Purdue Engineering Combined BS-PhD Degree Programs - College of Engineering - Purdue University

Bachelors to Doctorate in 7 Years (B2D7)

Recognizing the deep pool of high performing Purdue Engineering undergraduate researchers and the need to accelerate the training of industry-ready problem solvers in critical areas of the US national lab and industrial sectors, we are announcing the piloting of a milestone-driven accelerated BS-to-PhD program.

Program Overview and Key Features:

• For Purdue students who have participated in research with aspirations of completing a PhD and working in areas of national interest in industry and national labs.
• Students accepted into the B2D7 program will receive structured mentorship to support the successful completion of their degrees. This mentorship includes research mentorship, career development support, and opportunities for engagement in research at national laboratories and/or industry settings.
• Advantages include: shorter time-to-degree, clear research expectations, and strengthened industry and national lab connections. 
• To be successful in the program, students must complete coursework on an accelerated timeline, participate in intensive undergraduate research, and demonstrate strong time-management skills. Students are also expected to show initiative in leadership and problem-solving, as well as the ability to take ownership of their academic and professional development.
• Students accepted into the program will be expected to take 18 credit hours of graduate-level classes while still an undergraduate student that dual-count as graduate coursework.
• Progression into the PhD portion of the program will be contingent upon successful completion of specified milestones and  admission via a graduate school application.
• Upon successful completion of the Bachelor’s degree and transition into the PhD program, opportunities for three years of PhD funding will be provided.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Open only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents
2. Year 1, Year 2, or Year 3 students (i.e., applicant must have a minimum of two and a maximum of six semesters (not including summers) of their Undergraduate Engineering program left at time of application).
3. A minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 3.7 is required.
4. Applicant must have conducted at least one semester (or summer) of undergraduate research prior to the fall 2026 semester.
5. Applicant must have identified a faculty research advisor who is willing to commit to mentoring the student through the program.

Application Instructions:

Deadline: April 1, 2026

Applicants will need:

• A recommendation from their Academic Advisor. Please download the recommendation form and have your advisor submit it directly to the link on the form.
• A recommendation from a faculty member who is interested in serving as their Research Advisor and PhD mentor. Please download the recommendation form and have your advisor submit it directly to the link on the form.

Applicants should have the following information ready prior to beginning the online application form:

• Cumulative GPA
• Unofficial transcripts
• Name and email address of contact for any research lab in which you have worked
• A statement of purpose (no longer than 400 words) outlining your purpose for applying for the B2D7 program. Please make sure to briefly describe your research interests, professional goals, and benefits you expect from joining this program. You also may explain any special circumstances applicable to your background and elaborate on your extracurricular activities, leadership positions and work experiences.
• CV (including any professional/research experience, honors/awards, grants/fellowships, publications/presentations, associations/affiliations, leadership experience, etc.)