Learning Outcomes

1. To acquire and demonstrate expertise in selected core subject areas of chemical engineering: chemical process analysis, thermodynamics, fluid flow analysis, heat and mass transfer in the presence of chemical reactions.
2. To acquire a working knowledge of various areas of chemical science and technology and in allied fields, including other engineering disciplines, the sciences, and mathematics.
3. To gain exposure to advances at the frontiers of knowledge in chemical science and technology.
4. To acquire the ability to identify pertinent research problems, to formulate and execute a research plan, to generate and analyze original research results, and to communicate those results through oral presentations and written publications submitted to refereed archival journals.

Admissions

Requirements for admission to graduate degree programs in chemical engineering (M.E., M.S., Ph.D.) conform to the general regulations of The Graduate School, as well as more stringent departmental requirements as described below. In general, the admissions process is highly competitive. Admissions decisions are based on the quality of the applicant’s previous university-level academic work (as reflected by grade point average), letters of recommendation, and other evidence of past accomplishments.

Students holding B.S. degrees may apply for direct admission to the doctoral program; it is not necessary to complete a master’s degree first. Applicants with degrees (B.S. or higher) in other engineering disciplines or chemistry may be admitted with additional remedial course requirements in chemical engineering at the undergraduate level. The required remedial courses will typically include the prerequisites to required graduate courses and may include additional undergraduate courses in chemical engineering, mathematics, and chemistry. The detailed specification of course requirements and substitutions of courses from other universities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

International applicants must also submit TOEFL, IELTS Intl. Academic Course Type 2 exam scores, or equivalent. All applicants should submit a statement of purpose (or similar essay) that describes the applicant’s background, research interests, and whether or not financial aid is required. Students admitted to the Ph.D. degree program usually receive financial aid. However, the department does not normally provide financial aid to students in the M.E. or M.S. degree programs.

Degree Requirements (60 Post-Baccalaureate Hours)

For Doctor of Philosophy students, a minimum of 60 credit hours is required beyond the B.S. degree. No more than two courses below the 700 level may be used on the program of study.

For students entering the Ph.D. degree program with a Master of Science or Master of Engineering degree in chemical engineering equivalent to that awarded at USC, the Program of Study must show a minimum of 30 credit hours beyond the Master's degree, including at least 12 credit hours of dissertation preparation (ECHE 899) and six credit hours of independent research (ECHE 797). Elective courses are not required of students entering the Ph.D. program with a Master's degree. The Department requires that these students also provide evidence that courses similar to the core graduate courses have been successfully completed in the Master's program or these courses must be successfully completed at USC.

Each Ph.D. student must select a research advisor during the first semester after admission to the doctoral program. After a Ph.D. student passes the admission to candidacy examination, an advisory committee of no less than four members will be selected. The committee must include the department chair and one outside member. Doctoral students must pass the comprehensive examination before the start of the student’s fifth semester in the program (not including summer terms). Students should consult the graduate director for information on the format and subjects of the admission to candidacy and comprehensive examinations. Prior to graduation, each Ph.D. student must submit at least three papers for publication in peer-reviewed technical journals. Other requirements pertaining to the comprehensive examination, dissertation examination, and final submission of the dissertation conform to the general regulations of The Graduate School.

Under extenuating circumstances, students may seek relief from departmental degree regulations by written petition to the graduate director.

Core Courses (13 Hours)

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
ECHE 700	Chemical Process Analysis	3
ECHE 710	Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics	3
ECHE 720	Advanced Fluid Flow Analysis	3
ECHE 722	Advanced Mass Transfer	3
ECHE 798	Graduate Seminar in Chemical Engineering	1
Total Credit Hours		13

Elective Courses (12 Hours)

The remaining four courses may be from many disciplines including chemistry, engineering, mathematics, statistics, physics, biology, medicine, etc. upon approval of the Ph.D. Committee and Graduate Director and shall be selected to acquire expertise in the area of the student's dissertation research. 

Research (6 Hours)

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
ECHE 797	Research	6
Total Credit Hours		6

Dissertation Preparation (12-29 Hours)

Course List

Course	Title	Credits
ECHE 899	Dissertation Preparation	12
Total Credit Hours		12