Graduate Degree Programs

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Our doctoral program prepares you for a career as an independent researcher through establishing a strong foundation in chemical and biological engineering coursework, teaching, and research. All doctoral students must complete four core chemical engineering courses along with a teaching practicum. Students additionally take a course in responsible conduct in research, along with elective courses agreed upon with their individual Program of Study Committee.

Doctoral students entering in the Fall are matched with a research advisor during their first semester. Students entering in the Spring are typically matched with advisor during the admissions process. All students take a Ph.D. qualifying exam at the start of their second year and a preliminary oral exam by the beginning of their fourth year. Students defend their dissertation and earn their degree in an average of five years. More information about program requirements is available in our handbook.

Doctoral students are appointed to graduate assistantships; more information can be found here.

A M.S. degree is not required to enter our Ph.D. program. Students without a degree in chemical engineering but who have earned a B.S. in a related field are still highly encouraged to apply; close this pop-up window and scroll to the bottom of the page to read more about our transition program for non-chemical engineering majors.

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

The master of science in chemical engineering is a two-year program that requires completing a research project and defending a thesis. All M.S. students must complete at least two core chemical engineering courses and additional elective coursework. During the admissions process, M.S. students will be assigned a major professor based on their expressed interests. The major professor will oversee research work during the student’s time in the program. More information about program requirements is available in our handbook.

M.Engr. in Chemical Engineering

The master of engineering may be completed as a coursework only degree or may include a creative component as part of the degree. The creative component consists of independent research work supervised by a faculty member. All M.Engr. students must complete at least two core chemical engineering courses and additional elective coursework. More information about program requirements is available in our handbook.