Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia offers a comprehensive and rigorous program designed to prepare students for innovative careers in industry, research, and academia. The curriculum is rooted in fundamental principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering, providing students with a strong foundation in the core sciences while emphasizing practical application and problem-solving skills. Students will engage with coursework in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, process design, reaction engineering, and materials science, complemented by advanced topics such as energy systems, environmental engineering, and biotechnology.

The program emphasizes experiential learning through laboratory work, design projects, internships, and collaborations with industry partners, enabling students to develop critical skills in analysis, experimentation, and teamwork. Students are encouraged to participate in research initiatives led by faculty members, gaining hands-on experience in cutting-edge areas such as renewable energy, sustainable processes, and nanotechnology. The university's state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities support innovative research and learning.

The university also focuses on developing leadership, communication, and ethical considerations essential for responsible engineering practice. Students are encouraged to engage in professional development activities, attend seminars and conferences, and join student organizations related to engineering disciplines.

Graduates of the Chemical Engineering program are well-equipped to pursue careers in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, environmental mitigation, energy production, or to continue their education through graduate studies. The program aims to foster not only technical expertise but also a mindset of innovation and lifelong learning, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to societal challenges through sustainable and efficient chemical processes. With a strong network of alumni and industry connections, the University of Virginia’s Chemical Engineering program offers a pathway to a dynamic and impactful career in the fields of science and engineering.

• CHE 5561 - Special Topics in Chemical Engineering
• CHE 5562 - Special Topics in Chemical Engineering
• CHE 6438 - Process Control and Dynamics
• CHE 6442 - Applied Surface Chemistry
• CHE 6447 - Biochemical Engineering
• CHE 6448 - Bioseparations Engineering
• CHE 6449 - Polymer Chemistry and Engineering
• CHE 6450 - Energy Science and Technologies
• CHE 6476 - Process Design and Economics
• CHE 6615 - Advanced Thermodynamics
• CHE 6618 - Chemical Reaction Engineering
• CHE 6625 - Transport Processes
• CHE 6630 - Mass Transfer
• CHE 6665 - Techniques for Chemical Engineering Analysis and Design
• CHE 7716 - Applied Statistical Mechanics
• CHE 7744 - Electrochemical Engineering
• CHE 7796 - Graduate Seminar
• CHE 7993 - Independent Study
• CHE 7995 - Supervised Project Research
• CHE 8581 - Special Topics in Chemical Engineering
• CHE 8582 - Special Topics in Chemical Engineering
• CHE 8819 - Advanced Chemical Engineering Kinetics and Reaction Engineering
• CHE 8820 - Modeling of Biological Processes in Environmental Systems
• CHE 8833 - Specialized Separation Processes
• CHE 8897 - Graduate Teaching Instruction
• CHE 8993 - Independent Study
• CHE 8998 - Master's Research

• The on-line application.
• Transcripts of all academic work.
• Three letters of recommendation.
• Applicant’s Statement of Purpose essay.
• $85 fee paid with VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express
• Graduate Records Exam (GRE) general test scores (Institution code 5820)
• TOEFL or IELTS scores for applicants whose native language is not English. If you are a Permanent Resident of the U.S. or if you have a bachelor degree entirely at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction, you do NOT need to provide these scores.

Official transcripts and test scores are NOT required for the review process but applicants should be sure to upload unofficial transcripts and indicate your unofficial test scores in your application. All materials including your resume, essays, unofficial transcripts, unofficial test scores and other supplemental materials should be submitted electronically as part of your application. We have no set minimum scores, though admitted students last year had about 155 verbal and 160 quantitative. Average TOEFL scores for admitted students last year were 90, and IELTS were 7. If you are admitted and choose to accept, we require official transcripts, either submitted electronically directly from your University Registrar or paper transcripts in envelopes sealed and signed by the University Registrar and official test scores reported from ETS to institution code 5820 before you can enroll and before a Form I-20 can be issued (for international students).

If you have an interest in more than one program and wish to apply to a second one, you must create a new account with a different email address, user name and password, and complete a second application.

Applications must be completed and submitted on-line. Letters of recommendation should be submitted on-line. If your recommender cannot submit a recommendation on-line, recommendations may be submitted by mail to the Central Graduate Admissions Office.

Scholarships

The U.Va. School of Engineering and Applied Science offers financial support to graduate students through assistantships and fellowships ordinarily consisting of a stipend and payment of all tuition and fees including health insurance. Most superior students in research degree programs (Master of Science and Ph.D.) can expect to receive aid of some kind for up to five years, though support will vary by department and funding source. Students must be nominated by their department to be considered for a fellowship or assistantship. Students receiving financial aid from the School of Engineering and Applied Science must be registered as full-time graduate students during the period of the award, defined as at least 12 credits of lecture-laboratory courses and/or research during the academic year, must maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 and must also maintain satisfactory progress toward a degree. Graduate research assistants must register for a minimum of 6 credits of research during the summer term. Students receiving financial aid are not permitted to have other employment without approval of the Office of Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. Students are awarded financial assistance to enable them to devote maximum effort to graduate studies. Financial aid for graduate students is available in several forms:

Graduate Research Assistantships

Graduate Research Assistants are assigned to work with a faculty member on a specific research project which should culminate in a project report, thesis, or dissertation. Full-time graduate research assistants may not carry a load of more than 9 credits of lecture-laboratory courses but must register each semester for enough additional credits of teaching/research to maintain full-time student status.

Graduate Teaching Assistantships

Graduate Teaching Assistants are assigned to assist a faculty member teaching a specific lecture/laboratory course. The assigned duties will depend on the course and instructor. Graduate teaching assistants may not carry a load of more than 9 credits of lecture-laboratory courses but must register each semester for enough teaching/research credit to maintain full-time student status.

Fellowships

Fellowships are intended to allow graduate students to devote full time to learning opportunities in the classroom and laboratory. No work duties, in a pay for service sense, are required, but good academic progress, including research for the thesis or dissertation, is essential. Some programs, during fellowship support, will include research and teaching duties as part of the usual academic requirements for the degree. Stipends are competitive with those offered by other universities.

Chemical Engineering at the University of Virginia offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to prepare students for careers in chemical process industries, research, and academia. The curriculum integrates foundational courses in chemistry, physics, and mathematics with specialized classes in chemical engineering principles such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, chemical reaction engineering, and process design. Students gain practical experience through laboratory work, project-based learning, and internships, emphasizing safety, sustainability, and innovation. The program encourages interdisciplinary exploration, allowing students to collaborate across fields such as materials science, environmental engineering, and biotechnology. Faculty members are engaged in cutting-edge research, providing mentorship and opportunities for undergraduate research projects. The University of Virginia's strong alumni network and partnerships with industry leaders offer students valuable professional connections, internships, and job placement assistance. The program aims to equip graduates with critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and technical expertise necessary to address global challenges in energy, environment, and manufacturing sectors. Graduates typically pursue careers in chemical manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, energy generation, environmental management, or continue their education in graduate or professional schools. The university emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within its engineering community, fostering an environment of innovation and excellence.