chemical engineering phd usa

• Graduate programs

Ph.D. in chemical engineering

• Ph.D. program requirements
• Application mentorship program

Advance your career by developing groundbreaking solutions to worldwide issues, including health, sustainability, and energy. The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering program at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) provides unmatched opportunities to investigate captivating areas at the intersection of technology and society.

Graduate admission

With a chemical engineering Ph.D. from CMU, you will be an independent researcher equipped to apply chemical engineering principles and advanced analytical and experimental techniques to pose and solve open-ended research problems. Complete your degree in four to five years and prepare for a career in academia, industry, or government research.

CMU's College of Engineering ranks fifth in the U.S. News & World Report list of best graduate engineering programs,  with our chemical engineering programs ranked 14th. Explore our Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and advance your career in this vital, innovative field.

Why earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon?

Make world-changing discoveries.

CMU's chemical engineering Ph.D. program empowers you to conduct leading-edge research that tackles critical global challenges. The world-renowned faculty in the Department of Chemical Engineering leads the way in advancing impactful solutions for our world.

The department's research areas include:

• Air quality and climate
• Energy, decarbonization, and sustainability
• Process systems engineering
• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical engineering
• Catalysis and surface science
• Soft materials and complex fluids

Learn in a collaborative, collegial research environment

We strive to foster a research environment that leads to fresh perspectives and trailblazing results. The faculty actively engages with colleagues across various departments at CMU and beyond. This interconnected approach enables CMU Ph.D. students to seek guidance from faculty with different areas of expertise to find novel solutions.

This collaborative ethos also extends to our facilities. The chemical engineering department has adopted an open plan for its laboratories, so students can easily share equipment and exchange ideas for new breakthroughs.

Finally, we encourage Ph.D. candidates to go beyond chemical engineering courses to select electives in related engineering and science disciplines. Cross-disciplinary studies help amplify the breadth and depth of scholarship while aligning with research goals.

Advance the state-of-the-art with your Ph.D. thesis

Our chemical engineering Ph.D. program empowers you to author and defend a thesis that advances scholarship in the field through original research. You will work closely with a faculty advisor who meets with you regularly to guide you.

You will analyze and communicate your findings in a substantive thesis and defend it before a thesis committee. You may even publish parts or all of your thesis in scientific journals or present them at conferences.

Through this rigorous process, you develop into an independent and innovative chemical engineering researcher ready to take on new challenges and make discoveries in academia or industry.

Join a supportive community for doctoral students

Our Ph.D. students hail from the United States and around the globe, and we prioritize ensuring students feel welcome in our department, whether through research groups or departmental gatherings. This culture helps students form lifelong friendships and professional connections with fellow graduate students.

Many students also join the Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Association (ChEGSA).  This student-run organization helps peers bond through seminars, socials, and networking events. It also hosts the ChEGSA Symposium, a two-day event where graduate students present their ongoing research and make networking connections with industry guests and alumni.

Meet chemical engineering Ph.D. students

Mariah L. Arral

Arral honored as one of AIChE’s 35 Under 35

Robert MacKnight

Student spotlight: Robert MacKnight

Studying microbes in marine environments and microcapsules

Curriculum for the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering

The Ph.D. program takes four to five years to complete, depending on prior education experience.

• Direct Entry students have a bachelor's degree and can fulfill all Ph.D. requirements in four years plus two semesters.
• Advanced Entry students have a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering or similar and can complete the Ph.D. program in four years or less.

Students take advanced courses in chemical engineering and can choose to take other engineering courses in the College of Engineering . In addition, students take a Qualifying Exam and write a Research Proposal that prepares them to write and defend their Ph.D. thesis.

Learn more about the chemical engineering Ph.D. program requirements.

Meet the Department of Chemical Engineering faculty

Ph.D. students work alongside CMU’s world-class professors.

Meet the faculty

Careers and outcomes for chemical engineering Ph.D. students

A Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Carnegie Mellon opens up an expansive world of opportunity in research. Our graduates secure rewarding careers advancing innovations at leading companies and laboratories.

In 2020-2023, CMU Ph.D. graduates found roles at:

• Air Products & Chemicals
• AstraZeneca
• Boston Consulting Group
• Eli Lilly and Company
• Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies
• Los Alamos National Laboratory
• Northwestern University
• Princeton University
• University of California, Santa Barbara
• University of Wisconsin

Job titles for our doctorate graduates include:

• AI researcher
• Postdoctoral fellow or researcher
• Research engineer
• Research scientist
• Senior data scientist
• Senior engineer
• Senior research specialist

Median salary* : $120,000

*Based on survey results from program graduates

See more post-graduation salaries and destination information for recent CMU Ph.D. students.

Chemical engineering program Ph.D. funding

The Department of Chemical Engineering pays tuition and stipends for all full-time Ph.D. students who make sufficient progress toward degree completion. Students are required to pay for books and course supplies.

A Direct Entry student is supported for up to fourteen semesters (including summer semesters), and Advanced Entry students are supported for up to twelve semesters (including summer semesters).

At CMU, we welcome applicants of different backgrounds to apply to our chemical engineering Ph.D. program. That's why ChEGSA offers an application mentorship program that pairs prospective students with a current ChemE graduate student.

Students work one-on-one with mentors to:

• Discuss your academic journey and goals
• Ask for tips on organizing application materials
• Receive constructive feedback on your CV and essays
• Get any questions answered about the program or application process

You also receive an application fee waiver for participating in the program.

Learn more about the application mentorship program.

See how current Ph.D. students have benefited from the program .

Admissions and application deadlines

Learn more about the admissions process

• Ph.D. program information sessions
• Graduate admissions FAQs

To apply to CMU's Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program, you should have:

• completed a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related engineering or science discipline at an accredited university OR
• completed a master's degree in chemical engineering or a related engineering or science discipline at an accredited university

The Ph.D. program admits students for the fall and spring semesters.

• Fall term of entry deadline : December 15
• Spring term of entry deadline : September 1

Take the next step toward earning your chemical engineering Ph.D.

Gain expertise to advance scholarship and transform society through Carnegie Mellon University's Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering program. Our research-intensive curriculum, cross-disciplinary thinking, and world-class faculty mentors empower you to pioneer solutions to global challenges.

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Ph.D./Sc.D. Program

The Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering are identical; students may choose for themselves the appellation they prefer. This traditional, research-based doctoral degree program provides a thorough grounding in the fundamental principles of chemical engineering, as well as an intensive research experience.

The Doctor of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering are identical degree programs. Degree candidates may choose to be called a “doctor of philosophy” or a “doctor of science”.

The degree requires that you complete:

• the core curriculum in chemical engineering
• one chemical engineering H Level class
• the departmental biology requirement
• a minor program of related subjects outside of chemical engineering
• written and oral doctoral qualifying examinations
• the writing and oral defense of a thesis on original research

The core curriculum is:

• Numerical Methods in Chemical Engineering 10.34
• Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 10.40
• Analysis of Transport Phenomena 10.50
• Chemical Reactor Engineering 10.65

The departmental biology requirement is fulfilled by completing an undergraduate subject equivalent to MIT 7.01x, either at MIT or at your undergraduate institution. Examples of minor programs for some recent doctoral students include applied mathematics, control theory, physical, organic or analytical chemistry, mechanical structure, power systems, process metallurgy, nuclear engineering, management, economics, music, ancient history and philosophy.

The normal duration of the degree program is five to six years. (Including an intermediate M.S. CEP degree normally has little effect on the duration.) A master’s degree is not required for entrance into the doctoral program, nor is the M.S. CEP required.

For incoming, first-year graduate students, academic advisors are members of the Committee for Graduate Students. When you select a research topic and begin your thesis, the research supervisor becomes your academic advisor. In general, students choose research advisors at the end of their first Fall semester at MIT. Should you wish to choose a research advisor from a department other than Chemical Engineering, you will also need to choose a co-advisor from the Chemical Engineering faculty.

Prior to Registration Day (Fall and Spring semesters), your subject selection must first be approved by your advisor before the Graduate Officer can authorize registration on Registration Day. Advisor approval should also be obtained for any subsequent subject add/drop actions during the term (no additional authorization by the Graduate Officer is required).

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Chemical Engineering, Ph.D.

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Chemical engineering is part of a rapidly expanding field that requires interdisciplinary engineers educated in both the molecular and medical sciences. For every discovery made in the health and industrial sectors, a chemical engineer finds a way to develop and implement it on a large scale.

The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program at the School of Engineering prepares you to fulfill that role. Our curriculum offers an advanced course of study to refine your research skills, and we teach you the problem-solving skills to surmount any problem along the way.

Our Ph.D. program in Chemical Engineering is designed to outfit you with expert knowledge of the field’s core fundamentals as well as the latest research in its subtopics. By doing so, we further your specialization beyond a master’s degree, helping you achieve superior competence in a minor topic within chemical engineering.

Admission Requirements

A BS degree in chemical engineering or a related field of science or engineering is generally required for admission to graduate study. If you earned a bachelor’s degree from a foreign institution, you must submit TOEFL scores. Submitting graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores are optional. Applicants with degrees in other fields or from other colleges may be admitted with undergraduate or graduate deficiencies as evaluated by the graduate adviser. You will need to have had at least one course in differential equations.

Find out more about  Admission Requirements .

Urban Science Doctoral Track

Each doctoral candidate must complete a minimum of 75 credits of academic work past the bachelor’s degree, including a minimum of 36 credits of dissertation research, to complete the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program. A minimum of 30 graduate credits beyond the bachelor’s degree (not including Ph.D. dissertation and non-dissertation research credits) are required in chemical engineering or related subjects. Of the 30 credits, 12 are to be taken as part of the required graduate core courses in Chemical Engineering and 18 are taken as electives. For electives: at least 3 electives (9 credits) are to be chosen from approved CBE courses, 6000-level and above. The remaining electives need to be selected in consultation with and with the explicit approval from the chemical engineering graduate adviser. In addition to the required coursework, attendance is required at departmental colloquia.

Students must also pass a comprehensive qualifying examination in chemical engineering and present a doctoral dissertation. The qualifying exam is given once a year. Additional details on the qualifying examination will be provided by the graduate adviser.

To meet graduation requirements, students must have an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher, excluding dissertation credits, and must not obtain a grade of C or lower in more than two required core courses.

A student who has earned graduate level credits and/or been awarded an MS degree should consult with the graduate adviser for course registration and possible credit transfer.

Important Information and Forms:

• Ph.D. Guidelines
• Committee Form
• Evaluation Rubric  
• PhD Exit Survey

Quick Links

• Graduate Admissions

Academic Director

Jin Ryoun Kim

Daniela Blanco

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Our Ph.D. program seeks to provide cutting-edge training in chemical engineering research areas including biotechnology, catalysis, electrochemistry, energy and the environment, polymers, and separations. Students experience close interaction with faculty members, work in excellent research facilities, and participate in multidisciplinary research centers across Grounds.

Nearly 90% of the roughly 70 students in our graduate program are pursuing a Ph.D. All students accepted into our doctoral program may expect to receive financial support as long as they maintain satisfactory progress toward the degree.

Admissions Process for the Graduate Program

Prospective graduate students apply to the chemical engineering graduate program online through the University of Virginia. Generally, graduate students are admitted and begin their studies during the fall semester. Admission to the department is highly competitive, and applications are thoroughly and carefully reviewed to identify tenacious and curious applicants with research interests and goals that align with department research activities and who have demonstrated excellence in prior academic, research, and leadership activities.

Online Application for U.S. Citizens and International Students

Special instructions and information for  international applicants

Deadlines (for fall semester admission)

• U.S. Citizens: January 15 (for financial aid consideration) or August 1
• International Applicants: January 15 (for financial aid consideration) or April 1

IMPORTANT! Students seeking financial assistance for fall semester admission should complete their application by January 15. Applications received after this date may be considered, but financial aid may no longer be available.

GRE Scores: The Department of Chemical Engineering no longer receives or reviews GRE scores.

For department-specific graduate admissions questions, please contact:  [email protected]

Dissertation Proposal and Admission to Candidacy

The dissertation proposal should be completed within two years of completing the research exam (doctoral qualifying exam). The proposal should indicate the purpose and objectives of the work to be undertaken, the current state of the art with bibliography, and the strategy to be followed and techniques to be employed in the research. Preliminary data, calculations, and/or theoretical developments may be included in support of the proposed work. The proposal will be presented orally and discussed publicly. The doctoral advisory committee will serve as the dissertation proposal exam committee.

If in the judgment of the advisory committee the student's proposal is not satisfactory, the student may be required to submit a revised proposal for further discussion with the advisory committee.

The purposes of the dissertation proposal are:

• To determine if the student's knowledge of the area chosen for research and the pertinent literature is adequate
• To determine whether the proposed work, if completed, would provide the basis for an acceptable dissertation
• To advise the student on general approaches and specific techniques that may be helpful in the proposed research

Ph.D. Job Placement Following Graduation

Employers of UVA Chemical Engineering Ph.D. Graduates Include:

• Bucknell University
• Florida State University
• University of Wyoming
• Michigan Tech
• Penn State University
• Purdue University
• University of Florida
• University of Missouri
• University of Tennessee
• China University of Petroleum
• Indian Institute of Technology Delhi
• General Electric
• General Motors
• United Technologies
• Bristol-Myers Squibb
• GlaxoSmithKline
• MeadWestVaCo
• Klöckner-Pentaplast
• Argonne National Lab

The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only.  The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements. These publications may be found here .

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

DEGREE Chemical Engineering, PhD

Doctoral degree in chemical engineering

As a PhD student in our outstanding, collaborative department, you’ll engage in original problem-solving. You’ll be able to specialize in either traditional or emerging areas of research in chemical and biological engineering, including energy-related science and technology, soft and hard materials science and engineering, systems engineering and optimization, catalysis, process control and design, nanotechnology, biotechnology, biomedical engineering, complex fluids, colloid and interfacial phenomena, atomic, molecular, and multiscale modeling, polymers (synthesis and processing), micro- and nano-electronics, environmental engineering and sustainability, reactor design, and atomic-scale design of surface reactivity.

At a glance

Chemical and biological engineering department, learn more about what information you need to apply., how to apply.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Applicants with a strong background in chemical engineering or related disciplines and a serious interest in research are encouraged to apply for admission. Applications are accepted for both Fall (September) and Spring (January) admission, although historically most students start in the Fall and admission is seldom offered for the Spring semester. The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering does not consider applications for a terminal MS degree; the department admits only to the PhD. An MS degree can be awarded post admission as an alternative to the PhD degree. The MS degree is not a prerequisite for the PhD degree.

Applications for Fall admission  must  be received by noon (CST) on the deadline . Admissions decisions are made by a committee of faculty with research expertise spanning the four research areas of the department. Individual faculty do not recommend admissions decisions and advisors are not determined at the time of application. Instead, students will match with advisors after meeting with all faculty during the fall semester. Additional information about the application process, detailed information on required application materials, advice for preparing a competitive application, information on application fee waivers, and frequently asked questions are available here .

Tuition and funding

Tuition and segregated fee rates are always listed per semester (not for Fall and Spring combined).

View tuition rates

Students admitted to the graduate program are guaranteed financial support from the department in the form of research assistantships, teaching assistantships and fellowships. Support will continue as long as the student maintains satisfactory progress toward their degree. 

Additional information on funding and financial resources is  available here .

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Research in CBE is highly collaborative and often involves diverse teams from within the department, across campus, at other campuses, and in industry. CBE researchers address the most pressing challenges facing society by developing approaches to sustainably produce new fuels and chemicals, combat the plastic pollution crisis, create new therapeutic molecules and materials, optimize energy infrastructure, computationally design new materials and chemical processes, understand transport in complex environments, engineer bacteria to produce biofuels, and more.

View our research

Curricular Requirements

Minimum graduate school requirements.

Review the Graduate School minimum  academic progress and degree requirements , in addition to the program requirements listed below.

Required Courses

• Grades of B or better are required in all Chemical and Biological Engineering courses used towards degree requirements.
• Chemical and Biological Engineering Elective courses shall be in the range numbered 500-899 and will not be laboratory courses, Independent Studies or Research.
• The requirement of four core Chemical and Biological Engineering graduate courses shall not be met by substitution of other courses. 

Students taking advanced courses outside the department in excess of breadth requirements may, with department approval, use up to two of these courses toward the requirement of two Chemical and Biological Engineering Elective courses. Seminar courses may not be used to satisfy Chemical and Biological Engineering Elective course requirements.

PhD Elective Course Requirement

Students must complete at least one course from another program outside Chemical and Biological Engineering totaling at least three credits. Courses must be numbered 300 and above. A B average is required. Pass/fail or audit courses may not be used for the elective course requirement. Courses used to satisfy the breadth program may not be used for the PhD Elective course requirement. Advisor approval is required and secured through submission of the PhD Elective Course Approval Form. PhD Elective courses can be foreign language courses.

Breadth Requirement

The breadth requirement is designed to represent a coherent body of work and should not be simply an after-the-fact ratification of a number of courses taken outside the major department. To ensure coherence, the student must consult with his or her advisor. The minor/certificate should be submitted for approval at an early date, before the student is halfway through the proposed course sequence.

Teaching Assistantship

Each student in the PhD program is required to serve as a teaching assistant (TA) for two semesters. Under normal circumstances, each student should serve as a teaching assistant one semester of the second year and one semester of the third year. Requests for alternate arrangements, partial or full waiver of the requirement, should be submitted in writing to the Graduate Program Committee.

Kate Fanis, Graduate Advisor [email protected]

Sean Palecek, Director of Graduate Studies [email protected]

How to Apply to the PhD Program

If you are a student with a strong background in chemical engineering or a related discipline, and a serious interest in research, apply to our graduate program.

Why Wisconsin?

November 8, 2023

PhD Program Information and Milestones

PhD Funding and Financial Information

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College of Engineering

Chemical Engineering (Ph.D.)

Chemical Engineering

Doctor of philosophy, chemical engineering and materials science, program details.

The degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering combines a wide range of course offerings and research activities, to allow a tailored program to fit the background, capabilities, and aims of each student. Coursework is designed to expand the student's knowledge of engineering principles and applications. Each student also conducts an extensive research project that significantly advances fundamental understanding of a chemical engineering system. Research results are documented in a dissertation, and in peer-reviewed journal publications.

In addition to Chemical Engineering graduates, the doctoral program welcomes students who have completed a B.S. degree in chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, physics, or other STEM disciplines. "Foundations in Chemical Engineering", a program of accelerated, online courses are provided to prepare non-chemical engineering students for graduate study in Chemical Engineering. These courses can be taken prior to formally entering the doctoral program. Please see the link below for more information.

• Program overview (Office of Registrar)
• Course descriptions (Office of Registrar)
• Foundations in Chemical Engineering

Current MSU students

Future students

Michigan State University uses a decentralized admissions process for graduate studies. Visit the College of Engineering graduate admissions page for details on the overall process.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science graduate admissions process is as follows:

1. Fill out a complete  MSU Graduate School Application . Use the on-line forms, or contact  [email protected]  to check on the availability of a paper application. Note the following degree codes:

• Chemical Engineering M.S. = 2303
• Chemical Engineering Ph.D. = 2304
• Materials Science and Engineering M.S. = 8001
• Materials Science and Engineering Ph.D. = 8002

Please Note: Applications completed prior to January 15 will receive full consideration. Your application cannot be marked complete until your application fee has been paid.

2. Completing the MSU application online will give you access to the  Student portal.   You will be able to:

• Upload Resume/CV
• Upload personal and academic statements
• Manage Letter of Recommendations (see guidelines below)
• Upload any other pertinent information for your application
• For MS students only:  Affidavit of Support  and bank statements
• Send Messages to Graduate Secretary and Graduate Director

3. The following items must be submitted in an official capacity:

• Copy of your official transcripts (undergraduate and graduate). Note: for paper copies, please have official correspondence sent to department. Please contact the Graduate Secretary if you wish to have electronic copies sent, as they must meet certain criteria.
• GRE Scores are currently not required.
• Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (international applicants only). ( See Guidelines ).

Official test scores (GRE and TOEFL) must be submitted to the University via the Educational Testing Service ( ETS ). Unofficial photocopies of score sheets are useful for review purposes, but we cannot admit applicants without a complete application, which requires official scores.

4. Arrange for three recommendations from instructors and/or advisors familiar with your academic record who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation for you. This may be done via the student portal (step 2) or by mail. The student portal allows for the student to add referrers, send reminder emails and waive their right to view letters.

For mail submissions, please use our  CHEMS Recommendation Form (Word document, .doc)  (rather than the form provided by the graduate school.) Fill out and sign the top portion of each form. Ask the recommender to complete the form, attach a letter if they wish, and return it to us at the departmental address given on the bottom of the form.

Address for Mailing ALL Printed Application Materials:

Graduate Secretary Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Michigan State University 428 S. Shaw Ln Rm 2100 Engineering Building East Lansing, MI 48824-1226

Phone: (517) 355-5135 FAX: (517) 432-1105 [email protected]

Applications will only be reviewed when complete and official. Please utilize the  student portal  for up-to-date information about your application status.

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Doctoral Program (Ph.D.)

The Smith School’s Ph.D. in chemical engineering will prepare you for careers in academia and research. The program is completed in four to five years, and students typically receive full funding.

Why earn a Ph.D. in chemical engineering at the Smith School?

As your pursue your ph.d., you’ll be prepared to make significant contributions to the field—and you’ll be in good company. .

Not only are our chemical engineering faculty leading researchers and facilities continually improving with state-of-the-art upgrades and equipment, the culture of collegiality at the Smith School is unmatched. While you’re progressing toward your thesis and diploma, you’ll be surrounded by a community of scholars that is contributing to something greater and embracing the founding principles of Cornell University .

The graduate student experience reflects a thriving community among its student groups and initiatives; curriculum includes components of lab safety and research ethics; and faculty and research students are working toward ensuring that future CBE classes are composed of demographically diverse students through new programming. The Smith School’s community stands out as a differentiating factor—not only will you make significant contributions to the field, but you’ll be part of a group that is making a societal impact in more ways than one.

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Degree progression and requirements

As a Ph.D. student, you’ll complete a select set of core courses, take two exams, and complete a thesis with oversight from your faculty Special Committee. You are also required to minor in two subjects. The Ph.D. program is very flexible and allows students to shape their studies with graduate-level electives.

Typical Ph.D. in chemical engineering sequence

First-year transition course.

First-year Ph.D. students take CHEME 6920 - Principles and Practices of Graduate Research. Topics include the culture and responsibilities of graduate research and the professional community; the mechanics of conducting research (experimental design, data analysis, serendipity in research, avoiding self-deception); documenting research (lab notebooks, computer files); and reporting research (writing a technical paper and oral presentations). 

Required courses

All new Ph.D. students are required to take four core classes during the first two years of study.

• CHEME 6130 - Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 
• CHEME 6240 - Advanced Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer OR  CHEME 6230 - Transport Phenomena for Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering 
• CHEME 6110 - Mathematical Methods of Chemical Engineering Analysis
• CHEME 6420 - Chemical Kinetics and Transport OR CHEME 6430 - Advanced Principles of Biomolecular Engineering

Examinations for Ph.D. students

Research Progress Assessment (RPA) — Typically after the first year, Ph.D. students complete this oral and written evaluation to assess their proficiency in chemical      engineering fundamentals and research.

Examination for Admission to Candidacy (A Exam) — After the second year (semester 4), Ph.D. students complete this exam to confirm their ability to undertake original research and present an appropriate plan for their thesis project. Before taking the A Exam, students must complete a mandatory CPR, a First Aid class and the four required core classes.

Ph.D. candidacy

Ph.D. candidates (post- A Exam) complete their research, deliver a yearly Work-in-Progress (WIP) seminar, and defend their findings.

PhD Admissions

Main navigation, page contents, phd application timeline & deadline, phd admissions overview, phd admissions requirements, knight-hennessy scholars, phd frequently asked questions.

The Department of Chemical Engineering accepts applications to our graduate programs once per year for Autumn quarter entry only.

The application deadline for Autumn 2025 entry is November 29, 2024, at 11:59pm (PST).   All applications completed and received by this date will receive full consideration.  No late applications will be accepted.

All components of a graduate application must be received by the department no later than the appropriate deadline - including letters of recommendation.  Once submitted, applications are considered final, and no further updates are accepted.  Application review begins immediately so on-time submission of all materials is critical. 

A complete application consists of a completed application form, a statement of purpose (a summary of research experience for PhD applications), the application fee, three letters of recommendation, and TOEFL examination results (scores and percentages) if applicable.

The PhD application season is mid-September through early-December each year. The application is closed. No late applications will be accepted.

Our Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program is open to all applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree or will have completed one before matriculating as a graduate student at Stanford. 

What We Look For ChemE PhD students come from a wide variety of personal, educational, and professional backgrounds. We welcome applicants with undergraduate degrees in diverse STEM disciplines including Bioengineering, Biophysics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Biochemistry, Physics, and Chemistry. There are no specific course requirements for applicants, but a competitive candidate will have strong quantitative training in mathematics and the physical sciences, along with a background in biology acquired through coursework or prior research. All admitted graduate students should be prepared to take the core courses in the first year.

We welcome students entering directly from undergraduate programs, as well as applicants with MS degrees and/or substantial work experience in areas ranging from biotechnology to robotics. Our admissions committee will look for evidence that an applicant has demonstrated qualities of successful PhD students such as creativity, self-initiative, dedication, and perseverance. We also aim to admit Chemical Engineering students who can thrive at Stanford because their specific interests and aspirations are well-matched with the research of our faculty and the educational environment of our department.

Individual Chemical Engineering faculty members do not admit applicants directly to their research groups. Please do not send individual faculty members or staff informal documents and appeals for informal evaluations and/or admission to a research group. We are unable to provide informal recommendations / evaluations on the basis of partial information such as a CV, test scores or a transcript. Inquiries and materials sent to individual professors may or may not be redirected to administrative staff. We encourage potential applicants to consider discussing their issues with faculty recommenders who know them well and could give better, individualized academic advice.

Applications are reviewed by a committee of faculty that hold appointments in ChemE and represent diverse research expertise. Each application is read in full and evaluated by at least two separate committee members. The applicants who are considered most competitive are then discussed by the entire admissions committee who attempt to balance the research interests, perspectives, and backgrounds & experiences in the final cohort of students who are offered admission.

The Department of Chemical Engineering considers the following in offering admission to our program:  

• Academic preparation - applicant seeks and excels in coursework relevant to chemical engineering
• Quality of prior research experience - applicant takes advantage of available research opportunities, has made meaningful contributions in their research, and has engaged in depth in experimental or theoretical work
• Demonstrated resilience - applicant demonstrates an ability to overcome obstacles that present challenges in educational and training experiences
• Curiosity, creativity - for example, as demonstrated by applicant’s chosen engagement in research opportunities and coursework
• Motivation - applicant clearly describes personal motivation for graduate training and engagement in PhD research, demonstrated work ethic, and/or track record of pursuing available research and training opportunities
• Maturity and preparedness - e.g. as demonstrated by applicant’s past engagement in activities and classes, ability to work in teams, leadership roles, and/or demonstrated commitment to scholarly work
• Potential contribution to Stanford Chemical Engineering community

IMPORTANT: These departmental instructions and requirements are SUPPLEMENTAL to the  university-wide requirements  for each and every application for admission to any advanced degree program at Stanford University.

Application Materials

A degree in chemical engineering is not required but applicants should be familiar with key concepts and their applications. This typically means applicants have degrees in other science and engineering disciplines such as bioengineering, biology, chemistry, materials science, mathematics, mechanical engineering and physics. We are looking for coursework or other experiences demonstrating use of higher-level mathematics (e.g. linear algebra, partial differential equations) and recommend completion of core chemical engineering courses (e.g. fluid mechanics, heat and mass transport phenomena, chemical reaction kinetics, thermodynamics). An MS degree is not a prerequisite for admission to our PhD program or for PhD degree conferral. 

We invite excellent students from all backgrounds, including those from historically underrepresented groups in engineering, to consider Stanford University for their graduate studies. In making admissions decisions, the Department of Chemical Engineering will comply with the requirements of the law as determined by the Supreme Court of the United States, evaluating each applicant based on their “experiences as an individual—not on the basis of race.” We continue to value a diverse student body that benefits the educational experience of our students and our mission of generating knowledge at Stanford University.

1.Completed Online Application

Access  online application

2. Enriching the Learning Community

Stanford University welcomes graduate applications from individuals with a broad range of experiences, interests, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. We invite you to share the lived experiences, demonstrated values, perspectives, and/or activities that shape you as a scholar and would help you to make a distinctive contribution to Stanford University.

3. Transcripts/Education History

Applicants are required to upload copies of their transcripts/academic records (including any legends/keys) directly into the online application. Please ensure that your scans are legible since the Admissions Committee will use them in their review process. Official transcripts will only be required for applicants who are admitted and accept the offer of graduate admission. Please do not arrange for any official transcripts to be sent to the department or Stanford graduate admissions until that time.

When completing the “Educational History 1” section of the application, you will be asked to list every college and university you have attended for a year or more, and any degree program in which you are currently enrolled. Please list the highest undergraduate degree awarded (e.g. Bachelor’s, Diploma, Maitrise, etc.) in the “Post-Secondary Institution 1” section.

4. Statement of Purpose (2 pages maximum)

In your statement of purpose, you should succinctly describe your reasons for applying to the Chemical Engineering PhD program, which may include:

Preparation and motivation for graduate study in Chemical Engineering

• Aspects of your background and interests outside of research that are directly relevant to thriving in graduate school, such as obstacles overcome and experience in service and leadership
• Motivation for pursuing a PhD drawing from specific examples of research , relevant work experience, and/or personal interests
• Possible general areas of research you might pursue
• Possible general areas of Chemical Engineering that you might pursue in your career
• Any faculty member’s research that is of specific interest to you
• Many experience obstacles in your education, especially during this past year. Please also feel free to provide further explanation about any challenges or obstacles you’ve faced in your academic preparation

The maximum length is two pages (single-spaced). Your statement of purpose should be a well-structured essay that effectively communicates the information above while demonstrating your expository writing ability; it is often effective to open with a summary paragraph.

5. Three letters of recommendation

Recommenders should know you well and be able to comment on your strengths and your potential for graduate study. Our faculty strongly prefer letters of recommendation from academic (or professional) references who can speak to your academic and/or research background (e.g. professors who have acted as research supervisors, or instructors who have had extensive individual interactions with you). Letters must be submitted by the stated deadline as application review begins immediately. Late letters will not be reviewed. Additionally, our faculty find it helpful to hear from references who can comment on your personal qualities that would enable you to succeed in our graduate programs (such as your work ethic, commitment to goals, passion for learning and teaching, and capacity to overcome adversity), even if these references are from outside of STEM fields (e.g. coaches, academic advisors, and university leaders). Additional recommenders beyond the 3 required Letters of Recommendation are not requested.  

The Department of Chemical Engineering does not accept letters of recommendation submitted through Interfolio.

6. List of Research Experience (CV/Resume format) - 1 page limit

Your Research Experience provides the admissions committee with additional information to better evaluate your preparation and fit for our program. This is an opportunity to summarize your qualifications, honors, educational accomplishments (including publications and presentations) and interests. It should be a bulleted list, and can be structured similarly to a CV or resume and include relevant experience.  Please note:  The application portal labels this the "Resume/CV" in the Experience section of the application and incorrectly states the page length is 3 pages. Please adhere to 1 page and upload your "List of Research Experience" where the application portal shows the "Resume/CV". 

7. TOEFL scores

Applicants whose first spoken language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), unless they qualify for an exemption or waiver. Applicants whose scores fall below Stanford’s minimum TOEFL requirements will still be considered for admission; if admitted, Stanford may require these students to take a placement exam and/or classes to satisfy the University’s English proficiency requirement.

TOEFL scores are retained for 20 months. For questions about the validity of TOEFL scores, please contact ETS. If ETS is able to send your TOEFL scores, we will accept them. Stanford currently does not accept scores from the IELTS exam.

8. Application Fee

Applicants who need assistance with the application fee are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver. Preference is given to low-income, first-generation, and underrepresented minority students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

For applicants who are not receiving a waiver, a nonrefundable application fee of $125 is required for each application submitted to a graduate program at Stanford University. The fee must be paid through the payment section of the online application. The only accepted method of payment is by credit/debit card (Visa or MasterCard only).

Graduate Fee Waiver

Join dozens of  Stanford Engineering students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars  (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your PhD studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 9, 2024, at 1:00pm Pacific Time. Learn more about  KHS admission . 

My official test scores will not arrive by the application deadline! Can I still apply?

Yes, you may still apply. You should take your ETS tests and request that scores be submitted to Stanford as well. Your application will not be considered complete until your official transcripts and test scores arrive. We will contact otherwise competitive applicants with incomplete applications for follow-up. Be sure your e-email address and telephone number are correct.

Are TOEFL scores required for admission?

In general, yes, if your first language is not English. On your application, self-report both your ETS scores and percentages. The Graduate Admissions website has further details about the university-wide test requirements and exceptions. Any request for a TOEFL waiver must to directed to central Graduate Admissions. Individual academic departments may not approve requests for waivers.  In general, there is a high expectation for English language fluency in both formal use and informal interactions, in written and oral situations. One of the key goals of our educational programs is the further development of communication skills in English and ongoing opportunities are built into the curriculum.

Is there a TOEFL exemption process if I received a degree from an institution whose primary instruction was in English?

TOEFL scores are required of all applicants whose first language is not English. Exemptions are granted to applicants who have earned a US bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting association in the United States, or the international equivalent degree from a university of recognized standing in a country in which all instruction is provide in English (Australia, Canada except Quebec, New Zealand, Singapore, and the UK. Stanford does not accept IELTS scores. More information can be found on the  Graduate Admissions website .

Do I need to select an advisor before starting the program?

Each first-year PhD student rotates with two different faculty research groups before choosing an advisor and lab in which to develop his or her own research projects. The rotations enable students to gain a better understanding of a given faculty member’s research program and to determine if that lab is a good fit for their future research. Furthermore, during the first six months, there are multiple opportunities to talk with a wide range of faculty members about their research.

I’m applying to the Knight-Hennessy Program. What’s my deadline? Do I need to do both applications?

You should submit two independent applications if you are applying to the Knight-Hennessy Program - one to the Chemical Engineering department by Dec 1 and one to Knight-Hennessy by their deadline. You should be sure to complete both your Knight-Hennessy application by their deadline of October 9, 2024, at 1:00pm Pacific Time. These applications are independent and separate. Be sure you complete each set of requirements for each separate application. Please visit the  Knight-Hennessy Website  for more information regarding the Knight Hennessy Scholars program.

Can I visit the department?

Admitted PhD applicants will be invited to visit the department and meet with our students and faculty.

May I apply to start graduate work in other times of the year than Autumn Quarter?

For programmatic and curricular reasons, admitted students should plan to commence studies at the beginning of the academic year, in September.

Are GRE scores required for admission?

GRE scores are no longer required or accepted as part of an applicant’s application materials.

What kinds of financial aid are available?

Fellowship awards, assistantship jobs and loans through the university. The department is the first point of contact for the administration of most external fellowships (NSF, NDSEG, DOD, DOE, NIH, Hughes, Bell/Lucent and various foundations,), university fellowships (Stanford Graduate Fellowship), School of Engineering and departmental fellowships, and research and teaching assistantships. The university's Financial Aid Office helps graduate students obtain loans.

What are my chances of getting financial aid?

We offer financial aid at the time of admission to approximately the top 5-10 percent of the PhD applicants, and virtually all the first-year PhD students in Chemical Engineering receive aid. Faculty hold workshops to help PhD students write research proposals and apply for external fellowships. Once PhD students join a research group, normally they are supported either by fellowship awards or assistantship jobs from their research advisors or a combination of these two sources of funds.

What is the usual size of the incoming chemical engineering PhD Class?

Recently, the incoming PhD classes have numbered in the mid-20s.

When will I find out about the decision on my application?

All applicants must maintain current and correct email addresses so we can communicate with you via email. PhD applicants can expect to hear from us in January/February. The final PhD decisions are made after the December PhD deadline so the entire pool may be considered. PhD decisions will be communicated to all applicants, in writing, via email.

Further questions can be directed to  [email protected]

Chemical Engineering

Why study chemical engineering.

The Chemical Engineering program offers an average of 35 graduate courses a year in the four research areas of Biomolecular Engineering, Nanotechnology, Energy and Environment, and Separations. The courses include, but are not limited to Air Pollution Engineering, Biotransformations and Biocatalysis, Bioengineering, Chemical Engineering Design and Green Engineering, Computational Chemistry and Molecular Modeling, Fuel Cells, Membrane Processes, Molecular Engineering and Functional Nanomaterials, Polymer Systems, Process Dynamics, Control and Optimization, Reaction Engineering and Catalysis for Energy and Fuels, Separation Processes, Tissue Engineering, and Transport Phenomena.

Admission Requirements

• GRE - Required of all international students; GRE is exempt for students that earned a degree from an ABET accredited university (or equivalent accreditation) in the USA with a GPA of 3.0+
• Transcript(s) and Degree Certificates (unofficial transcripts are used for admissions review, only admitted applicants submit official transcripts)
• GPA minimum 3.0 or equivalent
• Statement of Purpose
• Two letters of recommendation
• International students - English Proficiency Test: TOEFL (minimum 92) or IELTS (minimum 6.5)
• Guide: Chemical Engineering Ph.D.

Application Deadlines

Early Admission

General Admission

Application deadlines and additional application information can be found at the CEAS Office of Graduate Studies .

Contact Information

Find related programs in the following interest areas:.

• Engineering

Program Code: 20DOC-CHE-PHD

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Chemical Engineering PhD Program

Doctoral Program

UTSA’s PhD in Chemical Engineering is designed to prepare graduates to solve current engineering grand challenges and become leaders in chemical engineering industries.

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Why Pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering

UTSA offers state-of-the-art facilities and excellent program faculty, giving students the opportunity to pursue high-level multidisciplinary research projects in the broad fields of health, energy, materials, and the environment.

Graduates of this research-intensive program apply their cutting-edge research to solve problems across traditional scientific boundaries and lead careers in industry, academia, or governmental research laboratories.

Flexible Degree Plan

This degree offers a flexibility not typically found in similar programs to adapt to individualized student interests. Additional courses in leadership and engineering education are offered to complement a variety of future career goals.

Additionally, students in this program are highly encouraged to pursue a semester-long internship in a non-academic setting such as industry, private research institutes, or national laboratories.

Chemical Engineering Research Areas

Chemical Engineering faculty at UTSA are interested in solving grand challenges of energy production, from traditional such as fossil-fuel sources and natural gas, to alternative fuels and battery development.

Click to learn more about UTSA faculty performing Energy research:

• Gary Jacobs, PhD
• Additional Profile
• Esteban Urena-Benavides, PhD

Environmental

Chemical Engineering faculty at UTSA conduct environmental research in the areas of water purification technologies, electrochemistry processes, bioremediation, carbon sequestration, oil recovery and renewable energy.

Click to learn more about UTSA faculty performing Environmental research:

• Nehal Abu-Lail, PhD
• Camilah Powell, PhD
• Gongchen Sun, PhD

Chemical Engineering faculty at UTSA are interested in investigating materials for applications in catalysis, computing and simulation, electrochemistry, batteries, nanotechnology, and microfabrication.

Click to learn more about UTSA faculty performing Materials research:

• Maria Gonzalez Porras, PhD
• Teja Guda, PhD
• Abelardo Ramirez-Hernandez, PhD

Bioengineering

Chemical Engineering faculty at UTSA perform bioengineering research for applications in drug delivery, tissue engineering, neuroengineering, sensing, microfluidics and artificial intelligence.

Click to learn more about UTSA faculty performing Bioengineering research:

• Eric Brey, PhD
• Amina Qutub, PhD

Chemical Engineering Education

Chemical Engineering faculty at UTSA are also interested in investigating innovative and inclusive methods for teaching and learning chemical engineering.

Click to learn more about UTSA faculty performing Chemical Engineering Education research:

• Admission Requirements

Application Deadlines

Funding opportunities, career options, admission & application requirements.

Applications are submitted through the UTSA Graduate Application . Please upload all required documents (listed below) on your UTSA Graduate Application. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure completion and submission of the application, a nonrefundable application fee, and all required supporting documents are on file with UTSA by the appropriate application deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to have their admission file completed as early as possible. All applications, required documents and letters of recommendation, if applicable, must be submitted by 5:00 PM U.S. Central Time on the day of the deadline. Deadlines are subject to change.

PhD students may qualify for research or teaching positions, for which the Klesse College offers funding related to tuition, medical insurance, and an annual stipend of $26,000.

UTSA prepares you for future careers that are in demand. The possible careers below is data pulled by a third-party tool called Emsi, which pulls information from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, online job postings, other government databases and more to give you regional and national career outlook related to this academic program.

Course Offerings & Schedule

This is a research-intensive program. All courses are offered during the day at UTSA main campus. Most courses are offered through face-to-face instruction, but some online course options may be available.

Graduate Advisor of Record

Gabriela Romero Uribe, PhD

210-458-7982

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UCLA Graduate Programs

Graduate Program: Chemical Engineering

UCLA's Graduate Program in Chemical Engineering offers the following degree(s):

Master of Science (M.S.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

With questions not answered here or on the program’s site (above), please contact the program directly.

Chemical Engineering Graduate Program at UCLA 5531 Boelter Hall Box 951592 Los Angeles, CA 90095-1592

Visit the Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Department’s faculty roster

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

Visit the registrar's site for the Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Department’s course descriptions

• Admission Requirements
• Program Statistics

(310) 825-1203

[email protected]

MAJOR CODE: CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Chemical Engineering

Engineering matter to change the world.

Chemical Engineering Graduate Program in the U.S. News & World Report Ranking (2024-2025)

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Program in the U.S. News & World Report Ranking (2023-2024)

Michigan Engineering ranked 7th Best Engineering School by U.S. News & World Report (2023-2024)

OUR PROGRAMS

Transform matter into solutions to society’s greatest challenges from the future of medicine to powering a sustainable society. Chemical engineers are developing and implementing creative solutions that help to improve the human condition.

UNDERGRADUATE

HUMAN HEALTH

Michigan chemical engineers are developing lab-on-a-chip devices to do genetic analysis and biomolecule synthesis. We are improving drug delivery and medical imaging by studying how molecules move and distribute throughout the body.

We are driven by the challenge: how to power the modern world without polluting it. We are leaders in taking a molecular-level approach to designing distributed, sustainable systems that solve energy and environmental problems on a global scale.

MATTER BY DESIGN

We are leading a revolution in transformative material design, from atomically precise manufacturing to predictive, bio-mimicking, programmable nanomaterials. These materials, precisely designed and manufactured on demand, will impact life across the world and make the impossible, possible.

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A study led by James Moon has identified a potential new treatment for food allergies in inulin, a naturally occurring plant fiber commonly used as a supplement, a prebiotic in soda, a replacement for sweeteners and for other products and purposes.

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2024-2025 Campus Internship - Research & Development (PhD)

Job location.

Alma, MI, US, 48802

Employment Type

Job posted on.

9 July 2024

Job Overview

• Application Deadline: 6 August 2024

Job Description

At Dow, we believe in putting people first and were passionate about delivering integrity, respect and safety to our customers, our employees and the planet.

Our people are at the heart of our solutions. They reflect the communities we live in and the world where we do business. Their diversity is our strength. Were a community of relentless problem solvers that offers the daily opportunity to contribute with your perspective, transform industries and shape the future. Our purpose is simple - to deliver a sustainable future for the world through science and collaboration. If youre looking for a challenge and meaningful role, youre in the right place.

About you and this role - What you would do in this role

Dow has exciting opportunities for Intern Graduate PhD Scientists who are interested in a career in Research and Development. Opportunities exist across the R&D function and are aligned with various organizations and business units in a variety of locations including Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania and other locations in North America.

We are seeking candidates who have expertise in one or more of the following areas: chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, polymer science, theoretical modeling, mechanical engineering, data science as well as other dimensions of chemical or materials sciences. You will work with project teams to solve chemical- and material-related problems through both fundamental and applied research. The types of projects span from product research to process research to application development. Examples include new molecule or material synthesis, process scale-up, reaction engineering and study and application of structure-property relationships to new product development. The specific opportunities including project type, geography and timing are variable.

To stay connected with Dow, join our Talent Community for email alerts of new job opportunities that match your interest and events taking place in your area.

Qualifications Required education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities that are needed for this role (must haves).

• Currently enrolled in a PhD program in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Polymer Science, Data Science, or other related disciplines.
• A minimum GPA of 2.700 (on a scale of 4.000) is preferred.
• Reliable attendance is an expectation of every Dow employee, therefore reliable transportation is required.

Additional notes

• Some Dow facilities are positioned near navigable waterways and are deemed TWIC facilities as per the Maritime Transportation Security Act. Please review this FAQ on TWIC credentialing and acceptable documentation. If placed at a location that is deemed a TWIC facility, you must be willing and able to adhere to the TWIC credentialing requirements.

Dow (NYSE: DOW) is one of the worlds leading materials science companies, serving customers in high-growth markets such as packaging, infrastructure, mobility and consumer applications. Our global breadth, asset integration and scale, focused innovation, leading business positions and commitment to sustainability enable us to achieve profitable growth and help deliver a sustainable future. We operate manufacturing sites in 31 countries and employ approximately 35,900 people. Dow delivered sales of approximately $45 billion in 2023. References to Dow or the Company mean Dow Inc. and its subsidiaries. Learn more about us and our ambition to be the most innovative, customer-centric, inclusive and sustainable materials science company in the world by visiting www.dow.com.

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our workforce, Dow is committed to equal opportunities in employment. We encourage every employee to bring their whole self to work each day to not only deliver more value, but also have a more fulfilling career. Further information regarding Dow's equal opportunities is available on www.dow.com.

Dow is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to providing opportunities without regard for race, color, religion, sex, including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin, age, disability and genetic information, including family medical history. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may call us at 1-833-My Dow HR (833-693-6947) and select option 8.

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• Honours graduate Mareya joins academic elite

Student progresses to PhD in the US without master’s

A c hemical engineering honours degree graduate from the University of Johannesburg has  been accepted into the PhD progamme at a US university after bypassing the traditional master’s degree.  

Marvellous Mareya, who was born and raised in Zimbabwe, moved to South Africa in 2017 to fulfil his dreams of being a pilot.  

However, his father – the family's breadwinner – passed away the same year. Mareya was then forced to drop out of the Germiston-based flight school.

“My passion was in aviation. I have always wanted to be a pilot but when I joined the school my father passed away. Flight schools are very expensive, and my mom could not afford the fees. I then decided to drop out and apply for a degree,” the 26-year-old said .  

Because he dropped out of aviation school in the middle of the year, university applications were already closed and he stayed home for the remainder of the year as well as 2018.

He then went back to school in 2019 to study chemical engineering.

Former security now a school teacher

“I received a merit bursary from UJ based on my high school results of A levels. I then did my honours in 2022, a year after I lost my mother to Covid-19. It was one of the hardest times of my academic years and I was really expecting her to attend my graduation,” said Mareya.  

He graduated in 2023 and took a job as an assistant lecturer at the institution and started applying to universities overseas for a master's degree.

"I have always desired to study abroad, to get exposed to high end technology and acquire in-depth skills to apply on local projects. So after completing my honours, I actively researched institutions known for their contributions to chemical engineering research and discovered UJ's t collaboration opportunities with prestigious universities abroad, which led me to apply.

“I applied for a Master's degree at Louisiana State University and after their admission committee reviewed my application, they offered me a PhD admission rather.”

Professor Daniel Mashao, executive dean of the faculty of engineering and the built environment at UJ, shared how Mareya ended up going straight to PhD.

According to Mashao, typically students who complete an honours degree require further training in research methodologies and publications, often by completing a master’s degree before being accepted into a PhD programme.

"However, Mareya demonstrated exceptional knowledge and grasp of research writing skills early in his academic career," said Mashao.

"He has consistently produced high-quality journal articles, meeting the rigorous standards of top-tier journals. Given his advanced capabilities and proven research competence, he has been deemed ready to perform at the doctoral level without the intermediary step of a Master's degree,” said Mashao.

Zondo’s remarkable journey from pointsman to tycoon

Mareya also received the prestigious UJ Vice-Dean's Postgraduate Award last year in recognition of his outstanding academic performance during his honours studies.

He credits Professor Thandiwe Sithole for her invaluable mentorship as his supervisor. 

“Her passion for the subject and dedication to student success have been truly inspiring. Her encouragement and support have motivated me to strive for excellence and explore new ideas with confidence,” he said.  

He told Sowetan that losing his parents, who believed in his dream, only made him stronger and also gave him the willingness to go on and do it for his family back home in Zimbabwe.

“Even within my family, their dreams have changed. If you grew up in an environment where you have never seen a doctor or an engineer, it becomes hard to envision yourself being that. For me, it is like I am breaking barriers and saying it is possible and doable irrespective of your background,” Mareya said.  

Despite this promotion being one of the few they have experienced at UJ,  Mashao said this was quite a rare and exceptional achievement.  

Mareya’s PhD programme is scheduled to begin next month.

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