Chemical Engineering, PhD
approved for STEM-OPT extension, engineeringgrad, materials, operations, process
Advance the future of chemical innovation as you conduct original research and engage in scholarly exploration. In this rigorous program, you'll gain expertise, reimagine chemical systems, mentor future innovators, and contribute fundamental knowledge to a field that shapes how we understand and use matter.
The chemical engineering faculty offer you a graduate program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy in chemical engineering.
In the program, you have the opportunity to explore research emphases that 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, you should contact the graduate advising office in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period 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 a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation
Required Core (9 credit hours) Technical Electives (18 credit hours) Other Requirements (5 credit hours) Research (12 credit hours) Additional Research or Electives (28 credit hours) Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information
CHE 533 Transport Processes I (3)
CHE 543 Thermodynamics of Chemical Systems (3)
CHE 544 Chemical Reactor Engineering (3)
CHE 591 Seminar (5)
CHE 792 Research (12)
CHE 799 Dissertation (12)
Technical electives are selected from within or outside the chemical engineering program.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
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 a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- resume or curriculum vitae
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English is required to achieve a minimum score of 5, or 100 (taken at at testing center) if taken before January 21, 2026, on the TOEFL iBT® exam regardless of their current residency.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/01 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Priority |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- 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.
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 (Department of Energy, Department of Defense, NASA); and in academics. Analytical skills learned in chemical engineering are also valued in nonengineering positions.
Career examples include:
- engineer
- engineering manager or director
- engineering professor
- lecturer
- process engineer
- research engineer
Chemical Engineering Program
|
USE 138
semtegrad@asu.edu
480-965-2335
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
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. 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.
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.
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.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
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.
