Chemical Engineering, PhD

Program Description

The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering offers a program leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Graduate programs at Clemson prepare students to apply science and engineering principles to complex problems associated with the chemical, biomolecular and associated industries. Students develop a rigorous fundamental science base coupled with insight into engineering applications. Graduates can become involved in the research, manufacture and use of chemicals, polymers, pharmaceuticals, electronic components, consumer products and petroleum products, to name a few. The department has strong research programs in advanced materials, biotechnology, energy, and chemical and biochemical processing.

Although most students entering the PhD program have a BS degree in Chemical Engineering, students with BS degrees in chemistry, physics, or other related branches of science and engineering are encouraged to apply and are considered fully for admission. To facilitate a transition from BS degrees other than Chemical Engineering, special programs are available. Students can enter the PhD program in Chemical Engineering directly after completion of a BS degree.

Summary of Degree Requirements

The PhD in Chemical Engineering requires a minimum of 30 credit hours beyond the master’s degree, and at least 60 credit hours beyond the bachelor’s degree. A minimum of 30 credit hours of coursework and a minimum of 30 credit hours of research are required. At least six credit hours of coursework (greater than 8000 level) and a minimum of 24 credit hours of dissertation research must be taken at Clemson.

Coursework

The PhD in Chemical Engineering requires 30 credit hours in courses numbered 6000 or above that include:

• 24 credit hours of courses required for the MS (Thesis) in Chemical Engineering degree
• six credit hours of courses numbered 8000 or above taken at Clemson

For students entering the PhD program with non-chemical engineering BS degrees, the following courses are also required (some requirements may be waived based on BS degree; additional requirements may apply):

• 3 credit hours in Mass and Energy Balances (CHE 2110)
• 3 credit hours in Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I (CHE 2200)
• 3 credit hours in Fluids/Heat Transfer (CHE 2300)
• 3 credit hours in Mass Transfer/Separations (CHE 3300)
• 3 credit hours in Chemical Reaction Engineering (CHE 4500)

Outcomes, Learning Objectives, and Graduation Requirements

The PhD in Chemical Engineering is awarded based on completion of coursework, passing comprehensive and final examinations, and approval of a final dissertation. The basis for granting this degree is the student’s expertise of the subject matter, competence in planning and conducting research and ability to communicate professionally both orally and in writing. Ultimately, only the student’s advisory committee can certify that the student has earned this degree.