Princeton University

Chemical and Biological Engineering - Graduate School

We prepare chemical and biological engineers for careers in teaching, research and development, entrepreneurship, and management in academia, government, and industry.

Our department also offers two masters degree programs (Master of Science in Engineering, Master of Engineering) geared toward practicing engineers interested in expanding their knowledge, who generally come with from their employers or an external fellowship. All three graduate programs are based on the principles of chemical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, and related science and engineering disciplines.

The Ph.D. program aims to prepare students for positions as independent researchers, whether in industry or academia. We believe that our program close mentorship and strong emphasis on written and oral communication benefit students who follow such career paths. In addition, students must exhibit a firm and broad grasp of modern chemical engineering and allied fields through coursework, and demonstrate the ability to conceive and plan original research. Every admitted Ph.D. student is given in the form of a first-year fellowship. In addition, all admitted Ph.D. students are automatically considered for the prestigious Wu and Upton Fellowships.

Among the remaining four courses, at least three must be technical courses at the graduate level (500-level) or senior level (400-level).

The general examination has two components. The first component is mastery of graduate-level chemical engineering material, demonstrated by satisfactory grades in the departmental core courses. The second component is the first proposition, which is a written document defended orally. The written document outlines plans for dissertation research, including progress already made. Satisfactory completion of the core course requirements and the first proposition defense is required to achieve post-generals degree candidacy. Students must pass both components before May of the second year.