Chemical Engineering is part of a rapidly expanding field that requires interdisciplinary engineers educated in both the molecular and medical sciences. For every discovery made in the health and industrial sectors, a chemical engineer finds a way to develop and implement it on a large scale.
The PhD in Chemical Engineering program at the Tandon School of Engineering prepares students to fulfill that role. Our curriculum offers an advanced course of study to refine students' research skills, and we teach students the problem-solving skills to surmount any problem along the way.
Our PhD program in Chemical Engineering is designed to outfit students with expert knowledge of the field’s core fundamentals as well as the latest research in its subtopics. By doing so, we further students' specialization beyond a master’s degree, helping students achieve superior competence in a minor topic within Chemical Engineering.
Urban Science Doctoral Track
The optional Urban Science Doctoral Track is specifically designed for students who want to focus on urban science through a cohesive array of in-class and experiential learning activities, while pursuing their PhD at NYU Tandon. Doctoral track students will engage with CUSP’s urban science faculty, experts in methodological aspects pertaining to complexity (dynamical systems, multi-agent systems, network science, and risk engineering), informatics (AI, machine learning, and robotics), and sensing (Internet of Things, smart infrastructure, wireless).
Select at least three CBE-GY courses (9 credits), 6000-level and above.
9
Course Electives
Course Electives can be more CBE-GY courses or chosen from other graduate programs with the approval of the graduate adviser.1
9
Free Electives
Free Electives can be either more graduate courses or more dissertation credits beyond the minimum required.1
9
Qualifying Exam
Students are required to pass the Qualifying Exam (QE) within 2 years of beginning the PhD program. The QE is the prerequiste of the dissertation course.
After passing the QE, students will in enroll at least 3 credits of disseration each fall and spring term until graduation. The PhD requires a total of 36 credits of dissertation.2
PhD Dissertation in Chemical and Biological Engineering
Total Credits
75
1
All electives must first be approved by the graduate adviser. No courses may be chosen from the School of Professional Studies.
2
Note: Up to 9 credits of CBE-GY 998X Research in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering can be included here.
Additional Program Requirements
Comprehensive Qualifying Examination and Dissertation
Students must pass a comprehensive qualifying examination in chemical engineering and present a doctoral dissertation. The qualifying exam is given once a year. Additional details on the qualifying examination will be provided by the graduate adviser.
GPA Requirement
To meet graduation requirements, students must have an overall GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 or higher, and must not obtain a grade of C or lower in more than two required core courses.
Transfer Credits
A student who has earned graduate level credits and/or been awarded an MS degree should consult with the graduate adviser for course registration and possible credit transfer.
Required Safety Training
All PhD students in Chemical Engineering must complete a three-hour training session offered by the NYU Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Office during their first semester, prior to beginning any work in the lab. Students will enroll in the training session on BioRaft. The sessions cover: Lab Safety, Hazardous Waste, Bloodborne Pathogens and International Air Transport Association (IATA) shipping. Students must show proof (e.g. certificate) that they have completed this training to their advisers. Each subsequent fall, students must take the above mentioned online refreshers (excluding IATA) until they graduate.
Internship for Chemical Engineering Students
Students can register for an internship course (CP-GY 9941, CP-GY 9951, 1.5 credits each) to do an internship. It is strongly recommended that the internship courses are taken during the summer. Up to 3 credits of approved internships can be applied as general (non-CBE) electives towards the PhD degree. Students cannot do an internship for credit after they have completed degree requirements. For an internship to be approved for credit, the internship must provide industry and/or research experience relevant to the Chemical Engineering PhD degree program. A PhD dissertation adviser serves as a faculty adviser. All internships must be approved by the faculty adviser. An internship supervisor (that is a person supervising a student’s work at the internship site) will be requested to supervise the project and submit a midterm and a final term evaluation report to the faculty adviser. The student must submit a project report to the faculty adviser upon completion of the internship for evaluation and grading. During the internship, students are responsible for covering expenses such as fees, tuition, or living costs. International students willing to do an internship should consult with the Office of Global Services (OGS) to ensure compliance with immigration regulations; this most often involves getting approval for Curricular Practical Training (CPT).