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College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
Materials Science and Chemical Engineering
HomeGraduate StudiesChemical and Molecular EngineeringPhD Degree Requirements

CME PhD Degree Requirments

Requirements are subject to change; for official requirements see the graduate bulletin.

A. Plan of Work  
As part of department's selection process, students are required to choose a research advisor who agrees to serve in that capacity. Following this, the student must prepare a plan outlining further coursework. This plan must be approved by both the student’s advisor and the Graduate Program Committee.

B. Coursework

  • An average grade of B or higher is required for all courses. 
  •  A minimum of 60 graduate credits are required to graduate with a Ph.D. degree in Chemical and Molecular Engineering, of which a minimum of 24 graduate course credits are required to be completed (excluding CME 555: Teaching and Mentoring Techniques, CME 599: Research, CME 697: Chemical and Molecular Engineering Colloquium, CME 698: Practicum in Teaching, and CME 699: Dissertation Research on Campus).
  • Four core courses (CME 501: Fluid Mechanics; CME 502: Mathematical Analysis & Modeling; CME 503: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics and CME 504: Chemical Reaction Engineering.) for a total of 12 credits. 
  • Additional four elective courses within the CME program for a total of 12 credits are required.
  • All courses taken outside the Department require permission from the Graduate Program Director.
  • All students must complete CME 555: Teaching and Mentoring Techniques. This course does not count towards the 24 graduate coursework credits, but is a required course.
  • All full-time PhD students must act as teaching assistants for five semesters (regardless of support), and they must register for CME 698 Practicum in Teaching - in all five semesters for a total of 3 credits and 0 credits for the rest.
  • All students must complete CME 599: Research, for at least a total of 14 credits .

C. Preliminary Examination 
The preliminary examination must be taken during the student’s fifth semester as a Ph.D. student. This oral examination is designed to assess the student’s ability to apply their background in chemical engineering to conduct research in their chosen field of study. Additionally, it evaluates the student’s proficiency in delivering clear written and oral presentations of their research findings. At least ten days prior to the examination, the student must submit a research proposal to the examiners. This proposal, typically 10-15 pages in length, provides context for the research and outlines a plan for its completion. 

The preliminary examination committee must comprise a minimum of three (3) members, with at least two (2) being core faculty members in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering.

D. Advancement to Candidacy 

The preliminary examination committee evaluates the student’s written and oral presentation. Upon successful completion, the department processes the student’s Advancement to Candidacy, confirming their passing of the prelims.

Upon “Advancement to Candidacy” the student must fulfill a minimum of 18 credits (equivalent to two semesters) of CME 699: Dissertation Research, to meet the 60 credits minimum requirement for earning a Ph.D. degree in Chemical and Molecular Engineering.

Note: 

  • To advance to candidacy, students must have no “I” or “U” grades in any courses counting towards the degree.
  • All coursework listed for the PhD program must be completed before the Preliminary oral exam.
  • If a second examination is necessary, it must be completed by the student’s seventh semester in the program; failure to do so results in the inability to continue in the program.

E. Dissertation 

The most critical aspect of the Ph.D. degree is the successful completion of a dissertation. This dissertation must entail an original scholarly investigation, making a significant contribution to the scientific literature. Its quality must meet the publication standards of respected scholarly journals. Furthermore, a minimum of two semesters should elapse between the preliminary exam and submission of the dissertation.

F. Defense 

The candidate is required to defend the dissertation before an examining committee, which must consist of at least four faculty members. This committee includes the research advisor, at least two core faculty members from the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, one member from outside the department, and another member from either inside or outside the department.

G. Time Limit 
All requirements for the Ph.D. degree must be completed within seven years after completing 24 graduate course credits, along with and other necessary requirements, to complete the program with a total of 60 graduate credits.

Chemical and Molecular Engineering
Chemical and Molecular Engineering