Administrative Based Questions
What is the difference between a 64-hour and a 96-hour Ph.D.?
The 96-hour Ph.D. is for students attaining their Ph.D. immediately following the completion of a bachelor’s degree. The 64-hour Ph.D. is for students who have obtained an engineering-based master’s degree from an accredited institution.
I have a bachelor’s degree that is not engineering; am I eligible to apply? What courses are required?
While most students have an engineering background of some kind, all students are welcome to apply. If admitted, leveling courses may be required. These are not required to be completed prior to entering the program. The exact leveling courses will be finalized by the committee chair. You can find further explanation and list of leveling courses.
How many students do you admit each year?
We do not have a set number of students that we accept each semester, although we typically accept only 10-15% of applicants each year. The number may vary because the number of students we accept is largely dependent on the amount of available faculty funding. Students accepted to our Ph.D. program are typically admitted with a fellowship or research assistantship of at least $25,000/year for four years, plus tuition and insurance expenses.
How can I be considered for funding?
When the Graduate Committee reviews applications, they simultaneously evaluate each applicant for funding opportunities. It is not necessary for you to fill out a scholarship application for our program. Check out information about funding opportunities. The priority deadline for funding is December 1.
Admissions Based Questions
Is a resume required? What do I need to include in my resume?
The submission of a resume is required for the completion of your application. You may turn in your resume through the AIS system or directly to the department by emailing it to bmen@tamu.edu. Our Graduate Committee will be looking for research projects, internship/work experience, publications, conference presentations/proceedings and leadership roles.
What are your recommended scores for the GRE and GPA?
The GRE requirement has been waived for spring 2022, fall 2022 and spring 2023 applicants.
Optional: You may self-report your general Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test scores (subject tests not required) in the Quadrant 2 Academic History section of the application. You may also upload copies of your unofficial test score reports in the Quadrant 4 Program section under Documents in the application.
The recommended Quantitative GRE score is 158 or higher and our recommended GPA is 3.5 or higher. If you do not meet these recommendations please do not be discouraged to apply to our program. Our faculty will take all aspects of each application into consideration.
The application deadline is approaching and I don’t have access to AIS yet. How can I get my letters of recommendation in on time?
Though we prefer you to have your letters of recommendation submitted through the AIS system, we are also willing to accept letters of recommendation sent to our department via email to bmen@tamu.edu sent by the recommender on official letterhead.
My school didn’t send in my transcripts and the deadline for admissions is coming up soon. What can I do?
You are welcome to send an unofficial electronic copy of your transcript to bmen@tamu.edu. If your official transcripts are not received by the deadline we will use the unofficial transcript in its place.
I finished my application, when will I hear back?
There is not an official time frame in which applications are reviewed after they are completed. The reviewing of applications, especially before deadlines, can be a lengthy process. Our faculty and staff work very hard to process applications as quickly as we can after they are submitted. Once a decision has been made about your application you will hear from either the Department of Biomedical Engineering or Texas A&M Office of Admissions. You are also welcome to email bmen@tamu.edu with your name and UIN to request an update on the status of your application.
I didn’t get accepted into the program I wanted. Is it because my GPA or GRE scores were too low?
The GRE requirement has been waived for fall 2021 and spring 2022 applicants.
Optional: You may self-report your general Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) test scores (subject tests not required) in the Quadrant 2 Academic History section of the application. You may also upload copies of your unofficial test score reports in the Quadrant 4 Program section under Documents in the application.
The applications we receive are carefully reviewed, and admission decisions are then made by careful consideration of the applicant pool. Each year we receive many more high quality applications than our program can accept. This means that some very qualified students must be denied admission. When reviewing applications our department looks at GPA, GRE scores, universities you attended, statement of purpose, letters of recommendation and resume/relevant previous experience. Therefore there is no one particular aspect of your application that will prevent an applicant from being admitted to our program.
I am reapplying to the program. Do I have to resubmit everything?
A new application, application fee and statement of purpose are required. It is also suggested that you submit any updated material such as transcripts or resumes that will further enhance your application. We expect that you have been improving your experience or education since your last application. Finally, letters of recommendation submitted within one year of reapplying can be used, but new letters are also encouraged.