Doctoral program · Rossin College
PhD in Chemical Engineering
The PhD in Chemical Engineering at Lehigh University’s P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science is a research doctorate housed in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, with specializations spanning energy, biomolecular science, functional materials, interfacial science, molecular simulation and data science.
- Degree awardedDoctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering
- DepartmentChemical and Biomolecular Engineering
- Credit hoursNot published
- Fall deadlineDecember 15
- GRENot required
- Application fee$50 USD
Overview
What the PhD in Chemical Engineering is
Lehigh’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering offers a vibrant education and research environment with opportunities to specialize in research spanning areas of energy and the environment, biomolecular sciences, functional materials and nanotechnology, colloidal and interfacial science, molecular modeling and simulations, and data science, systems, and controls.
Research approaches include experiments, modeling, simulation, and theory, and combinations thereof. The department has 16 tenured and tenure-track faculty — 10 full professors, four associate professors and two assistant professors — plus one associate teaching faculty member.
The department was ranked 22nd overall in the most recent (2010) decennial National Research Council report, and previously ranked 5th nationally in the High-Impact Chemical Engineering Department Ranking, 1996–2000.
The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering maintains the authoritative program detail — see the department page.
Research
Research specializations
Doctoral research in the PhD in Chemical Engineering spans 6 areas published by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
- Energy and the environment
- Biomolecular sciences
- Functional materials and nanotechnology
- Colloidal and interfacial science
- Molecular modeling and simulations
- Data science, systems, and controls
Student community and awards
- First-year PhD Seminar Series
- Annual Graduate Research Symposium
- Chemical Engineering Graduate Association (ChEGA)
- Wenzel Award
- Chevron Scholars Award
- John Chen Fellowship
Degree requirements
What the doctorate requires
Lehigh publishes the following requirements for the PhD in Chemical Engineering.
- Coursework
All PhD students complete eight courses in consultation with their committee. CHE 400, CHE 410, CHE 415 and CHE 452 are required.
- Qualifying examination
All PhD students must pass a qualification examination given during the second year of residence.
- Dissertation
The program culminates in doctoral dissertation research. Detailed procedures are set out in the department’s PhD Guidelines and Procedures.
The catalog does not state a total credit-hour figure for the Chemical Engineering PhD; consult the department’s PhD Guidelines and Procedures.
Curriculum
Core and required courses
| Code | Course | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| CHE 400 | Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics | Thermodynamics applied to chemical engineering. |
| CHE 410 | Chemical Reaction Engineering | Chemical kinetics for reactor design and operation. |
| CHE 415 | Transport Processes | Momentum, energy, and mass transport fundamentals. |
| CHE 452 | Mathematical Methods In Engineering I | Analytical math methods for engineering sciences. |
Funding
Financial support
Prospective Rossin College graduate students have access to a variety of financial support, both internal and external. The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering does not publish program-specific stipend or assistantship figures.
- PhD applications submitted by December 15 are considered for financial aid.
- Financial aid for Lehigh’s graduate programs consists mainly of fixed-rate federal student loans through the Office of Financial Aid.
- Loan eligibility requires enrollment at least half-time — six credits during the academic year, three credits in summer.
- Emergency loans and grants are available through the Graduate Life Office.
Admissions
How to apply
Applications for admission — all semesters, all levels — are completed online. Applications open September 1; PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration.
What to submit
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts (with English translation for international applicants)
- Statement of purpose / essay
- Letters of recommendation (typically three)
- Résumé or CV
- Application fee of $50 USD
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering requirements
- Prior degree: A B.S. or M.S. in chemical engineering or a related engineering discipline is required by matriculation. Related science fields are considered but are less common.
- GPA: A GPA (U.S. equivalent) higher than 3.3 on a 4.0 scale is preferred.
- GRE: As of Fall 2020, the Lehigh ChBE program no longer requires submission of GRE scores.
- Recommendations: A minimum of two letters of recommendation; preference is given to research advisors and professors.
- Deadline: For fall admission, full applications — including test scores and letters of recommendation — should be submitted no later than Dec. 15.
The GRE is not required or considered for any Rossin College graduate program.
English proficiency minimums
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 81 (old scale) / 4 (new scale); Speaking 22/4, Writing 20/4, Reading 20/4, Listening 16/4 |
| IELTS | Overall 6.5; Speaking 6.5, Writing 6, Reading 6.5, Listening 6 |
| Duolingo English Test | Overall 125; Speaking 125, Writing 120, Reading 125, Listening 110 |
| Cambridge | Overall 176; Speaking 176, Writing 169, Reading 176, Listening 169 |
| Pearson (PTE) | Overall 68, with 53 or higher on each band |
Scores expire two years from the test date. MyBestScore and One Skill Retake formats are not accepted. Waivers are available for applicants who are citizens or permanent residents of an English-speaking country, earned a U.S. degree with two or more years of in-person study, earned a degree taught in English in an English-speaking country, or studied or worked full-time in an English-speaking country for two or more years within the last five.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Which department at Lehigh offers the PhD in Chemical Engineering?
The PhD in Chemical Engineering is offered by Lehigh University’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, within the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science. Full program detail, faculty and current requirements are maintained on the department’s own page: https://engineering.lehigh.edu/chbe/graduate/phd-chemical-and-biomolecular-engineering-phd
What degree do I need to apply to the PhD in Chemical Engineering?
A B.S. or M.S. in chemical engineering or a related engineering discipline is required by matriculation. Related science fields are considered but are less common.
Is the GRE required for the PhD in Chemical Engineering?
No. As of Fall 2020, the Lehigh ChBE program no longer requires submission of GRE scores, and the Rossin College states that the GRE is not required or considered for any of its graduate programs.
What is the application deadline for the PhD in Chemical Engineering?
For fall admission, full applications — including test scores and letters of recommendation — should be submitted no later than Dec. 15. At the college level, PhD applications for fall admission are due December 15 for financial aid consideration, and applications open September 1.
How much is the application fee?
The application fee is $50 USD. Applications for admission at all levels are completed online through Lehigh’s graduate application portal.
What research areas can I work in as a PhD in Chemical Engineering student?
Research specializations published by the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Energy and the environment; Biomolecular sciences; Functional materials and nanotechnology; Colloidal and interfacial science; Molecular modeling and simulations; Data science, systems, and controls.
What is the qualifying examination for the PhD in Chemical Engineering?
All PhD students must pass a qualification examination given during the second year of residence.
What English proficiency scores are required?
International applicants must meet Lehigh’s minimum scores: TOEFL iBT overall 81 (old scale) or 4 (new scale); IELTS overall 6.5; Duolingo English Test overall 125; Cambridge overall 176; or Pearson (PTE) overall 68. Scores expire two years from the test date. Waivers are available in defined circumstances.
Where is the PhD in Chemical Engineering based?
The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is located in HST Building, 124 East Morton Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015, on Lehigh University’s campus in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Who do I contact about the PhD in Chemical Engineering?
The department can be reached at inchegs@lehigh.edu or (610) 758-4261. General Rossin College graduate enquiries go to engineering@lehigh.edu.
Contact
Talk to the department
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Address
HST Building
124 East Morton Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone and email
(610) 758-4261
inchegs@lehigh.edu
P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science
19 Memorial Drive West
Bethlehem, PA 18015
engineering@lehigh.edu
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