Requirements A student studying for the Ph.D. degree must first complete a masters degree (45 units) and must, in essence, fulfill the requirements for the Stanford M.S. degree in Bioengineering. A minimum of 135 units is required. Up to 45 units of masters degree residency units may be counted towards the degree. The maximum number of transfer units is 45. Students may be admitted directly to the Ph.D. program if they have completed a M.S. degree prior to matriculation at Stanford. At least 90 units of work must be completed at Stanford.

Prior to being formally admitted to candidacy for the Ph.D. degree, the student must demonstrate knowledge of bioengineering fundamentals and a potential for research by passing a qualifying oral examination.

In addition to the course requirements of the M.S. degree, doctoral candidates must complete a minimum of 15 additional units of approved formal course work (excluding research, directed study, and seminars).

Students must complete and defend a doctoral dissertation.

Choosing a research lab Students will be assigned an initial faculty advisor on the basis of the research interests expressed in their application. Initial faculty advisors will assist students in selecting courses and identifying research opportunities. The Department will not require formal lab rotations, but students will be encouraged to explore research activities in two or three labs during their first academic year.

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PhD Program - Bioengineering - Stanford University