The Ph.D. program consists of a combination of course work and scientific research leading to the preparation of a thesis and to publication in professional journals. As early as the first year, course work is determined individually by the student in consultation with the faculty and is geared to the student's interests and background. The intent is to provide formal instruction built around the chosen research area and the fundamentals of chemical engineering, as well as to allow the opportunity for exposure to other areas of science and engineering. Courses within chemical engineering are listed in detail below. The most significant aspect of a student's graduate curriculum is the dissertation.
Students can begin their research work as soon as the second term of the first year.
A series of orientation seminars introduces new graduate students to the active research interests of the faculty. After the initial orientation, a student talks individually with those faculty members whose fields are of interest. Finally, the student selects an advisor at the end of the first term of the first year. Application for Graduate Study Applications for admission for the fall term should be received by January 15, but later applications will also be given due consideration. Foreign students are required to take the Graduate Record Examination, and it is highly recommended that American students do so also.