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Degree Requirements

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

Thesis Option

  • 24 credit hours of formal coursework

  • 6 credit hours for thesis research (CHE 8000) 

  • Core Coursework: Must complete the four core chemical engineering courses: 

    • CHE 7110: Mathematical Methods in Chemical Engineering 

    • CHE 7120: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 

    • CHE 7130: Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transport 

    • CHE 7140: Chemical Reactor Design Methods

  • Final Examination: Comprehensive oral exam after completing thesis research. 

Non-thesis Option

  • 36 credit hours of formal coursework 

  • Comprehensive Examination: Must pass a comprehensive written exam. 

Additional Requirements for Both Options:

  • Academic Course Plan: Developed with and approved by the student’s graduate advisor. 
  • Transfer Credits: Up to 9 hours of coursework can be transferred, with a maximum of two core courses eligible for transfer (subject to approval by the Director of Graduate Studies). 

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

  • 24 hours of dissertation research credit 

  • 30 hours of graduate-level coursework, including: 

    • 18 hours in Chemical Engineering courses (7000 level or above) 
    • 12 hours can include graduate courses from other departments (can be a formal minor or an informal collection) 

  • Core Coursework: Four required courses, completed within the first year: 

    • CHE 7110: Mathematical Methods in Chemical Engineering 
    • CHE 7120: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 
    • CHE 7130: Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transport 
    • CHE 7140: Chemical Reactor Design Methods 

  • GPA Requirement: Must maintain a GPA ≥ 3.0 in core courses to continue in the program. A GPA below 3.0 leads to transition into the MS program, with the possibility of petitioning for re-admission to the PhD program. 

  • General Examination: After completing core coursework with a GPA ≥ 3.0 or after successfully defending an MS thesis, you must take an oral defense of your doctoral research plan. 

  • Candidacy Examination: Must pass within 12 months of eligibility. 

  • Final Examination: An oral defense of your doctoral dissertation. 

Additional Requirements: 

  • Develop an academic course plan with a graduate advisor
  • Transfer Credits: If you have a master's degree in chemical engineering, you can transfer up to 9 hours of coursework (with restrictions).
  • TA Service: Two semesters of teaching assistant service to the department.
  • Committee Update: Annual progress meetings with your committee once you’ve advanced to candidacy.

CHE 7800 (Seminar)

Graduate students must register for CHE 7800 (1 credit) every fall and spring semester. This course includes up to 14 weekly seminars (1 hour each) on current research topics in chemical engineering and related fields. The seminars provide a high-level opportunity to learn about research trends. Only one semester hour of credit applies toward the degree.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing in engineering.  
Grading: Pass-fail.   

Full-time Enrollment

A full-time graduate student holding a research or teaching assistantship must complete at least 12 credit hours in fall and spring, and 9 credit hours in summer. These hours can include formal coursework, research credits, or a combination of both. 

 

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