The department offers studies leading to the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, and Master of Science in Engineering. In the master's program primary emphasis is placed on course work, and the degree generally requires 21 months of study. Thesis and non-thesis options are available, with the former requiring both course work and research. The program of study normally includes basic subjects of importance to all chemical engineers, such as thermodynamics, transport phenomena, kinetics, and applied mathematics. In addition, students are invited to take more-specialized courses in chemical engineering or in other departments.
Students usually take three courses during their first quarter.
In subsequent quarters, less time is spent on course work and more on research. The department has about sixty full-time graduate students, most of whom are working toward a doctorate. They study and collaborate with members of the faculty in an atmosphere that is informal, friendly, and intellectually vigorous. The range of interests among the faculty members is quite broad, so students in courses and in research work have access to a variety of fields while receiving individual attention and guidance. The department is fortunate to have outstanding facilities.