PhD in Chemical Engineering (PhD)

Tuition is Tuition and fees are subject to change and are determined by the number of credits taken per term..

This programme prepares students for research careers in chemical engineering through advanced study and independent dissertation work. Students develop expertise in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical kinetics while focusing on specialized areas such as biotechnology and materials engineering. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on research under faculty supervision, with projects in experimental or computational methods. The programme supports career paths in industry, academia, and government sectors.

Focus areas include biotechnology, materials engineering, sustainable processes, computational modeling, chemical kinetics, transport phenomena.

The programme requires 30 to 136 credits for post-master's students, including core courses, research credits, and a dissertation. Students complete foundational coursework, select specialized courses with advisor approval, and conduct independent research leading to a doctoral defense.

Graduates pursue roles in research and development within chemical, pharmaceutical, energy, and biotechnology industries, as well as academic and government research positions.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. The GRE is required for full-time applicants. Students with non-engineering backgrounds may be admitted after completing prerequisite courses.

The programme totals about 30 credit hours. Full-time and part-time study options available; programme duration varies based on student progress and research timeline. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 78% of applicants.

Drexel University, established in 1891 in Philadelphia, is a private research university enrolling more than 23,000 students, including roughly 5,000 international learners. Drexel is widely known for its cooperative education model that alternates classroom study with paid, career-related work placements. The university offers over 200 degree programmes across 17 colleges and schools, with strong offerings in engineering, business, health sciences, arts and entrepreneurship.

The signature co-op programme gives students extended industry experience, enabling them to apply classroom learning to real-world projects and earn a salary while building professional networks. Drexel maintains active partnerships with employers across technology, healthcare, finance and creative industries, and its urban campus places students in the heart of Philadelphia's vibrant cultural and professional scene. Research centres, incubators and experiential labs support innovation and student-led ventures.

International students benefit from dedicated services, career counselling, multicultural clubs and a wide range of on- and off-campus housing options. Drexel's practical curriculum, emphasis on employability and extensive alumni network make it attractive for students seeking hands-on training and fast entry into professional roles. With 117 distinct programmes, Drexel delivers a balance of academic depth and applied learning in a dynamic city setting.