Program details
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering combines a wide range of course offerings and research activities, to allow a tailored program to fit the background, capabilities, and aims of each student. Coursework is designed to expand the student's knowledge of engineering principles and applications. Each student also conducts an extensive research project that significantly advances fundamental understanding of a chemical engineering system. Research results are documented in a dissertation, and in peer-reviewed journal publications.
In addition to Chemical Engineering graduates, the doctoral program welcomes students who have completed a B.S. degree in chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, physics, or other STEM disciplines. "Foundations in Chemical Engineering", a program of accelerated, online courses are provided to prepare non-chemical engineering students for graduate study in Chemical Engineering. These courses can be taken prior to formally entering the doctoral program. Please see the link below for more information.
- Program overview (Office of Registrar)
- Course descriptions (Office of Registrar)
- Foundations in Chemical Engineering
Application process
Michigan State University uses a decentralized admissions process for graduate studies. Visit the College of Engineering graduate admissions page for details on the overall process.
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science graduate admissions process is as follows:
1. Fill out a complete MSU Graduate School Application. Use the on-line forms, or contact gradschool@grd.msu.edu to check on the availability of a paper application. Note the following degree codes:
- Chemical Engineering M.S. = 2303
- Chemical Engineering Ph.D. = 2304
- Materials Science and Engineering M.S. = 8001
- Materials Science and Engineering Ph.D. = 8002
Please Note: Applications completed prior to January 5 will receive full consideration. Your application cannot be marked complete until your application fee has been paid.
2. Completing the MSU application online will give you access to the Student portal. You will be able to:
- Upload Resume/CV
- Upload personal and academic statements
- Manage Letter of Recommendations (see guidelines below)
- Upload any other pertinent information for your application
- For MS students only: Affidavit of Support and bank statements
- Send Messages to Graduate Secretary and Graduate Director
3. The following items must be submitted in an official capacity:
- Copy of your official transcripts (undergraduate and graduate). Note: for paper copies, please have official correspondence sent to department. Please contact the Graduate Secretary if you wish to have electronic copies sent, as they must meet certain criteria.
- GRE Scores are currently not required.
- Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (international applicants only). (See Guidelines).
Official test scores (GRE and TOEFL) must be submitted to the University via the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Unofficial photocopies of score sheets are useful for review purposes, but we cannot admit applicants without a complete application, which requires official scores.
4. Arrange for three recommendations from instructors and/or advisors familiar with your academic record who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation for you. This may be done via the student portal (step 2) or by mail. The student portal allows for the student to add referrers, send reminder emails and waive their right to view letters.
For mail submissions, please use our CHEMS Recommendation Form (Word document, .doc) (rather than the form provided by the graduate school.) Fill out and sign the top portion of each form. Ask the recommender to complete the form, attach a letter if they wish, and return it to us at the departmental address given on the bottom of the form.
Address for Mailing ALL Printed Application Materials:
Graduate Secretary
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Michigan State University
428 S. Shaw Ln Rm 2100
Engineering Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1226
Phone: (517) 355-5135
FAX: (517) 432-1105
grad_rec@egr.msu.edu
Applications will only be reviewed when complete and official. Please utilize the student portal for up-to-date information about your application status.
Program details
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering combines a wide range of course offerings and research activities, to allow a tailored program to fit the background, capabilities, and aims of each student. Coursework is designed to expand the student's knowledge of engineering principles and applications. Each student also conducts an extensive research project that significantly advances fundamental understanding of a chemical engineering system. Research results are documented in a dissertation, and in peer-reviewed journal publications.
In addition to Chemical Engineering graduates, the doctoral program welcomes students who have completed a B.S. degree in chemistry, biochemistry, mathematics, physics, or other STEM disciplines. "Foundations in Chemical Engineering", a program of accelerated, online courses are provided to prepare non-chemical engineering students for graduate study in Chemical Engineering. These courses can be taken prior to formally entering the doctoral program. Please see the link below for more information.
- Program overview (Office of Registrar)
- Course descriptions (Office of Registrar)
- Foundations in Chemical Engineering
Application process
Michigan State University uses a decentralized admissions process for graduate studies. Visit the College of Engineering graduate admissions page for details on the overall process.
The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science graduate admissions process is as follows:
1. Fill out a complete MSU Graduate School Application. Use the on-line forms, or contact gradschool@grd.msu.edu to check on the availability of a paper application. Note the following degree codes:
- Chemical Engineering M.S. = 2303
- Chemical Engineering Ph.D. = 2304
- Materials Science and Engineering M.S. = 8001
- Materials Science and Engineering Ph.D. = 8002
Please Note: Applications completed prior to January 5 will receive full consideration. Your application cannot be marked complete until your application fee has been paid.
2. Completing the MSU application online will give you access to the Student portal. You will be able to:
- Upload Resume/CV
- Upload personal and academic statements
- Manage Letter of Recommendations (see guidelines below)
- Upload any other pertinent information for your application
- For MS students only: Affidavit of Support and bank statements
- Send Messages to Graduate Secretary and Graduate Director
3. The following items must be submitted in an official capacity:
- Copy of your official transcripts (undergraduate and graduate). Note: for paper copies, please have official correspondence sent to department. Please contact the Graduate Secretary if you wish to have electronic copies sent, as they must meet certain criteria.
- GRE Scores are currently not required.
- Official TOEFL or IELTS scores (international applicants only). (See Guidelines).
Official test scores (GRE and TOEFL) must be submitted to the University via the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Unofficial photocopies of score sheets are useful for review purposes, but we cannot admit applicants without a complete application, which requires official scores.
4. Arrange for three recommendations from instructors and/or advisors familiar with your academic record who have agreed to write a letter of recommendation for you. This may be done via the student portal (step 2) or by mail. The student portal allows for the student to add referrers, send reminder emails and waive their right to view letters.
For mail submissions, please use our CHEMS Recommendation Form (Word document, .doc) (rather than the form provided by the graduate school.) Fill out and sign the top portion of each form. Ask the recommender to complete the form, attach a letter if they wish, and return it to us at the departmental address given on the bottom of the form.
Address for Mailing ALL Printed Application Materials:
Graduate Secretary
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Michigan State University
428 S. Shaw Ln Rm 2100
Engineering Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1226
Phone: (517) 355-5135
FAX: (517) 432-1105
grad_rec@egr.msu.edu
Applications will only be reviewed when complete and official. Please utilize the student portal for up-to-date information about your application status.