This proposal is defended in an oral preliminary examination, in which the student is expected to demonstrate initiative, imagination and a high level of professional ability. Because of the international character of the chemical engineering profession, the department maintains a foreign language requirement that may be satisfied by course work or by passing a translation exam. Alternatively, a program of course work in the humanities or social sciences may be completed. Foreign students whose native language is not English must demonstrate adequate proficiency in English and are exempt from a further language requirement. Finally, the PhD thesis is defended in an oral exam.
Most students complete the program in five and a half years or less.