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Chemical Engineering, PhD

Chemical Engineering, PhD

Academic programs / Graduate degrees / Chemical Engineering, PhD

approved for STEM-OPT extension, engineeringgrad, materials, operations, process

Program description
Degree awarded: PHD  Chemical Engineering

The chemical engineering faculty offer a graduate program leading to the PhD in chemical engineering.

Areas of research emphasis include atmospheric aerosols, biomolecular engineering, biosensors, chemical therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, electrochemistry, electronic materials processing, engineering education, flexible display technology, fuel cells, inorganic membranes, process design and operations, protein synthesis, transport phenomena in living systems and water purification.

A graduate handbook detailing information on graduate studies in chemical engineering is available on the school's website. For additional details, students should contact the graduate advising office in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
Degree requirements

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (9 credit hours)
CHE 533 Transport Processes I (3)
CHE 543 Thermodynamics of Chemical Systems (3)
CHE 544 Chemical Reactor Engineering (3)

Technical Electives (18 credit hours)

Other Requirements (5 credit hours)
CHE 591 Seminar (5)

Research (12 credit hours)
CHE 792 Research (12)

Additional Research/Electives (28 credit hours)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours)
CHE 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information
Technical electives are selected from within or outside the chemical engineering program.

Admission requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. resume or curriculum vitae
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English is required to achieve a minimum score of 100 on the internet-based TOEFL, regardless of their current residency.

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Application deadlines
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 12/31Priority
SessionModalityDeadlineType
Session A/CIn Person 08/01Priority
Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts of thermodynamics in the field and how to apply those concepts in their Ph.D. research.
  • Write creative engineering documents that show an understanding of their experimental research and appropriately records and analyzes their results.
  • Construct a research plan that provides detailed experimental procedures and provides a novel research approach.
Career opportunities

Professionals with a chemical engineering doctoral degree have strong opportunities at all levels in research, design and manufacturing at companies of all sizes; at national laboratories (DOE, DOD, NASA); and in academics. Analytical skills learned in chemical engineering are also valued in other nonengineering positions.

Career examples include:

  • engineer
  • engineering manager or director
  • engineering professor
  • lecturer
  • process engineer
  • research engineer
Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is WRGP (Western Regional Graduate Program)?
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

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