The mission of the Ph.D. program in chemical engineering is to develop graduates, who are academically prepared for the broad profession of Chemical Engineering, which is increasingly complex, diverse and changing. This is to be accomplished through educational programs and the pursuit of scholarship and research. The department is committed to fulfilling its role in the urban mission of the University of Louisville.

Program Information

This degree program is intended for persons having an accredited masters and/or baccalaureate degree in chemical engineering, but is available to those with other backgrounds. Applicants with other backgrounds should plan on taking some undergraduate background course work. Students interested in the Ph.D. degree program should consult the Graduate Student Advisor in the Department of Chemical Engineering.

Program Admission Procedure

The admission requirements for the Ph.D. program are essentially the same as those of the Graduate School. For unconditional admission, a minimum score of 1100 (Verbal and Quantitative) on the GRE and a minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale undergraduate GPA is expected. Remedial work may be specified for those applicants who, in the opinion of the faculty, do not have a sufficient background in chemical engineering, e.g., B.S. Chemists, Biologists (approximately one year of undergraduate courses may be required).

International applicants are required to take the TOEFL examination if English is not the native language. Applicants who have not scored 550 or higher on the TOEFL may choose to apply to the Intensive English as a Second Language (IESL) Program. Successful completion of this program or passing the Exit Examination in the advanced level of IESL will be considered adequate proof of the English proficiency required for course work in the Ph.D. program. Acceptance to the Intensive English Program does not constitute acceptance to the Ph.D. program. For information and application forms, write to IESL, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292.

The general requirements of the Doctor of Philosophy program are the same as those of the Graduate School. Other specific guidelines for the Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering are these:

Minimum course hours beyond baccalaureate degree in Chemical Engineering – 30 Semester Hrs