Chemical Engineering PhD
Degree Awarded: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Minimum Required Credits: 30.0
Co-op Option: None
Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code: 14.0701
Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code: 17-2041
About the Program
Students in the PhD in Chemical Engineering program gain technical knowledge and research skills in specialized areas of chemical engineering as well as fundamental knowledge of thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical kinetics. Through this foundation, they develop the ability to analyze and model complex chemical and biological systems, design and optimize sustainable processes, and apply data-driven and computational tools to engineering challenges. Graduates emerge with competencies in critical thinking, experimental design, and professional communication.
Drexel’s PhD in Chemical Engineering emphasizes research through an independent dissertation. Research is supported through core coursework and elective classes.
Graduates of the PhD program pursue diverse career trajectories in industry, academia, and government. Industries include chemical, pharmaceutical, energy, materials, and biotechnology sectors, as well as consulting or technical leadership roles. The program offers the scientific and analytical foundation necessary for advancement in a research career.
Drexel’s signature experiential learning model is applied in the PhD in Chemical Engineering through hands-on research. Working with a faculty advisor, students gain direct experience in experimental or computational projects that accelerate career readiness. In addition, the course catalogue has been designed to deliver practical knowledge of modern chemical engineering systems and provide actionable expertise to further a student’s ambition in either industry or academia. The program’s interdisciplinary environment by linking chemical, biological, and materials engineering cultivates engineers who can bridge scientific discovery and technological application. This combination of flexibility, applied research, and professional preparation defines the Drexel advantage.
Additional Information
For more information about this program, please contact the School of Engineering
Admission Requirements
Students should fulfill Drexel University's general requirements for admission to graduate studies. The subjects normally included in an undergraduate program in chemical engineering provide a satisfactory background. Decisions regarding prerequisite qualifications for students who may be deficient in some areas are made after consultation with the departmental graduate advisor.
The core courses are designed for students with undergraduate training in chemical engineering; however, students with a background in other disciplines can also enroll in the core courses after completing the necessary basic engineering courses and disciplinary chemical engineering courses. Programs for such students are determined on an individual basis after consultation with the departmental graduate advisor.
Graduate study in Chemical Engineering is offered on a regular full-time basis and on a part-time basis. Details not covered in the following information may be obtained by contacting the departmental graduate advisor. The General (Aptitude) Test of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for applicants pursuing full-time study.
Degree Requirements
Post-Bachelor's Students
| Core/Foundational Courses | ||
| CHE 5002 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | 3.0 |
| CHE 5003 | Kinetics and Catalysis | 3.0 |
| CHE 5004 | Transport Phenomena | 3.0 |
| CHE 5005 | Quantitative Analysis for Chemical Engineers | 3.0 |
| CHE 8001 | Research Methods and Practices | 1.0 |
| Subject-Area Focused Courses | ||
| Specialized Plan of Study | ||
| Select any 5000-9999 level courses with research advisor approval | 9.0 | |
| Research | 35.0-120.0 | |
| PhD Research | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| CHE 9999 | PhD Defense | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 60.0-145.0 | |
Post-Master's Students
| Core/Foundational Courses | ||
| CHE 5002 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | 3.0 |
| CHE 5003 | Kinetics and Catalysis | 3.0 |
| CHE 5004 | Transport Phenomena | 3.0 |
| CHE 5005 | Quantitative Analysis for Chemical Engineers | 3.0 |
| CHE 8001 | Research Methods and Practices | 1.0 |
| Subject-Area Focused Courses | ||
| Research | 14.0-120.0 | |
| PhD Research | ||
| Dissertation | ||
| CHE 9999 | PhD Defense | 3.0 |
| Total Credits | 30.0-136.0 | |