A qualifying examination committee is established for each student. It consists of five BME-affliated faculty representatives, including one member designated as chair. After passing the written exams, a doctoral student submits a written preliminary report describing his or her proposed dissertation research. This proposal is defended in the oral preliminary examination, in which the student is expected to demonstrate initiative, imagination and a high level of professional ability. Finally, the PhD thesis is defended in an oral exam.
Most students can complete the program in five years or less.