Chemical and Biological Engineering

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Princeton University offers a comprehensive and rigorous educational experience designed to prepare students for careers in industry, research, and academia. The program emphasizes the fundamental principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics, integrating them into a cohesive curriculum that fosters a deep understanding of chemical processes and biological systems. Students in this program explore a wide range of topics, including transport phenomena, reaction engineering, thermodynamics, materials science, biochemical engineering, and systems biology. The curriculum is structured to promote both theoretical knowledge and practical skills through laboratory courses, design projects, and research opportunities. Undergraduate students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and are encouraged to participate in cutting-edge research alongside faculty members who are leaders in their fields. The program’s interdisciplinary nature prepares students to address complex challenges such as sustainable energy production, environmental protection, healthcare innovations, and the development of new materials. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue advanced degrees or directly enter the workforce in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, manufacturing, materials, and environmental management. The department also fosters a vibrant academic community, encouraging collaboration and innovation, and providing students with the resources and support necessary for success. Overall, Princeton's Chemical and Biological Engineering program combines a strong foundational education with flexible pathways for specialization, ensuring that graduates are prepared to make significant contributions in science, engineering, and beyond.

Courses:

Candidates for the M.Eng. degree must successfully complete at least eight graduate-level courses and, if enrolled full time, will normally satisfy that requirement in one 10-month academic year. A minimum of six of these eight courses must be technical, having their primary listing in a department or a program within the natural sciences or engineering. A minimum of four of these six courses must be chosen from graduate offerings in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering; options include any of the following five core courses for the Ph.D. degree (CBE 501/MAE 552, CBE 502, 503, 504, 505), as well as several graduate-level chemical engineering electives chosen according to the student’s area of interest. To complete the set of eight courses, students with an interest in economics, entrepreneurship, finance, or public policy may choose up to two graduate-level courses from the Department of Economics or the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. Students must have a “B” (3.0) average or better at the time they complete the program requirements in order to receive the degree.

Students are encouraged, although not required, to focus their course choices so as to develop significant expertise in a particular area. Possible specializations, and some courses that fall within each area, include: (1) materials, CBE 522, 531, 532, 541, 543, 544; MSE 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, 515, 519, 531; MAE 562, 563, 564; ELE 541, 549, 551; CHM 507, 511, 522; PHY 525, 526; GEO 501; (2) environmental engineering, CBE 522, 546; CEE 571, 576, 581, 582, 586, 587; MAE 571; GEO 524, 526, 537; WWS 582b, 584, 585b, 586c; (3) systems engineering, CHE 521, 527, 528, 530, 554; MAE 541, 545, 546, 548; ELE 521; ORF 522, 526, 562; COS 525; and (4) bioengineering, APC 514; CBE 532, 533, 538, 539, 540; CHM 515, 516, 543, 544, 550; MOL 504, 505, 506, 507, 551, 558; WWS 586a. Any of the core chemical engineering courses (CHB 501/MAE 552, 502, 503, 504, and 505) can be used to complement selections from any of these areas.

• CBE 501 Incompressible Fluid Mechanics
• CBE 502 Mathematical Methods of Engineering Analysis II (also APC 502)
• CBE 503 Advanced Thermodynamics (also MSE 521)
• CBE 504 Chemical Reactor Engineering
• CBE 505 Advanced Heat and Mass Transfer
• CBE 506 Application of Statistical Methods
• CBE 507 Research Topics in Chemical & Biological Engineering
• CBE 508 Numerical Methods for Engineers
• CBE 521 Advanced Chemical Reactor Engineering
• CBE 522 Colloidal Dispersions I
• CBE 523 Colloidal Dispersions II
• CBE 526 Surface Science: Processes and Probes
• CBE 527 Nonlinear and Mixed-Integer Optimization: Fundamentals and Applications
• CBE 528 Advanced Process Flowsheeting and Process Control
• CBE 529 Hydrodynamic Stability
• CBE 530 Systems Engineering
• CBE 531 Synthesis and Processing of Ceramic Matrix Composites
• CBE 532 Interfacial Science and Engineering
• CBE 535 Computational Biology of Cell Signaling Networks
• CBE 536 Glasses and Supercooled Liquids
• CBE 539 Quantitative Physiology
• CBE 540 Physical Basis of Human Disease
• CBE 541 Polymer Synthesis
• CBE 542 Polymer Viscoelasticity
• CBE 543 Structure and Properties of Complex Fluids
• CBE 544 Solid-State Properties of Polymers
• CBE 545 Science and Technology of Fibrous Materials
• CBE 546 Aerosol Physics and Chemistry
• CBE 547 Mechanics of Granular Materials and Gas-Particle Flows
• CBE 548 Dynamics of Films, Jets and Drops
• CBE 550 Physics of Polymeric Glasses
• CBE 552 Topics in Chemical Engineering
• CBE 553 Topics in Interfacial Chemistry
• CBE 554 Topics in Computational Nonlinear Dynamics
• CBE 555 Introduction to Polymer Materials
• CBE 556 Topics in Chemical Engineering
• CBE 556A Topics in Chemical Engineering
• CBE 556C Special Topics in Chemical Engineering
• CBE 567 Metabolic Engineering
• CEE 535 Statistical Mechanics II: Methods
• CHM 503 Introduction to Statistical Mechanics
• ENE 506 Synchrotron and Neutron Studies of Materials
• MAE 552 Viscous Flows and Boundary Layers
• MSE 504 Monte Carlo and Molecular Dynamics Simulation in Statistical Physics & Materials Science
• QCB 511 Modeling Tools for Cell and Developmental Biology

• Statement of Academic Purpose
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Recommendation Letters
• Transcripts
• Fall Semester Grades
• Prerequisite Tests
• English Language Tests
• Statement of Financial Resources

The Chemical and Biological Engineering program at Princeton University offers a comprehensive and flexible financing structure to support its students throughout their academic journey. Undergraduate students enrolled in this program have various options to fund their education, including merit-based scholarships, need-based financial aid, and private funding opportunities. Princeton University is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances do not hinder talented students from pursuing their desired degrees. Therefore, the institution provides generous need-based aid that covers tuition, room, board, and other related expenses for qualifying students. These grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid, making Princeton one of the most accessible institutions for students from diverse economic backgrounds.

The university allocates a significant portion of its budget to financial aid, and the process is transparent and straightforward. Prospective students are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile, which help determine the level of need-based assistance. For students with exceptional academic records, Princeton also offers merit scholarships and fellowships that recognize achievements in various fields, including engineering.

Additionally, students in the Chemical and Biological Engineering program can explore external funding opportunities such as private scholarships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships that provide stipends and tuition remission. Many faculty members and research centers within the university offer fellowships to support students engaged in cutting-edge projects, often integrating financial aid with research responsibilities.

Princeton University also encourages students to seek internships and co-curricular experiences that can supplement their funding while gaining valuable industry experience. The university’s career services help students connect with potential employers and explore funding options for internships, both domestically and internationally.

Overall, the financing studies at Princeton’s Chemical and Biological Engineering program are designed to provide a supportive environment, ensuring access for all qualified students regardless of financial background. The institution’s commitment to affordability and comprehensive financial support reflects its overarching goal of fostering an inclusive and innovative educational community.

The Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering at Princeton University offers a rigorous undergraduate education designed to prepare students for diverse careers in engineering, research, and industry. The program emphasizes fundamental principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics, integrating them into the understanding of complex chemical and biological processes. Students engage in coursework that covers thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reactor design, biochemical processes, and systems modeling. The curriculum includes laboratory work and project-based learning, fostering practical skills and experimental competence.

Research opportunities are abundant, with access to cutting-edge laboratories and faculty-led projects in areas such as biochemical engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, and sustainable energy. Interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged, reflecting the interconnected nature of modern chemical and biological engineering. The program also emphasizes the importance of ethics, safety, and environmental sustainability, preparing students to develop innovative solutions to global challenges.

Students are encouraged to participate in internships, co-op programs, and study-abroad experiences to gain real-world insight and practical experience beyond the classroom. The undergraduate program aims to develop not only technical expertise but also leadership, communication, and teamwork skills vital for professional success. Upon graduation, students are well-positioned to pursue advanced degrees or enter careers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, energy, environmental management, and manufacturing. Princeton's strong alumni network and industry connections provide ongoing support for students’ career development and research endeavors.