Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog [Not Current Academic Year. Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Chemical Engineering, PhD


The mission of the PhD program is to train graduate students and contribute to the development of fundamental knowledge in the field of chemical engineering. The department’s diverse research is at the forefront of traditional and emerging chemical engineering disciplines including biomolecular engineering, nano-materials, environmental reaction engineering, energy, control theory, polymers, transport, catalysis, separation processes and plasma processing science and applications. The department offers courses in the core disciplines of chemical engineering, as well as a broad range of electives on current and developing topics. Students’ education is broadened by a series of seminars by internationally known speakers from academia and industry. Many of our students also participate in internships during their Ph.D. tenure.

For more information, please visit the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering MS and PhD Programs page.

Admission Requirements


  • Students with BS can apply directly to the PhD program.
  • Minimum undergraduate grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (based on 4.0); accepted students typically are in the top 10% of class (3.35 or better based on 4.0)
  • Accepted students typically have total GRE score 300 or better (Quantitative of 155 or better).
  • Must meet English language profieciency requirement (US degree, TOEFL, etc).  Full details are on the English Language Proficiency Requirements page.

Be advised that meeting these criteria does not guarantee admission.

Acceptance into the program is based on a competitive combination of academic background, GRE scores, recommendation letters, resume, and the statement of purpose. Full details on the application process are found on the How to Apply to UH Graduate School page. The Checklists below list all requirements for the Application Submission:

Applicant Checklist

  • UH Graduate School Application
  • Scanned copies of official transcript will be used for the application evaluation (upload). However IF admitted Official Transcript with the date your degree was Conferred/Awarded  must be submitted to the Graduate School before enrollment can take place.
  • GRE scores (University code is 6870)
  • Statement of Purpose (uploaded- if possible no longer than 2 pages)
  • Resume (uploaded)
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation (emails must be listed on the online application)
  • Application Fee [$25 domestic applicants/$75 international applicants] (cannot be waived)
  • International applications have additional documentation and English language proficiency requirements. Please visit the Graduate International Students page for more information.

Degree Requirements


Credit hours required for this degree: 72.0

Program Study for the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering (PhD):

The program requires the completion of 30 credit hours of approved graduate coursework. Which consist of Four Core, Two Semi Core and Four Elective courses. Also students required to have 12 Dissertation hours and 30 Research hours.