Chemical engineering
Doctor of Philosophy
Reactions that matter
Today’s world faces complex problems like pollution, energy use and waste; chemical engineers help solve them. They work on cleaner ways to make products, handle dangerous materials safely and develop new sources of energy.
In this program, you’ll learn how to do the kind of research needed for jobs in labs or industry. You’ll study with professors who are experts in topics like chemical reactions, making paper products, cleaning up waste, nanotechnology and how materials move and mix.
You’ll also get to use high-tech lab tools like atomic microscopes, gas testing machines, and laser equipment to run experiments and test your ideas.
Overview
Related Topics
Mixing it up with chemistry
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering
- Have a solid background in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and the fundamentals of engineering
- Want to engage in leading research
- Want to enhance your career opportunities
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,294 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
$169,205 - Chemical Engineers
$124,149 - Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
$110,509 - Postsecondary Engineering Teachers
$82,848 - Biomedical Engineers
$123,453
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Graduate funding opportunities
University of Idaho is awarded more than $100 million in annual grants, contracts and research appropriations.
- Idaho National Laboratory Graduate Fellowship Program — Recipients of this competitive fellowship receive full tuition and fees by U of I during their first three years of graduate school. INL covers tuition, fees, and a $60,000 annual salary during the final two years of their doctoral research, to be conducted at INL.
- National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program — These year-long salaried assignments offer hands-on experience in nuclear security and nonproliferation. Administered by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and open to all engineering disciplines.
- NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) — $25,000 fellowship programs that contribute to NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery. Open to full-time graduate and doctoral students.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) — For outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees.
- National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship — Three-year fellowship with full coverage of tuition and all mandatory fees, including a monthly stipend and up to $1,000 a year in medical insurance.
- DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE Professional) Programs — RISE Professional offers summer research internships in Germany to Master’s and Ph.D. students at companies and non-university research institutions with strong relations to industry.
- Faculty provide funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities.
For more funding options, visit the College of Graduate Studies’ funding website.
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.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Clubs and organizations
Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.
Learn about clubs related to your major:
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers (ASABE)
- Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- Material Advantage (MatAdv)
- National Organization for Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCCHE)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Vandal Clean Energy Club
Application information
Applicants for the Ph.D. in chemical engineering must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Number of references: 3
- Other requirements: No
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.