Doctoral Degree in Biological Engineering

The process of receiving a Doctoral degree in Biological Engineering from MU can be divided into several distinct steps. Students must also conform to any of the requirements and regulations of the MU Graduate School and the University of Missouri system. Applications are accepted at any time during the year.

These steps can be divided into four groups:

Initial Steps
Before arriving on campus:

Minimum academic requirements.
Acceptance by faculty member as mentor.

Steps During Provisional Acceptance
Within the first year of study:

Identification of proficiency areas.
Selection of Doctoral Program Committee.
Development of plan of study.

Steps as a Ph.D. Student
Within the first 18 months of study:

Preparation of research proposal.
Completion of plan of study.
Completion of written and oral comprehensive exam.

Steps as a Ph.D. Candidate
Within five years after passing the comprehensive exam:

Completion of research-based project.
Preparation of a dissertation.
Research Exit Seminar.
Submission of at least one manuscript for publication.
Defense of the dissertation.