Chemical Engineering, Ph.D. Careers

The major objective of advanced graduate studies in engineering, computer science or data science is to enhance the student’s preparation for a career as a professional in industry, education or research. The doctoral program is designed to strengthen the individual’s ability to apply creative leadership in the solution of important and complex technological problems. Graduates of the doctoral program have assumed positions in industry, government agencies, and educational institutions.

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates Ohio has one of the highest employments for chemical engineers, with 1,100 employed as of 2024. There is high demand for chemical engineers as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% increase from 2023-2033, much faster than average for all occupations.

Program Curriculum

A minimum of ninety (90) credits beyond the bachelor’s degree, including course credits, research credits, and flexible credits. A minimum of sixty (60) credits beyond the master's degree. Students will be assigned an interim advisor and must pass the qualifying exam, candidacy exam, and doctoral dissertation.

Related Links:

• Plan of Study
• Approved Advanced Engineering Mathematics Courses
• Approved Research Communications Courses
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering Page
• Graduate Course Syllabi
   

Advising

When a student is admitted, an interim advisor is assigned in his/her specialization to assist the student in completing a preliminary study plan. The interim advisor is usually the person in charge of the specialization area.
 

Qualifying Exam

The purpose of the doctoral qualifying examination is to evaluate a prospective student’s mastery of the subject matters that are fundamental to the chosen engineering discipline/concentration beyond what is demonstrated by the grades obtained prior to entering the doctoral program.
 

Candidacy Exam

The purpose of the doctoral candidacy examination is to assess a doctoral student’s maturity and preparation to continue independent research in a specific research topic.

Related Links:

• Engineering Doctoral Dissertation Proposal Approval Form
• PhD Candidacy Evaluation Form for committee use)
   

Post-Candidacy Exam

We expect doctoral students to follow these guidelines: Steps for Graduating as a Doctoral Student.
 

Dissertation

The dissertation, a concentrated, in-depth, independent study of an appropriate engineering problem, is the most distinguishing feature of doctoral study.

Related Links:

• Dissertation Signature Form Format
• PhD Dissertation Evaluation Form (for committee use)
• Thesis and Dissertation Format Guidelines
   

Publication Requirements

Prior to the defense, at least one manuscript must be accepted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and at least one manuscript must be submitted.
 

Electives

Minimum 12 credit hours of chemical or biomedical engineering electives, 500 level or above.

Faculty Research

The 40+ faculty include members from the Departments of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics at CSU, and Cleveland Clinic adjunct as well. The Michael Schwartz Library provides a research guide for faculty and students in Chemical Engineering. Our focus areas in Chemical Engineering include Electrochemistry, Food Safety, Nanomaterials, and Reaction Engineering. Chemical Engineering students also engage in biomedical engineering areas for research, such as Biomaterials, Biomechanics, Medical Devices, and Tissue Engineering.

Learn more about chemical and biomedical research here

Financial Aid

All students interested in Graduate Assistantships must meet and maintain the requirements specified by the College of Graduate Studies as described in this Catalog.

Research assistantships are provided through sponsored research activities; the number available at a given time is dependent on the research activity within the College. Interested students are encouraged to discuss the availability of assistantships and potential research projects with the program director, department chairs, and faculty as soon as possible.

Teaching assistantships are provided by individual departments to provide assistance with classroom and laboratory courses. Responsibilities can include conducting classroom recitation sessions, setting up laboratory experiments, tutoring students in class work, grading, monitoring tests, and related activities. For further information, students should contact the respective department chairs.

All graduate teaching assistants who are international students are required to pass an English Language Proficiency Examination, which is administered by the University Testing Center. Students are expected to work a maximum of twenty hours per week on their assistantship assignments unless fewer hours are specified under the terms of their contracts.

Learn More About CSU's Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. 

In Cleveland State's Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering degree, you experience a supportive and well-rounded education in foundational concepts while enhancing your skills by exploring cutting-edge technologies. Equipped with the knowledge and abilities to excel in the field, you graduate prepared to drive innovation and progress in your career.

The handbook for Doctor of Philosophy provides a general guideline and procedures for doctoral students. The official procedures are outlined in the Graduate Catalog. For more information, please contact the program director. For additional questions, see the FAQs.

Apply here!

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Handbook

Doctor of Philosophy Frequently Asked Questions
 

Chandra Kothapalli
Doctoral Program Director
Fenn Hall 455
(216)-687-2562
c.kothapalli@csuohio.edu