Graduate Programs

Overview

The Ph.D. program in Biomedical Engineering at The University of Toledo is a joint program between the College of Engineering and the College of Medicine and Life Sciences. The program is open to qualified students with degrees in Engineering or science fields, such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Computer Science. 

UToledo’s unique doctoral curriculum contains an entrepreneurship component — something most biomedical engineering programs don’t have. Students take classes from UToledo’s top-ranked College of Business and Innovation and develop a business plan to commercialize their dissertation research. 

Top Reasons to Study biomedical engineering at UToledo

1. One-of-a-kind entrepreneurship focus.

   • Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. students take intellectual property and research commercialization classes in UToledo’s College of Business and Innovation. COBI is one of the best business colleges in the U.S. It houses the Center for Technological Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Our goal is for you to learn how to develop a business plan and commercialize the biomedical technology you may develop as part of your dissertation research.  
   • UToledo also is home to the Engineering Center for Orthopaedic Research Excellence. The center focuses on the development and evaluation of novel medical devices, from concept to final product. 
2. Collaborative research.

   Our Biomedical Engineering faculty members work closely with medical clinicians, other engineers and scientists in cutting-edge laboratories. This multi-disciplinary approach offers great opportunities for students to learn: 

   • Creative problem-solving 
   • Entrepreneurship 
   • Intellectual property generation 
3. Dual M.D./Ph.D. program.

   This is the perfect program for medical students with undergraduate engineering backgrounds who are interested in pursuing careers as physician scientists. 
4. Bioengineering graduate options.

   UToledo also offers an M.S. in Bioengineering. Our students have an advantage with employers because we require that they have proficiency in three principle areas of bioengineering: biomechanical, bioelectrical and biochemical. Other graduate programs usually require just one specialization. 
5. Financial assistance.

   Full-time graduate students in the Biomedical Engineering program can help pay their way by applying for: 

   • Teaching assistantships 
   • Research assistantships 
   • University or other fellowships 

Biomedical Engineering research at UToledo focuses on: 

• Orthopaedic and musculoskeletal biomechanics 
• Biomaterials and tissue engineering 
• Cellular engineering 
• Biomedical devices 

Our Ph.D. students work with expert faculty on leading-edge science and engineering projects. Several students are involved in the startup companies of their faculty mentors. 

Our faculty are outstanding researchers in their fields. Dr. Vijay Goel is an expert in developing spinal implants. He has started several companies based on his research and won four lifetime achievement awards from professional societies. The American Society of Biomechanics has established an entrepreneurial award in his name. 

Dr. Mohammad Elahinia is an expert in the development and application of smart materials, particularly the 3D printing of high-performance metals. His work has resulted in three biomedical device start-up companies that are working to further develop, design and produce cardiovascular, oncological and orthopaedic devices.  

Our faculty and students conduct research in state-of-the-art facilities with the latest equipment. The Biomechanics and Assistive Technology Laboratory is equipped with an advanced, integrated, human-motion analysis system that includes: 

• A Raptor E motion camera system to capture and analyze human movement 
• A force plate system to collect and analyze ground reaction forces and moments 

What jobs can I get with a biomedical engineering degree?

Graduates of UToledo’s doctoral program in Biomedical Engineering find positions in the biomedical engineering industry or as faculty members in academia. 

Employers love our graduates because of our unique focus on entrepreneurship. Our students know how to market the biomedical technology they develop.