How to Get a PhD in Chemical Engineering

New energy sources, biotechnology, nanotechnology--all of these exciting technological innovations require the work of expert chemical engineers, many of whom have doctorates. If you're ready to take your education to the highest level and become a leader in your field, consider a campus-based or online PhD in Chemical Engineering.

Your success in graduate school can depend largely on finding the program that's the best fit for you. But sorting through information about schools and programs--not to mention the application process itself--can be overwhelming. You'll have the most success honing in on the right program if you take the time to identify what you want out of a doctoral degree, and do your research.

This guide will walk you through the process, from identifying your own needs and interests to applying to the schools of your choice. By following the steps offered below, you will be on your way toward the apex of academic achievement in your field: a doctorate in Chemical Engineering.

Overview of a PhD in Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is a relatively steady field, and has experienced little fluctuation in the past decade in terms of employment and school enrollments. While doctoral enrollments are also fairly constant, the demographics of doctoral students are not: Doctoral students in chemical engineering are increasingly diverse, with more women, minorities, and foreign-born students entering PhD programs than ever before.

If you've begun researching doctorates in Chemical Engineering, you may have noticed that the degrees assume a variety of titles. Terminal degrees in engineering fall into the following categories:

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
• Doctor of Engineering (DEng/DESc/DES)
• Doctor of Science (DSc/ScD)

Of these degrees, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the most common one awarded to chemical engineers. The Doctor of Engineering and the Doctor of Science are also accepted by the National Science Foundation as equivalents in content and level to the PhD degree.

In practice, there is essentially no difference between the degrees. In fact, some schools even allow students to choose the degree title they prefer with no difference in the degree program itself. The similarity points to the commonality nearly all doctoral programs share: A doctorate in chemical engineering is a researcher's degree, in which students become independent researchers who can apply chemical engineering principles and techniques to the solution of open-ended research problems.

The cornerstone of most PhD programs is, not surprisingly, a large-scale independent research project. Depending on the amount of time it takes to complete the dissertation project, doctoral programs typically take 4 to 5 years to complete. Most schools allow students with bachelor's degrees to enter PhD programs directly.

From a PhD in Chemical Engineering to the Workforce: Career Opportunities

Most chemical engineers are researchers, and those with a PhD in Chemical Engineering occupy top positions in research laboratories, whether industrial, academic, or government. If teaching is part of your career vision, you'll find ample opportunities at the college level. Unlike in the humanities, where competition for teaching positions is fierce, many professionals with a PhD in Chemical Engineering prefer the more lucrative work of laboratory-based research, leaving more positions open for those wanting to teach.

Specializations for chemical engineers are extremely diverse. Nearly any substance used commercially is developed and tested by a chemical engineer. Following are just some of the many industries occupied by chemical engineers:

• Automotive
• Biotechnology
• Chemicals
• Cosmetics
• Energy
• Food
• Healthcare
• Metals
• Pharmaceuticals
• Plastics
• Pollution control
• Thermodynamics

For the Working Professional: Online PhD in Chemical Engineering

If you're already working as a chemical engineer, you might be tempted by the prospect of obtaining a doctorate but reluctant to leave your career completely. If that's the case, consider an online PhD in Chemical Engineering. Online PhD degrees can often be pursued on a part-time basis, with limited residency requirements.

At a doctoral level, many online PhD programs are custom-made, giving you the opportunity to tailor your education to match your professional interests. Independent research guided by your advisor is combined with online courses and face-to-face residencies. Like a campus-based program, an online PhD in Chemical Engineering requires a dissertation in the form of a large-scale, original research project.

Finding the Right Doctorate Program: The Research and Application Process

If you've decided this is the right path for you, it's time to start the process of identifying and applying to the programs of your choice.

Step 1: Identify Core Criteria for a PhD in Chemical Engineering

The most efficient way for you to narrow your options is to start with the obvious: What are your baseline requirements for a PhD program? Be sure to consider the following.

• Accreditation. Obtaining a degree from a non-accredited school is a risky proposition. First, you won't be eligible for federal financial aid, and second, you may limit your career options. Accreditation guarantees that the school has established a basic level of standards that meet criteria set by an authorizing agency. Consider your personal goals, and check with potential employers about accreditation.
• Time commitment. Are you ready to make a full-time commitment to a PhD program? If not, you may want to explore an online PhD in Chemical Engineering.
• Format. Campus-based and online PhD degrees in chemical engineering are generally similar in terms of the careers they lead to. Therefore, the question of whether to look into campus-based or online PhD degrees may come down to whether you want to keep a foot in the workforce or pursue other personal interests while you work toward your degree. Online PhD programs tend to have more flexible formats.
• Location. Are you willing to move to enter the right program? If not, limit your search to schools within a commutable distance or to distance learning programs.
• Entry requirements. Some programs require students to have a bachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering specifically, while others may open their admissions to a wider range of degrees in the sciences.

Step 2: Research Your Options for a PhD in Chemical Engineering

Now that you have your baseline requirements in hand, you're ready to begin the research process.

Survey the Field

The Internet offers an array of information about graduate schools in chemical engineering. Get your bearings by perusing the following websites.

• Databases of accredited programs. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, the accrediting body for programs in applied science, computing, engineering, and technology education, offers a searchable database of all programs they have accredited.
• Online directory sites. Sites like WorldWideLearn.com provide one-stop shopping for information about graduate schools and programs. At WorldWideLearn.com, you can search for online and campus degrees, organized by level, subject, school, and location.
• Rankings. U.S. News & World Report surveyed and ranked 65 graduate programs in chemical engineering, providing a snapshot of available programs in the U.S.

Use these resources to keep a running list of programs that meet your basic needs, and make a note of any that spark your interest.

Step 3: Narrow the Field of Campus-Based or Online PhD Programs

Now comes the real research--digging into the programs you've identified and getting the details. This step is time-consuming, but essential. Some elements you'll want to take into account:

1. Research Areas

You'll get the most out of your doctorate if you have a research area in mind when you enter the program. Each program has its own strengths in terms of student and faculty research, so evaluate this component closely to see whether the program matches your interests. Research areas within PhD programs can include the following.

• Biomedical engineering
• Electrochemical engineering
• Fluid mechanics
• Heat and mass transfer
• Kinetics theory
• Pollution prevention
• Polymer chemistry and processing
• Process dynamics
• Reaction kinetics
• Semiconductor processing
• Surface chemistry and catalysis
• Thermodynamics

2. Quality of the Program

For a PhD in Chemical Engineering, school rankings really won't tell you much. As a graduate student, your overall experience will most likely depend on finding the right advisor or attending a school with a superior research laboratory. There are other factors you should take into account when considering the quality of campus-based or online PhD programs.

• Faculty. Many graduate students will argue that a program's faculty can make or break your graduate school experience. Pay close attention to faculty expertise at the schools you are considering. Finding a faculty member who will be a good mentor to you throughout your graduate student career is one of the keys to a successful experience. The student/faculty ratio may also be important, as it can indicate the amount of time your advisor will be able to devote to your studies.
• History. If the program is new, make sure that its curriculum seems comparable to other programs and that it has qualified faculty to lead it.
• Reputation. The opinions of professionals holding doctorates--and employers--can be revealing. Try to solicit opinions from people working in the field.
• Philosophy and orientation of the program. While most PhD programs train students to become researchers, the focus will differ from school to school. For example, some programs may emphasize work in academia or chemical manufacturing. Consider a program's orientation in order to assess whether it will best meet your career objectives.
• Graduation rate. A PhD in Chemical Engineering requires a significant commitment in terms of time and personal initiative, and you'll want to be sure you can finish what you start.
• Placement of graduates. Do graduates hold important positions in research laboratories and in top universities? Examine graduate placements to assess how successful the program is at producing doctorates well qualified for the workforce.

3. Program Cost

Most doctoral programs are expensive, so be sure to explore possibilities for grants, scholarships, and teaching assistantships. Some of the most competitive programs offer full financial aid packages to all incoming graduate students.

4. Admission Requirements

Generally, schools with strict admission requirements attract high-caliber doctoral students. Find out how many prospective students apply each year, and how many are accepted. You can aim high and apply to schools that are a long shot, but don't limit yourself to programs that may be out of reach given your credentials.

5. School Resources

A school's research facilities will probably be important for your studies in chemical engineering. You also may want to consider a school's library collection, student/faculty networks for chemical engineers, and other school resources.

Where to Get Information

Your two best sources of information will be individual schools' websites and school personnel. Collect what information you can online--you may be pleasantly surprised by how much information you can gather--and call the school directly with any additional questions.

When you've whittled your list of programs to your top picks, be sure to visit campuses and talk to faculty and students. If at all possible, try to arrange a meeting with the faculty member who would be serving as your advisor, and take some time to get to know other students in the program. You'll be working toward your doctorate for several years, so it's worth spending the time upfront to be certain that the program is a good fit for you.

Step 4: Get Ready to Apply

Pulling together application materials can be an onerous task, but you'll eliminate some of the pressure by starting well in advance of the deadline. Take the time to write a quality admissions essay, if it's required--faculty members will want to get a sense of who you are, and it offers an opportunity for you to tout accomplishments that may not be evident from transcripts and other documentation. In addition to transcripts, you'll also likely need

• Letters of recommendation
• Qualifying exams, usually the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Application fees

Once you've submitted your application materials, you can relax--for now.

Step 5: Know Your Academic Community

You can prepare for your doctorate in chemical engineering by catching up with research in the field and getting to know who's who. Get to know your academic community by

• Subscribing to chemical engineering publications
• Joining professional organizations and associations, such as the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Chemical Society
• Attending academic conferences

Step 6: Look Forward to the Road Ahead

Remember, a doctorate in Chemical Engineering will be a challenging, time-consuming undertaking, but one that will reward you with mastery over your subject. Through your doctorate, you will join an elite group of experts who can lead the country in technological innovation and offer solutions for the future.

Sources

• American Chemical Society, ChemCensus 2000: Analysis of the American Chemical Society's Comprehensive 2000 Survey of the Salaries and Employment Status of its Domestic Members
• Atlantic International University, Doctor of Chemical Engineering
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, Engineers
• California Institute of Technology: Chemical Engineering, Graduate Program
• Carnegie Mellon Chemical Engineering, About the PhD Degree
• Engineering Trends, Engineering Discipline Trends - Master's and Doctoral Degrees
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology Department of Chemical Engineering, Graduate Programs
  
• University of California--Berkeley College of Engineering, Degree Program and Requirements
• U.S. Department of Education, Structure of the U.S. Education System: Research Doctorate Degrees