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M.D./Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering

The M.D./Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering combines the medical curriculum at Dartmouth Medical School (DMS) with the Ph.D. program at Thayer School. Students must apply to DMS as well as Thayer School, indicating their specific interests. Both degrees are awarded simultaneously after typically 7 to 8 years of study.

Prerequisites

The foundation for doctoral work is undergraduate preparation in science, mathematics, and engineering principles. Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree to be considered for the M.D./Ph.D. program.

Academic Honor

All students, upon matriculation, are required to attend a series of workshops in ethics and sign a statement that they agree to abide by the honor principles established by Dartmouth College. See Graduate Academic and Conduct Regulations for a full statement of academic honor.

Residency

M.D./Ph.D. candidates are in residence at Thayer School a minimum of 6 terms, including 3 terms of participation in ENGG 196 Seminar on Applied Science and Technology.

Number of Courses

The candidate with undergraduate engineering training (B.E. or B.S. degree) plus 2 years of medical school training normally takes:

  • Applied mathematics (3 courses)
  • Engineering courses leading to a depth of knowledge in an engineering specialty (4 courses)

In addition to engineering and applied mathematics courses, Ph.D. students participate in the following seminars and workshops:

  • ENGS 195 Seminar on Science, Technology and Society (1 term)
  • ENGG 196 Seminar on Applied Science and Technology (3 terms)
  • ENGG 197 Ph.D. Professional Workshops (1 term)
  • ENGG 198 Research-in-Progress Workshop (annually)

Course of Study

Basic Medical Phase

  • DMS Year 1 and Year 2
  • Up to 3 eight-week laboratory rotations

First-Year Ph.D. Phase

  • Completion of 6 graduate engineering courses
  • ENGG 196 Seminar on Applied Science and Technology (2 terms)
  • ENGG 198 Research-in-Progress Workshop (1 term)
  • Initiation of dissertation research with thesis advisor
  • Qualification for Ph.D. candidacy

Second-Year Ph.D. Phase

  • Oral examination
  • Completion of additional graduate courses
  • ENGS 195 Seminar on Science, Technology and Society
  • ENGG 196 Seminar on Applied Science and Technology
  • ENGG 197 Ph.D. Professional Workshops
  • ENGG 198 Research-in-Progress Workshop
  • Thesis proposal and dissertation research

Final Ph.D. Phase

  • Dissertation research
  • Completion of thesis defense

Final Medical Phase

Degree Requirements

M.D. Requirements

Candidates complete the 4-year M.D. curriculum. The electives of Year 4 may be fulfilled through Ph.D. dissertation research.

Ph.D. Requirements

Once advanced to Ph.D. candidacy, the student works with a special advisory committee to make sure that all degree requirements are met. The requirements include: