of these courses may count toward your doctoral degree requirements as well. Notice that students who complete the fellowship program will also meet the requirements for the portfolio program. The program directors and the Graduate Advisor are available to help students select their elective coursework. Discuss with the Graduate Advisor and Graduate Program Coordinator.

Professional Development Opportunities

There are several professional development opportunities related to imaging science and informatics that are required for fellowship recipients and recommended for portfolio students:

  • Summer Externship Experience between first and second year
  • Co-supervision and recommendations for committee structure
  • Professional Responsibilities in Imaging (BME 197E)
  • Graduate Professional Development Seminar (BME 197P)

Contact

Professor H. Grady Rylander, Training Program Co-Director
E-mail Address

Professor Mia K. Markey, Training Program Co-Director
E-mail Address

Upcoming Events

Thursday, October 16

How Can the Health Humanities Contribute to Improving Health?

3:30PM - 5:30PM

Thursday, October 23

Dr. Ahmad Ahmadi, Avante Plastic Surgery

3:30PM - 5:30PM

Thursday, November 06

Dr. Elena Zannoni, Assistant Professor, Biomechanical and Biomedicine Engineering

3:30PM - 5:30PM

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News

Texas Biomedical Engineering professor Nicholas Peppas stands in front of a bookcase.

The Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS) will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to biomedical engineering professor Nicholas Peppas.

Professor Tom Yankeelov stands with a student in front of a screen showing computational models of breast cancer research.

Can mathematics help physicians make better decisions for cancer patients? A new study led by professor Tom Yankeelov, Director of the Center for Computational Oncology at the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, suggests the answer is, “yes.”

Originally published by the Oden Institute for Computational Engineering & Sciences.

The exterior of The Department of Biomedical Engineering building at UT Austin.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin is ranked as one the nation’s top ten undergraduate biomedical engineering programs. The Cockrell School of Engineering finished 11th in the nation in the 2025-2026 U.S. News & World Report undergraduate engineering rankings (No. 6 among public universities and No. 1 in Texas).

Published by the Cockrell School of Engineering

 

Research Areas

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