Doctoral Admissions

Our graduate students engage in high-impact research alongside world-renowned faculty and become leaders in academia and industry. Consistently ranked among the best in the nation, the department has been at the forefront of chemical engineering graduate education since 1935.

Innovation & Inclusion—that's the Power of I.

We invite you to become an integral part of our innovative, interdisciplinary community that is filled with leaders in catalysis and surface chemistry, biological and biochemical engineering, and soft materials and complex fluids. At Illinois, you'll discover engaged research advisors, supportive peers, full access to cutting-edge facilities and world-class research institutes, cultural resource centers, and much more. Join Illinois’ bright future and our legacy that includes legendary engineering scholars and leaders—such as Joan Brennecke (UT-Austin) and Fikile Brushett (MIT)—among many other alumni who still call our department home.

Our graduate program is consistently recognized among the top chemical and biomolecular programs in the country. The average annual salary for Illinois students with a Ph.D. in chemical and biomolecular engineering seeking jobs in industry and government is about $102,000. 

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Program Requirements

Our Ph.D. students must complete the required coursework, write a thesis, and perform satisfactorily on their examinations to earn their doctorate in chemical engineering. We do not admit students into the program with the intention of earning a terminal master’s degree; however, students who have met the requirements may obtain a master’s degree as a milestone on the path to completing their Ph.D. degree. Students typically graduate within five years.

If you are interested in pursuing a terminal master’s degree, please see chbe.illinois.edu/admissions/masters to learn about the Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering Leadership program requirements. This master’s degree is not a prerequisite to earning a Ph.D. degree.

Course Work

Course work for our Ph.D. students includes a minimum of four 500-level courses in chemical engineering and a minimum of four courses (including at least one 500-level course) in one or two other departments. Students who enter the graduate program with a B.S. in a subject other than chemical engineering typically take additional courses before the qualifying exam.

Course Reference Numbers (CRNs) for CHBE 598 (Research Seminar) and CHBE 599 (Thesis Research) are available here: CHBE 598/599 CRNs

Qualifying Exam

The Ph.D. qualifying examination, taken at the beginning of the second year, comprises an oral presentation of the proposed research including a literature review and a 6- to 12-month research plan. Please note that our qualifying exam does not include a traditional written examination. 

Preliminary Exam

The preliminary examination, typically taken before the end of the third year, includes a written research proposal and oral presentation to the examination committee describing preliminary data, a detailed research plan, and a timeline for completion of the dissertation.

Final Exam

The final examination, or the dissertation defense, is a significant milestone in a graduate student’s career. This stage involves the student presenting their work to their doctoral committee and disseminating their work to the public. More information about the final exam/dissertation defense, including deadlines, thesis writing guidelines, and assembling a committee for the final defense is provided by the Graduate College Thesis Office.