Graduate Degrees

• Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) in Chemical Engineering
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering

M.S.E. in Chemical Engineering

The minimum requirement for the M.S.E. degree for a student entering with a baccalaureate degree in chemical engineering is 30 graduate credit hours with an average grade of "B." A thesis is not required. The course work must include at least 21 hours in chemical engineering (courses with a ChemE prefix), of which up to 6 credit hours of research are accepted (ChemE 695); and at least two courses outside the chemical engineering program. The required courses are Fluid Flow (ChemE 527), Statistical and Irreversible Thermodynamics (ChemE 538), Chemical Reactor Engineering (ChemE 528), Transport Processes (ChemE 542), Chemical Engineering Research Survey (ChemE 595), and one chemical engineering elective course in mathematics, modeling, or computer simulation. Each student is encouraged to develop a program to fit his or her professional objective and should consult with the graduate advisor concerning a plan of study.

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

The doctoral degree is conferred in recognition of marked ability and scholarship in some relatively broad field of knowledge. A part of the work consists of regularly scheduled graduate courses of instruction in the chosen field and in such cognate subjects as may be required by the committee. In addition, the student must pursue independent investigation in a subdivision of the selected field and must present the result of the investigation in the form of a dissertation.

A student becomes an applicant for the doctorate when admitted to the Horace H. Rackham School of Graduate Studies and accepted in a field of specialization. Candidacy is achieved when the student demonstrates competence in her/his broad field of knowledge through completion of a prescribed set of courses and passing a comprehensive examination.

The course requirements are the same as the M.S.E. degree, plus seven (7) additional credits (must include two 6xx ChE credits). Students must pass a comprehensive examination in chemical engineering and be recommended for candidacy for the doctorate. A special doctoral committee is appointed for each applicant to supervise the work of the student both as to election of courses and in preparation of the dissertation.

A pamphlet that describes the general procedure leading to the doctorate is available in the Graduate School Office, 120 Rackham Building, upon request, and at http://www.rackham.umich.edu.