Graduate Program

The University of Iowa Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering offers both thesis and non-thesis Masters of Science programs, a Doctor of Philosophy program, and a 5-year U2G program. 

Graduate students in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering gain an understanding of the principles of engineering science, with a focus on a chosen research area:

• Air quality and climate
• Biological and pharmaceutical
• Machine learning and simulation
• Polymers and advanced materials
• Remote and smart sensing
• Sustainable energy and clean water

The department emphasizes research, personalized student-centered curricula and mentoring, and commits to full support for five years of all admitted Ph.D. students that meet basic program milestones. We utilize a research-based comprehensive exam to streamline our Ph.D. experience.  

We help students build their mentoring network from day one! In addition to their research advisor, graduate students in the department receive peer and faculty mentors as well as the opportunity for alumni mentorship. Students are assigned a peer mentor and a faculty mentor (non-research advisor) during the summer before entering the program.  The department also offers a voluntary alumni mentoring program in which students are paired up with an alumni mentor. 

1. Demonstrate a mastery of advanced chemical engineering concepts. (All students - Ph.D., M.S. thesis, M.S. non-thesis, and BS/MS)

2. Effectively communicate scientific concepts and/or research results in both written and oral formats to scientific and general audiences. (All students - Ph.D., M.S. thesis, M.S. non-thesis, and BS/MS)

3. Demonstrate the ability perform independent research on an original topic in chemical engineering. (Ph.D. and M.S. thesis students)

4. Demonstrate the ability to critically identify and solve research problems, summarize disciplinary information, evaluate research findings. (Ph.D. and M.S. thesis students)

5. Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to safe and ethical behavior through adherence to best safety practices and academic integrity principles. (All students - Ph.D., M.S. thesis, M.S. non-thesis, and BS/MS)

6. Demonstrate the ability to serve as a STEM ambassador through outreach and service activities. (All students - Ph.D., M.S. thesis, M.S. non-thesis, and BS/MS)