Departments and Academic Programs : Chemical Engineering : Graduate Programs

Graduate Programs

The graduate program in chemical engineering, with its large proportion of elective courses and independent research, offers experience in any of the fields of departmental activity mentioned in previous sections. For both chemical engineers and those with undergraduate educations in other related fields such as physics, chemistry, and biochemistry, the Ph.D. program provides the opportunity to become expert in research fields central to modern technology and science.

M.S. students must complete the professional development and leadership course, ENGI E4000, as a graduation requirement. Ph.D. candidates are strongly encouraged to complete ENGI E6001–6004 and should consult their program for PDL requirements.

M.S. Degree

The requirements are (1) the core courses: Mathematical methods in chemical engineering (CHEN E4010)/Partial differential equations (APMA E4200), Transport phenomena, III (CHEN E4110), Advanced chemical kinetics (CHEN E4130), and Advanced chemical engineering thermodynamics (CHEN E4130)/Statistical mechanics (CHAP E4120); and (2) 18 points of 4000- or 6000-level courses, approved by the graduate coordinator or research adviser, of which up to 6 may be Master’s research (CHEN 9400). Students with undergraduate preparation in physics, chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, and related fields may take advantage of a special program leading directly to the master’s degree in chemical engineering. This program enables such students to avoid having to take all undergraduate courses in the bachelor’s degree program.

Doctoral Degrees

The Ph.D. and DES degrees have essentially the same requirements. All students in a doctoral program must (1) earn satisfactory grades in the four core courses (CHEN E4010, E4110, E4330, E4130/CHAP E4120); (2) pass a qualifying exam; (3) defend a proposal of research within 12 months of passing the qualifying exam; (4) defend their thesis; and (5) satisfy course requirements beyond the four core courses. For detailed requirements, please consult the departmental office or graduate coordinator. Students with degrees in related fields such as physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and others are encouraged to apply to this highly interdisciplinary program.