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Graduate Programs

The Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering offers Masters and Doctoral degrees in both Chemical Engineering as well as Biomedical Engineering. Graduate students work very closely with their faculty advisors on research. The department faculty members are presently involved in a variety of cutting-edge research areas, which impact economic development, national security, energy supply, health, and quality-of-life issues. With research areas in biomedical engineering, catalysis and reaction engineering, materials and transport, and process systems engineering, the graduate programs in the department offer both academic rigor and flexibility to meet the needs of students with different interests in a safe, equitable and inclusive environment.

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Admissions Requirements

Admission to the graduate program is competitive and students are selected based on their scholastic preparation and intellectual capacity as demonstrated in the application. All doctoral students receive a competitive stipend as well as full tuition waiver. Applicants to the department’s graduate programs need to submit the following information:

  • Completed university application form
  • Official transcripts of a bachelor’s degree (and master’s degree, if available) from a recognized 4-year university, in engineering, or engineering-related disciplines including life science, physical science, computer science, biological science, physics, chemistry, mathematics, or applied mathematics
  • Proof of English language proficiency if the applicant is from a country where English is not the official language.
  • Three letters of recommendation from individuals acquainted with the applicant and their potential to succeed in graduate school
  • A personal statement (1-2 pages) that indicates the reason for the applicant’s interest in our graduate program, a summary of previous research or industry experience, area(s) of interest and a list of department faculty with whom they would like to work.

The department does not require the submission of a GRE score anymore for all graduate programs. While the university accepts applications until a month before classes start each semester, the following priority deadlines should be followed if you are applying for department scholarships or if you are a foreign student and need to apply for a student visa to enter the United States:

  • January 15 for Fall semester applicants
  • August 15 for Spring semester applicants

Please contact the graduate coordinator, Dr. Fernando V. Lima, for more information. Please fill out our pre-application information form if you would like a preliminary evaluation of your application.

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Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

The Master of Science in Chemical Engineering is an advanced research-based degree that prepares students to utilize the fundamental principles of chemical engineering to conceive and design processes to produce, transform, and transport materials. All students take three advanced-level courses in transport phenomena, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering. In addition, they take five elective classes that prepare them to specialize in a focus area in chemical engineering. Students are required to perform research, which culminates into a master’s thesis. Graduates of this program typically join the chemical industry or continue for their doctoral degree.

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering is a research-intensive degree that shows a high degree of originality on the part of the student and constitutes an original contribution to the art and science of chemical engineering. Students are required to take a qualifying examination, candidacy examination, and a final examination that includes a written dissertation and an oral defense. In addition, students are also required to take advanced-level courses that prepare them to conduct independent and original research in a field of chemical engineering. Graduates of this program typically join the chemical industry or government laboratory at a senior researcher level or join academia as faculty members.

Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering

The Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering is an advanced degree that prepares students to integrate engineering and life sciences for the advancement of human health and medical technologies. All students take three advanced-level courses in biomedical engineering principles, numerical and statistical methods, and interfacial phenomena. In addition, they take five elective classes that prepare them to specialize in a focus area in biomedical engineering. All students are required to perform research, which culminates into a master’s thesis or a problem report. Graduates of this program typically join the biomedical industry or continue for their doctoral degree.

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Engineering is a research-intensive degree that shows a high degree of originality on the part of the student and constitutes an original contribution to the art and science of biomedical engineering. Students are required to take a qualifying examination, candidacy examination, and a final examination that includes a written dissertation and an oral defense. In addition, students are also required to take advanced-level courses that prepare them to conduct independent and original research in a field of biomedical engineering. Graduates of this program typically join the biomedical industry or government laboratory at a senior researcher level or join academia as faculty members.

Graduate Student Job Opportunities