Academic Programs Catalog

College of Engineering

Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science

Christina Chan, Chairperson

The undergraduate and graduate programs of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science have been training top-quality graduates for over 75 years. Graduates from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science are highly sought after to create solutions for important technological and societal problems. The faculty is dedicated to strong classroom instruction and world-class research focused in the areas of energy and sustainability, advanced materials and nanotechnology, and biotechnology and bioengineering. 


Undergraduate Programs

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science offers two Bachelor of Science degree programs, one in chemical engineering and one in materials science and engineering. Students learn to convert low-value raw materials into high-value products. Students learn how to analyze and understand different processes and how, at the macroscopic, microstructural, and atomistic/molecular levels, these processes  result in different properties in the final product. Emphasis is placed on developing students who understand the technical aspects of production, the environmental, economic, and societal impact of engineering, and who possess a desire for lifelong learning and growth. Optional concentrations are available for students to focus their programs of study on areas of particular interest.

Graduates are trained to succeed in multidisciplinary teams that interface between disciplines. They work across a broad spectrum of fields including industrial chemicals, automotive, metals, plastics, petroleum processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, food, electronics, energy related materials, sensors, and biomedical technology. Within these fields, our graduates are involved in research and development of products and processes, in the design and operation of manufacturing facilities, and in management and product quality control.
 


Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers convert raw materials to finished products via pathways involving chemical and physical changes. The principles of mass, energy, and momentum conservation, chemical reactions, thermodynamics, and economics are applied to develop new products and to design and operate manufacturing facilities to produce products that benefit society. Chemical engineering principles are, in turn, based on the sciences of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics, which form the underlying foundation of the discipline.

Students in this degree program will study the application of chemical engineering principles to biochemical and biomedical systems, nanoscale devices, polymer processing, and novel energy systems. Principles of sustainability, environmentally-friendly “green” processing, entrepreneurship, and other emerging topics are also addressed in courses and concentrations.

The Bachelor of Science Degree program in Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 128 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Chemical Engineering major is met by completing Chemical Engineering 316 and 433.  Those courses are referenced in item 3. a. below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Engineering may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements for All Majors in the College statement. The alternative track requirement for Integrative Studies in Biological Sciences in Chemical Engineering is Biological Science 161. Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Engineering for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. All of the following courses (58 credits):
    BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3
    CEM 151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4
    CEM 152 Principles of Chemistry 3
    CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    CEM 162 Chemistry Laboratory II 1
    CEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3
    CEM 352 Organic Chemistry II 3
    CEM 355 Organic Laboratory I 2
    CHE 201 Material and Energy Balances 3
    CHE 210 Modeling and Analysis of Transport Phenomena 3
    CHE 301 Chemical Engineering as a Profession 1
    CHE 311 Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer 3
    CHE 312 Mass Transfer and Separations 4
    CHE 316 Laboratory Practice and Statistical Analysis 4
    CHE 321 Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineering 4
    CHE 431 Chemical Reaction Engineering 4
    CHE 432 Process Analysis and Control 3
    CHE 433 Process Design and Optimization I 4
    CHE 434 Process Design and Optimization II 2
    CHE 473 Chemical Engineering Principles in Polymers and Material Systems 3
    b. One of the following (4 or 6 credits):
    (1) BMB 401 Comprehensive Biochemistry 4
    (2) BMB 461 Advanced Biochemistry I 3
    BMB 462 Advanced Biochemistry II 3
    Note: If BMB 462 is taken to fulfill requirements 3. b., it will also count as a technical elective in item 3. e.
    c. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    CHE 472 Polymeric Composite Materials Processing 3
    CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3
    d. One of the following courses (3 credits):
    CEM 483 Quantum Chemistry 3
    CEM 484 Molecular Thermodynamics 3
    e. Technical Electives.
    Students must complete at least 6 credits in courses selected from a list of approved technical electives available from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

Concentrations in Chemical Engineering

In response to increasing interest in the application of chemical engineering principles to related fields, the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science offers concentrations in biochemical engineering, bioenergy, biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, food science, and polymer science and engineering to students wishing an area of concentration in the degree. Concentrations are available to, but not required of, any student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree program  in chemical engineering. The concentration will be noted on the student's transcript.

NOTE: Completing the Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering with a concentration may  require more than 128 credits. For any concentration, up to 3 credits of Independent Study (CHE 490) related to the subject area may be applied with approval of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

Biochemical Engineering
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a biochemical engineering concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3. a., and 3.d. above and the following:
Both of the following courses (6 credits):
CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3
MMG 301 Introductory Microbiology 3
One of the following tracks (11 to 13 credits):
Track 1 (12 or 13 credits):
The following course (4 credits):
BMB 401 Comprehensive Biochemistry 4
Three of the following courses (8 or 9 credits):
BMB 805 Protein Structure, Design, and Mechanism 3
BMB 829 Special Problems in Macromolecular Analysis and Synthesis 2
CHE 882 Advanced Biochemical Engineering 3
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3
MMG 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology 3
MMG 421 Prokaryotic Cell Physiology 3
MMG 431 Microbial Genetics 3
Track 2 (11 or 12 credits):
Both of the following courses (6 credits):
BMB 461 Advanced Biochemistry I 3
BMB 462 Advanced Biochemistry II 3
Two of the following courses (5 or 6 credits):
BMB 805 Protein Structure, Design, and Mechanism 3
BMB 829 Special Problems in Macromolecular Analysis and Synthesis 2
CHE 882 Advanced Biochemical Engineering 3
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3
MMG 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology 3
MMG 421 Prokaryotic Cell Physiology 3
MMG 431 Microbial Genetics 3
Bioenergy and Bioproducts
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a bioenergy and bioproducts concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3.a., 3.b., and 3.d. above and the following:
All of the following courses (9 credits): 3
CHE 468 Biomass Conversion Engineering 3
CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3
CSS 467 Bioenergy Feedstock Production
One of the following courses (3 credits):
BE 469 Sustainable Bioenergy Systems 3
BE 869 Life Cycle Assessment for Bioenergy and Bioproduct Systems 3
One of the following courses (3 credits):
AFRE 829 Economics of Environmental Resources 3
CHE 882 Advanced Biochemical Engineering 3
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3
FOR 466 Natural Resource Policy 3
MC 450 International Environmental Law and Policy 3
Biomedical Engineering
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a biomedical engineering concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3.a., 3.b., and 3.d. above and the following:
All of the following courses (10 credits):
CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3
MMG 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology 3
PSL 431 Human Physiology I 4
One of the following courses (3 credits):
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3
ME 494 Biofluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer 3
MSE 425 Biomaterials and Biocompatibility 3
One of the following courses not taken above (3 or 4 credits):
BMB 471 Advanced Biochemistry Laboratory 4
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3
IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4
ME 494 Biofluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer 3
MSE 425 Biomaterials and Biocompatibility 3
Environmental
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with an environmental concentration, the student must complete requirements 1., 2., and 3. a., 3.b., and 3.d. above and the following:
Both of the following courses (6 credits):
CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3
ENE 280 Principles of Environmental Engineering and Science 3
Three of the following courses (9 credits):
AFRE 265 Ecological Economics 3
AFRE 360 Environmental Economics 3
AFRE 465 Corporate Environmental Management (W) 3
CSUS 465 Environmental and Natural Resource Law 3
ENE 481 Environmental Chemistry: Equilibrium Concepts 3
ENE 483 Water and Wastewater Engineering 3
ENE 489 Air Pollution: Science and Engineering 3
IBIO 446 Environmental Issues and Public Policy 3
Food Science
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a food science concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3. a., 3. b., 3.c., and 3.d. above and all of the following:
All of the following courses (9 credits):
FSC 401 Food Chemistry 3
FSC 440 Food Microbiology 3
MMG 301 Introductory Microbiology 3
One of the following courses (3 credits):
BE 477 Food Engineering: Fluids 3
BE 478 Food Engineering: Solids 3
FSC 325 Food Processing: Unit Operations 3
FSC 455 Food and Nutrition Laboratory 3
FSC 470 Integrated Approaches to Food Product Development 3
Polymer Science and Engineering
To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a polymer science and engineering concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3. a., 3. b., and 3.d. above and all of the following:
All of the following courses (9 credits):
CE 221 Statics 3
CHE 472 Polymeric Composite Materials Processing 3
ME 222 Mechanics of Deformable Solids 3
Two of the following courses (6 or 7 credits):
CHE 871 Material Surfaces and Interfaces 3
CHE 872 Polymers and Composites: Manufacturing, Structure and Performance 3
MSE 370 Synthesis and Processing of Materials 3
MSE 426 Introduction to Composite Materials 3
PKG 323 Packaging with Plastics 4

Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering majors learn to select and create materials used to realize engineering designs in fields such as bioengineering, microelectronics and aerospace. They also learn how to manipulate the elements of matter into the atomic arrangements that ensure efficient and cost-effective materials performance, demanded by today’s advanced applications.

Through the core course work, students gain the scientific and engineering foundation needed to design metallic, ceramic, polymeric, and composite materials and, in turn, components manufactured from these materials. Students may enhance the knowledge they gain in metals, ceramics, and polymers by completing a concentration in biomedical materials, manufacturing, polymers, or metallurgy. Students may also choose to enroll in electives of complementary fields such as business, electronic materials, or statistics. Honors students are encouraged to request an honors option with the instructors of MSE courses listed in item 3.a. below.

The Bachelor of Science Degree program in Materials Science and Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org under the General Criteria and the Program Criteria for Materials, Metallurgical, Ceramics and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Materials Science and Engineering

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 128 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering.

    The University's Tier II writing requirement for the Materials Science and Engineering major is met by completing Materials Science and Engineering 466.  That course is referenced in item 3. a. below.

    Students who are enrolled in the College of Engineering may complete the alternative track to Integrative Studies in Biological and Physical Sciences that is described in item 1. under the heading Graduation Requirements for All Majors in the College statement.  Certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be used to satisfy the alternative track.
  2. The requirements of the College of Engineering for the Bachelor of Science degree.

    The credits earned in certain courses referenced in requirement 3. below may be counted toward College requirements as appropriate.
  3. The following requirements for the major:
    a. All of the following courses (41 credits):
    CE 221 Statics 3
    CEM 152 Principles of Chemistry  3
    CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1
    ECE 345 Electronic Instrumentation and Systems 3
    ME 222 Mechanics of Deformable Solids 3
    MSE 250 Materials Science and Engineering 3
    MSE 260 Electronic, Magnetic, Thermal and Optical Properties of Materials 3
    MSE 310 Phase Equilibria in Materials 3
    MSE 320 Mechanical Properties of Materials 3
    MSE 331 Materials Characterization Methods I 2
    MSE 360 Fundamentals of Microstructural Design 3
    MSE 370 Synthesis and Processing of Materials 3
    MSE 381 Materials Characterization Methods II 2
    MSE 466 Design and Failure Analysis (W) 3
    STT 351 Probability and Statistics for Engineering 3
    Electrical and Computer Engineering 302 and 303 may be substituted for Electrical and Computer Engineering 345.
    b. Four of the following courses (12 credits):
    ME 477 Manufacturing Processes 3
    MSE 425 Biomaterials and Biocompatibility 3
    MSE 460 Electronic Structure and Bonding in Materials and Devices 3
    MSE 465 Design and Application of Engineering Materials 3
    MSE 474 Ceramic and Refractory Materials 3
    MSE 476 Physical Metallurgy of Ferrous and Alluminum Alloys 3
    c. Complete at least 6 credits from 400-level courses within the College of Engineering.
    d. Complete at least 3 credits in courses selected from a list of approved technical electives available from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

Concentrations in Materials Science and Engineering

Students may elect to complete a more focused set of courses to enhance their ability to function at the interface with another scientific, engineering, or business discipline. Concentrations are available to, but not required of, any student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering. Completing the Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a concentration may require more than 128 credits. The concentration will be noted on the student's transcript.

Biomedical Materials Engineering
To gain interdisciplinary skills in human biology and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a biomedical materials engineering concentration, students must complete requirement 3. a. above and the following (25 credits):

1. All of the following courses (12 credits):
ANTR 350 Human Gross Anatomy for Pre-Health Professionals 3
CEM 251 Organic Chemistry I 3
or
CEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3
ME 495 Tissue Mechanics 3
MSE 425 Biomaterials and Biocompatibility 3
2. One of the following courses (4 credits):
PSL 250 Introduction to Physiology 4
PSL 310 Physiology for Pre-Health Professionals 4
3. Two of the following courses (6 credits):
MSE 460 Electronic Structure and Bonding in Materials and Devices 3
MSE 465 Design and Application of Engineering Materials 3
MSE 474 Ceramics and Refractory Materials 3
MSE 476 Physical Metallurgy of Ferrous and Aluminum Alloys 3
ME 477 Manufacturing Processes 3
4. At least 3 credits from a list of approved technical electives.

Manufacturing Engineering
To gain interdisciplinary skills with business and design engineers for manufacturing projects and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a manufacturing engineering concentration, students must complete requirement 3. a. above and the following (21 credits): 

1. All of the following courses (12 credits):
ECE 415 Computer Aided Manufacturing 3
ME 477 Manufacturing Processes 3
ME 478 Product Development 3
MSE 465 Design and Application of Engineering Materials 3
2. Three of the following courses (9 credits):
GBL 323 Introduction to Business Law 3
MSE 426 Introduction to Composite Materials 3
MSE 474 Ceramic and Refractory Materials 3
MSE 476 Physical Metallurgy of Ferrous and Aluminum Alloys 3
Completion of this concentration fulfills requirement 2. of the admission requirements for the Master of Science degree in Manufacturing and Engineering Management offered by The Eli Broad College of Business.

Metallurgical Engineering
To enhance the student’s ability to characterize, process, and design with metals in association with mechanical engineers and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a metallurgical engineering concentration, students must complete requirement 3. a. above and the following (21 credits):

1. All of the following courses (18 credits):
ME 423 Intermediate Mechanics of Deformable Solids 3
ME 475 Computer Aided Design of Structures 3
ME 477 Manufacturing Processes 3
MSE 465 Design and Application of Engineering Materials 3
MSE 476 Physical Metallurgy of Ferrous and Aluminum Alloys 3
MSE 481 Spectroscopic and Diffraction Analysis of Materials 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
ME 425 Experimental Mechanics 3
MSE 426 Introduction to Composite Materials 3

Polymeric Engineering
To gain interdisciplinary skills to facilitate interactions with chemical engineers and earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a polymeric engineering concentration, students must complete requirement 3. a. above and the following (22 credits):

1. All the following courses (19 credits):
CE 321 Introduction to Fluid Mechanics 4
CEM 251 Organic Chemistry I 3
or
CEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3
or
CEM 352 Organic Chemistry II 3
CHE 472
Composite Materials Processing
3
CHE 473
Chemical Engineering Principles in Polymers and Materials Systems
3
MSE 426
Introduction to Composite Materials
3
Any approved 890-891 independent study or topics course
3
2. Complete at least 3 credits in courses selected from a list of approved technical electives available from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.


Minor in Materials Science and Engineering

The Minor in Materials Science and Engineering, which is administered by the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, provides students with a basic foundation in materials science that is applicable to many disciplines. The minor also offers opportunities for students to work in industry, research, or government, as well as to prepare for graduate study in materials science.

The minor is available as an elective to students in a bachelor’s degree program in the College of Engineering, other than the Bachelor of Science Degree in Materials Science and Engineering. With the approval of the college, the courses that are used to satisfy the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

Students who plan to complete the requirements for the minor must apply to the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. To be accepted into the minor, the student must be admitted into the College of Engineering. Enrollment for some MSE courses may be limited. Application forms are available at www.chems.msu.edu.
 
Requirements for the Minor in Materials Science and Engineering

Complete 18 credits from the following:

1. Both of the following courses (6 credits):
MSE 250 Materials Science and Engineering 3
MSE 360 Fundamentals of Microstructural Design 3
2. One of the following courses (3 credits):
MSE 260 Electronic, Magnetic, Thermal and Optical Properties of Materials 3
MSE 310 Phase Equilibria in Materials 3
MSE 320 Mechanical Properties of Materials 3
MSE 370 Synthesis and Processing of Materials 3
3. Three of the following courses (9 credits):
MSE 310 Phase Equilibria in Materials 3
MSE 320 Mechanical Properties of Materials 3
MSE 370 Synthesis and Processing of Materials 3
MSE 410 Materials Foundations for Energy Applications 3
MSE 425 Biomaterials and Biocompatibility 3
MSE 460 Electronic Structure and Bonding in Materials and Devices 3
MSE 465 Design and Application of Engineering Materials 3
MSE 466 Design and Failure Analysis (W) 3
MSE 474 Ceramic and Refractory Materials 3
MSE 476 Physical Metallurgy of Ferrous and Aluminum Alloys 3
MSE 481 Spectroscopic and Diffraction Analysis of Materials 3
A course used to fulfill requirement 2. above may not be used to fulfill this requirement.


Graduate Study

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science offers Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in chemical engineering and in materials science and engineering. A Graduate Certificate in Foundations in Chemical Engineering is also available. A wide range of course offerings and research activities allows an individual program to be designed to fit the background, capabilities, and aims of the student. Studies in the department may be supplemented with courses offered by other departments in the College of Engineering and in other colleges.

The graduate programs in chemical engineering and materials science and engineering are designed to develop research expertise needed for the graduate to serve as a principal investigator in industrial, government, or academic research. Course work is designed to expand the student’s knowledge of engineering principles and applications. Each student conducts an extensive research project that significantly advances fundamental understanding of a chemical engineering or materials science system. Results of the research are documented in a thesis, dissertation, or research paper(s) for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.


Chemical Engineering - Master of Science

Emphasis in the graduate programs in chemical engineering is placed upon a fundamental approach to chemical engineering principles and the applications of chemistry and advanced mathematics. Selected topics in chemical engineering are developed from a fundamental viewpoint, with opportunity for study and research in such areas as process design; thermodynamics; chemical reaction engineering; mass, heat, and momentum transfer; separations; polymers and composite materials; nanomaterials; and biochemical and biomedical engineering. The department has three primary thematic areas: energy and sustainability, nanotechnology and materials, and biotechnology and medicine.

Master of Science

In addition to meeting the requirements of the University and of the College of Engineering, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

An applicant for admission to the master's degree program in chemical engineering must hold a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field and must have a grade–point average that would indicate success in graduate study.

International applicants must submit their scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test.

Students who are admitted to the program with a bachelor's degree in a field related to chemical engineering will be required to complete the following collateral courses, in addition to the courses that are required for the master's degree:

CHE 432 Process Systems Control 3
CHE 433 Process Design and Optimization I 3
CHE 804 Thermodynamics and Kinetics in Chemical Engineering 3
CHE 805 Transport and Separation Processes 3
Equivalent undergraduate–level chemical engineering courses may be substituted for Chemical Engineering 804 and 805.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering

The students must complete a total of 30 credits for the degree under Plan A (with thesis) or  Plan B (without thesis), and meet the requirements specified below. Students in Plan A must complete a minimum of 20 credits at the 800-level or above. Students in Plan B must complete a minimum of 18 credits at the 800-level or above. Courses at the 400-level are acceptable as long as the minimum credit requirement is met at the 800-level. Courses below the 400-level are not acceptable.

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B:
1. Core Courses.  All of the following courses (12 credits):
CHE 801 Advanced Chemical Engineering Calculations 3
CHE 821 Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 3
CHE 822 Advanced Transport Phenomena 3
CHE 831 Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering 3
2. Supporting Courses.  Six credits in courses outside the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science  approved by the student's academic advisor. 
3. Complete 2 credits in CHE 892 Seminar.

Additional Requirements for Plan A

  1. Complete 6 credits of CHE 899 Master’s Thesis Research
  2. Additional elective credits as approved by the student’s academic advisor.

Additional Requirements for Plan B

  1. Complete 6 to 9 credits in a coordinated technical minor as approved by the student’s academic advisor.
  2. Pass a final examination, oral or written, given by the student’s academic advisor.




 


Chemical Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Engineering, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

An applicant for admission to the Ph.D. degree program in chemical engineering must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering or a related field and must have a grade–point average that would indicate success in graduate study.

Applicants must submit their scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test.

Students may be required to complete additional collateral course work to fulfill deficiencies in their academic background. A grade of 3.0 or higher is required in each course. In some cases, students may be granted provisional status in the program until collateral course work has been satisfactorily completed. Collateral course work does not count towards fulfillment of degree requirements.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Chemical Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in Chemical Engineering is comprised of course work, research, selection of an advisor, a qualifying examination, formation of a guidance committee and doctoral degree program, comprehensive examination, and successful completion of a dissertation and final oral examination in defense of the dissertation.

Students must complete the requirements specified by their guidance committee and must include the requirements specified below:
1. All of the following courses (13 credits):
CHE 801 Advanced Chemical Engineering Calculations 3
CHE 802 Research Methods 1
CHE 821 Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 3
CHE 822 Advanced Transport Phenomena 3
CHE 831 Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering 3
2. Complete 5 credits of CHE 992 Seminar.
3. Students entering the program with a master’s degree must complete 12 additional credits in consultation with the guidance committee. Students may receive a waiver for some of the required courses. Students who have a bachelor’s degree are required to complete a minimum of 16 additional credits chosen in consultation with the guidance committee.
4. Pass a qualifying examination consisting of a written component and an oral component.
5. Pass a comprehensive examination in the form of a research proposal defense containing a written proposal and an oral defense.
6. Complete a minimum of 24 credits and no more than 36 credits of CHE 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research and successfully defend the dissertation.
7. Present the results of the research in a public seminar during the final oral examination.
 


Materials Science and Engineering - Master of Science

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Engineering, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

The department welcomes applications from students who possess a bachelor's degree in a related engineering or science discipline. Students entering the program with a bachelor degree in a field other than Materials Science and Engineering may be required to complete additional collateral courses to fulfill deficiences in their academic background. Collateral course work does not count towards the requirements for the degree program.

Requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Materials Science and Engineering

The student must complete a total of 30 credits for the degree under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis) and meet the requirements specified below. 

Requirements for Both Plan A and Plan B:

1. Core Courses. All of the following courses (12 credits):
MSE 851 Thermodynamics of Solids 3
MSE 855 Advanced Rate Theory and Diffusion 3
MSE 860 Advanced Theory of Solids 3
MSE 870 Electron Microscopy in Materials Science 3
Or
MSE 881 Advanced Spectroscopy and Diffraction Analysis of Materials 3
Additional Requirements for Plan A
1. Complete the following course:
CHE 892 Seminar 2
2. Complete 6 credits of MSE 899 Master’s Thesis Research.
3. One course at the 400-level or above in mathematics or statistics as approved by the student’s academic advisor.
4. Submit a written thesis and oral presentation, administered by the student's advisory committee.
5. A minimum of 16 credits must be at the 800-level or above as approved by the student's academic advisor.
Additional Requirements for Plan B
1. Complete the following course:
CHE 892 Seminar 2
2. One course at the 400-level or above in mathematics or statistics as approved by the student's academic advisor.
3. At least 6 to 9 credits completed in a coordinated technical minor as approved by the student's academic advisor.
4. Additional elective credits as approved by the student's academic advisor.
5. A minimum of 18 credits at the 800-level or above as approved by the student's academic advisor.
6. Pass a final examination or evaluation.

Materials Science and Engineering - Doctor of Philosophy

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Engineering, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

An applicant for admission to the Ph.D. degree program in materials science and engineering must hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in materials science and engineering or a related field and must have a grade-point average that would indicate success in graduate study. Applicants must submit their scores on the Graduate Record Examination General Test.

Students entering the program with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than Materials Science and Engineering may be required to complete additional collateral courses to fulfill deficiencies in their academic background. Collateral course work will not count towards degree requirements.

Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Materials Science and Engineering

Students must meet the requirements specified by their guidance committee and must meet the requirements specified below. Students entering the program with a bachelor’s degree are required to complete a minimum of 13 additional credits selected in conjunction with the advisor and committee. Students entering the program with a master’s degree are required to complete a minimum of 12 additional credits, but may receive a waiver for some of the required courses with approval of the advisor and committee.
1. All of the following courses (13 credits):
CHE 802 Research Methods 1
MSE 851 Thermodynamics of Solids 3
MSE 855 Advanced Rate Theory and Diffusion 3
MSE 860 Advanced Theory of Solids 3
MSE 870 Electron Microscopy in Materials Science 3
Or
MSE 881 Advanced Spectroscopy and Diffraction Analysis of Materials 3
2. Complete 5 credits of CHE 992 Seminar.
3. Complete one mathematics or statistics course at the 400-level or above. 3
4. Pass a qualifying examination consisting of a written component and an oral component.
5. Pass a comprehensive examination in the form of a research proposal defense containing a written proposal and an oral defense.
6. Complete a minimum of 24 credits of MSE 999 Doctoral Dissertation Research, with no more than 36 credits.
7. Successfully defend the dissertation and present the results of the research in a public seminar during the final oral examination.
 


Foundations in Chemical Engineering - Graduate Certificate

The Graduate Certificate in Foundations in Chemical Engineering provides a broad base of the key concepts relevant to chemical and biochemical process industries, including  thermodynamics; reactor design; fluid flow; heat transfer; separations; and process control, economics, and design. The certificate is appropriate for graduates from other programs who seek to pursue graduate work in chemical engineering and for practitioners trained in other fields who seek to understand and apply chemical-engineering principles. The certificate is available only online.
 
Admission
 
Students are generally expected, but not required, to have bachelor’s-level or significant training in a math, science or engineering field. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science to determine if their background is a good fit for the certificate.
 
Requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Foundations in Chemical Engineering

Complete all of the following courses with a minimum grade of 3.0 in each course:  

CHE 804 Foundations of Chemical Engineering I 3
CHE 805 Foundations of Chemical Engineering II 3
CHE 806 Foundations of Chemical Engineering III 3