The Chemical Engineering Ph.D. prepares students for academic and industrial positions requiring both a broad chemical engineering foundation and specialized subject matter expertise. Graduates are poised to lead the research enterprise in university, government, and industry positions and contribute to improving the human condition.
Chemical Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
Chemical Engineering Doctoral Degree
About the Chemical Engineering Ph.D.
Follow your passion with a Chemical Engineering Ph.D. degree in a range of research areas including alternative energy, bioengineering, or materials.
Find your place among several research areas, including:
- Advanced materials processing
- Molecular modeling
- Colloidal and interfacial phenomena
- Corrosion and flow in multiphase systems
- Biocorrosion and biofouling mitigation
- Electrochemical engineering
- Batteries and fuel cells
- Energy and pollution control
- Air quality and atmospheric chemistry
- Biomedical and biochemical engineering.
Active collaborations also exist with professors of biology, chemistry, physics, medicine, and civil and mechanical engineering.
Full-time students who enter the program without a master’s degree typically require 4-6 years to complete the program; students who enter with a chemical engineering master’s degree usually require 3-5 years.
Careers with a Chemical Engineering Ph.D.
Admissions Requirements
More about Admission in the Chemical Engineering Graduate Handbook
Although submitting high GRE scores (e.g., GRE quantitative reasoning in the 80th percentile and above) can help offset less desirable GPA, we do not require submission of GRE scores in applications. They are not required for admissions and financial aid.
Most successful applicants will have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a closely allied field. Those whose educational preparation does not include the full range of required coursework typical of an accredited bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering may be admitted with requirements for additional coursework to fill such gaps. Applicants lacking background in mathematics through differential equations, in general chemistry, in general physics, or in thermodynamics will not be considered.
English Proficiency Requirement: Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.
Fee Waiver
Applicants with good English scores and BS grades are entitled to a waiver of the application fee. There is no need to claim financial hardship. Any applicant with a reasonable chance to be admitted will get it. Contact graduate chair Prof. Tingyue Gu (gu@ohio.edu) to receive a fee waiver.
International students
This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.
Application Deadlines
Fall Admission
Feb. 1 for international applicants, July 15 for U.S. students (but it's a competitive process, so it's a good idea to make the Feb. 1 deadline).
Spring Admission
Sept. 1 for international applicants, Dec. 1 for U.S. students (the competitive process makes Sept. 1 a wise goal).
Summer Admission
Dec. 1 for international applicants, April 1 for U.S. students (the earlier the better).
All application deadlines are soft deadlines to ensure that there is ample time for F-1 visa application.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Admission and support such as tuition scholarships, research and teaching assistantships are competitive. Top students in STEM fields pursuing doctoral degrees may be eligible for Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowships in Electrochemical Engineering and related applications. These Fellowships are awarded based on academic performance and financial need. GAANN Fellows are recommended for the program by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and require approval by the Graduate School and the Fellowship Program Selections Committee. If selected, GAANN Fellows are eligible for stipends up to $34,000 per year. All newly admitted students will be fully funded. Applicants should seek funding commitment from a faculty member directly before they can be admitted.
GAANN Fellowship in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Ohio University Graduate College Financial Support Information
Chemical Engineering Ph.D. Courses & Degree Requirements
View Degree Requirements in the Official Academic Catalog
Chemical Engineering Graduate Handbook: Requirements & Procedures
Graduate Student Resources & Deadlines
The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering requires a minimum of 90 credit hours (including those credited from a prior graduate degree) and successful completion of the student’s approved course of study. The course of study includes core required courses, technical electives and dissertation hours.
Qualifying Examination
The qualifying exam is meant to measure the adequacy of the student's technical preparation as well as his or her aptitude and ability for continuing graduate education toward the Ph.D. degree.
More about the Qualifying Examination
Comprehensive Examination
A comprehensive exam will be administered by the student’s dissertation committee.
More about the Comprehensive Examination
Seminar
Students must participate in Seminar every semester during study that it is offered except when out of town and registered only for 1 dissertation hour. Students in Athens who are not required by funding conditions to register for full-time coursework may register for 1 hour of CHE 6000 rather than dissertation in the final semester.
Students are expected to present one CHE 6000 Seminar if they have not done a full-length presentation at a board meeting or national meeting during their time in the program.
Culminating Experience
Students must complete and successfully defend a dissertation.
Ready for the Next Step?
Contact Us
Questions? Contact the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at chemical@ohio.edu.
Related Chemical Engineering Programs
-
Chemical Engineering M.S.Graduate study in electrical engineering will give you the tools to design, implement, and test and create the next generation of electrical and electronics systems.
-
Biomedical Engineering M.S.
Biomedical Engineering Master's Degree
The Biomedical Engineering M.S. degree prepares students for doctoral study or industry positions at the interface of biology and engineering. Graduates are poised to become leaders in biomedical engineering.