Chemical engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Related Topics
Reactions that matter
Today’s world faces critical issues involving energy, pollution, waste, advanced materials and sustainable manufacturing. A Ph.D. in chemical engineering at University of Idaho prepares you to advance the frontiers of chemical engineering through original research and develop new knowledge that can lead to cleaner processes, safer technologies and more efficient ways to use materials and energy.
As a doctoral student, you’ll develop expert-level engineering and scientific knowledge in a chemical engineering specialty while working with faculty on advanced research. Your work can explore areas such as chemical reactions, process design, waste remediation, nanotechnology and transport phenomena, giving you opportunities to investigate fundamental engineering questions and develop solutions with applications in industry, energy, environmental sustainability and advanced technology.
You’ll gain experience using state-of-the-art laboratory tools, including atomic microscopes, gas analysis systems and laser-based instruments, to investigate complex engineering problems and develop innovative solutions. Just as importantly, you’ll develop the ability to communicate original research effectively through technical writing, presentations and other professional formats — an explicit learning outcome of the doctoral program.
The Ph.D. program is built around your progression from advanced study to independent scholarship. Depending on your academic preparation, you may earn a master’s degree before advancing to doctoral study or work directly toward the Ph.D. Students entering the Ph.D. directly critically analyze a current research area as part of the qualifying examination. Doctoral candidates also develop a written research proposal modeled after proposals submitted to agencies such as the National Science Foundation, strengthening your ability to define significant research questions and propose rigorous approaches for investigating them.
You’ll graduate prepared to advance knowledge in your research specialty and pursue leadership in chemical engineering research and innovation. Career pathways include university research and teaching, industrial research and development, national laboratories, government agencies and advanced technology organizations. The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering is available in Moscow and Coeur d’Alene.
This program would be a good fit if you are:
- Interested in advanced chemical engineering research and innovation
- Motivated to solve challenges in energy, sustainability, materials and industrial processes
- Wanting to develop new technologies and engineering solutions
- Seeking collaboration with faculty on impactful research projects
- Interested in areas such as reaction engineering, nanotechnology and advanced materials
- Preparing for careers in academia, industry, government or research organizations
- Driven to lead discovery and technology development
Mixing it up with chemistry
Curriculum
The Ph.D. in chemical engineering is a 78-credit program designed to prepare you for leadership in research, innovation and technology development. Through advanced coursework, independent research and faculty mentorship, you’ll develop your expertise to solve complex challenges at the intersection of engineering, chemistry and applied science. The program equips you to advance solutions in energy, sustainable manufacturing, advanced materials, biotechnology, environmental technologies and industrial processes.
View the online biological engineering graduate handbook
Explore program courses in the University Catalog
Learning outcomes
Graduates of the chemical engineering Ph.D. program develop expert knowledge in a specialized area of chemical engineering while gaining the skills to advance research and contribute new knowledge to the field. You’ll learn to design and conduct innovative research, analyze complex engineering challenges and communicate findings through professional presentations and publications. This preparation supports careers as university faculty, research scientists, engineers and leaders in industry, government agencies and national laboratories.
Program format
The chemical engineering Ph.D. is a research-intensive doctoral program designed to develop advanced expertise through independent research, specialized coursework and faculty mentorship. You will complete a minimum of 78 credits, including doctoral research, seminars and advanced engineering courses. The program includes qualifying and preliminary examinations, development of a dissertation research project and a final dissertation defense. Throughout the program, you will collaborate with faculty and research teams to advance knowledge and develop innovative solutions in biological engineering.
Faculty expertise
Work alongside faculty who are advancing research that addresses critical challenges in:
- Chemical processes and reaction engineering
- Energy systems and sustainable technologies
- Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing
- Environmental engineering and pollution prevention
- Process design, modeling and optimization
- Advanced materials and nanotechnology
- Industrial processes and engineering applications
Through faculty mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration, you’ll develop research projects that contribute to scientific discovery and create solutions for real-world challenges. Faculty advisors and doctoral committees guide you in building the expertise needed to become an independent researcher, innovator and leader in chemical engineering and related fields.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,373 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
$177,572 - Chemical Engineers
$125,023 - Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
$114,477 - Postsecondary Engineering Teachers
$87,431 - Biomedical Engineers
$123,017
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs and funding
Funding is competitive and faculty may provide graduate funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities or explore graduate fellowship programs.
University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.
Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
- View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
- Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
- Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.
- Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.
If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Contact information
Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.
Chemical engineering program contact:
Dev Shrestha
devs@uidaho.edu
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Graduate Admissions:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Application information
Applicants for the Ph.D. in chemical engineering must meet the following admission requirements:
Program availability
- Semester intake: Fall, spring
- Open to international applicants
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates
University requirements
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
- Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent directly to Graduate Admissions by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- GRE: Not required
- Letters of recommendation: Three
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Other requirements: It is recommended to secure the commitment of a graduate faculty who has the capacity to supervise your research prior to submitting an application.
- Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
- Application fee: $50
Application and admission process
Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.
Applicants seeking admission to the Ph.D. are encouraged to identify and contact a potential faculty advisor or major professor during the application process. Early identification of an advisor can help ensure that a faculty member in the applicant’s area of interest has capacity to supervise the student and appropriate research opportunities are available. Applicants should consult the College of Engineering website to identify faculty whose research aligns with their academic and research interests.
Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.
International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Overview
- In-state: $11,796
- Out-of-state: $31,272
Related Topics
Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.
Dev Shrestha
Turning e-waste into opportunity
Researchers are developing a more sustainable way to recycle e-waste—the world's fastest-growing solid waste stream—by reducing the energy, water and hazardous chemicals used in the process while recovering valuable materials to help power future technologies.
NASA sends U of I student research to space to further scientific exploration
NASA launches University of Idaho student project to the International Space Station to test bacteria-resistant coatings.