Program Overview
The Chemical Engineering PhD program at Arizona State University offers advanced research opportunities in various areas of the field. With a focus on core concepts and technical electives, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills for careers in academia, industry, and government. The program features a dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a collaborative learning environment. Graduates pursue diverse career paths in research, industry, and academia.
Program Outline
The program offers a rigorous curriculum and access to state-of-the-art facilities to prepare graduates for successful careers in academia, industry, and government.
Objectives:
The program aims to:
- Equip students with the theoretical and practical knowledge required to conduct independent research in Chemical Engineering.
- Foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills essential for success in research and professional settings.
- Cultivate a collaborative learning environment where students can interact with faculty and peers to advance their research endeavors.
Program Description:
The PhD program requires the completion of 84 credit hours, including coursework, research, and a dissertation. The curriculum focuses on core areas of Chemical Engineering, including thermodynamics, transport phenomena, chemical reactor engineering, and process design. Students can also choose technical electives to specialize in specific areas of interest.
Outline
Course Requirements:
- Required Core (9 credit hours):
- CHE 533 Transport Processes I (3)
- CHE 543 Thermodynamics of Chemical Systems (3)
- CHE 544 Chemical Reactor Engineering (3)
- Technical Electives (18 credit hours): Students can choose electives from within or outside the Chemical Engineering program to tailor their studies to their research interests.
- Other Requirements (5 credit hours):
- CHE 591 Seminar (5)
- Research (12 credit hours):
- CHE 792 Research (12)
- Additional Research/Electives (28 credit hours): Students can conduct additional research or take further electives to deepen their knowledge and skills.
- Culminating Experience (12 credit hours):
- CHE 799 Dissertation (12)
Course Schedule:
The program offers a flexible course schedule with courses available in different semesters throughout the academic year.
Assessment
Students' progress is assessed through various methods, including:
- Examinations: Written and oral comprehensive exams test students' understanding of core concepts and research skills.
- Research Progress Reports: Students present their research progress to their faculty advisors and committee members regularly.
- Dissertation Defense: Students must defend their dissertation research to a committee of faculty members.
Teaching
The program features a dedicated faculty with expertise in various areas of Chemical Engineering. The faculty employs diverse teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Interactive lectures deliver essential theoretical concepts and research findings.
- Seminars: Students participate in seminars to discuss research papers, present their own work, and engage in critical analysis.
- Research Supervision: Faculty members provide close guidance and mentorship to students throughout their research projects.
Careers
Graduates of the Chemical Engineering PhD program pursue diverse career paths in:
- Research: Research positions in academia, government laboratories, and private companies.
- Industry: Engineering roles in various industries, including chemical, pharmaceutical, energy, and environmental sectors.
- Academia: Teaching and research positions in universities and colleges.
Other:
- The program offers opportunities for international students to extend their stay in the US through the STEM-OPT program.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and equipment.
- The program fosters a collaborative and supportive learning environment.