Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the chemical, pharmaceutical, energy, and materials industries. The program emphasizes both fundamental principles and practical applications of chemical processes, ensuring graduates develop a strong foundation in science, mathematics, and engineering. Students gain proficiency in key areas such as thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction engineering, process design, and materials science, supported by state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities. The curriculum integrates hands-on laboratory experiences, design projects, and internships to foster practical skills and industry readiness. The program also encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, providing opportunities for research collaborations with faculty renowned for their contributions to sustainable energy, environmental protection, and advanced materials. Students are prepared for professional careers or further graduate study, benefitting from the university's strong industry connections, career services, and alumni network. The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware combines theoretical knowledge with real-world problem-solving skills, empowering students to address global challenges such as energy sustainability, environmental preservation, and health care advancements. Through a dynamic academic environment and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the program nurtures the next generation of chemical engineers who will lead technological and scientific innovations around the world.

The aim of the course requirements is to develop a foundation of technical knowledge in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. This knowledge should be obtained in a way that develops an understanding of basic principles, while at the same time providing depth in a specific area. An overall GPA of 3.00 or above MUST be maintained in courses taken toward meeting these requirements.

There are three components to the course requirements:

• the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering science core (thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and chemical kinetics and reaction engineering)
• advanced mathematics
• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering technical electives

The core courses and the mathematics sequence should all be taken during the first year (prior to the qualifying exams). Eight credits of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering electives are required. At least three credits of these must be at the 800-level; the remainder may be at the 600- or 800-level and suitable courses taken outside Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering may be substituted. The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering electives may be started during the fall semester of the first year and are usually completed during the second year. Nine credits of CHEG 969-xxx Doctoral Dissertation are also required. These credits should be taken after all other course work is completed. A typical schedule for the first year is shown below: The curriculum is reviewed each year and updated often.

• A baccalaureate degree in the field or in a closely allied field of science or mathematics.
• A minimum undergraduate grade-point average in engineering, science, and mathematics courses of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• A minimum of three letters of strong support from former teachers or supervisors.
• A minimum score of 155 (700) on the quantitative portion of the GRE.
• Non-native speakers of English (international students) are required to achieve a minimum score of 600 on the paper-based TOEFL (PBT) and 100 for iBT.

Scholarships

PhD candidates are generally admitted with a tuition waiver and a stipend. Our stipend levels are competitive with most major US institutions. At the MS level, there is no financial support for either full time (thesis) or part-time (coursework) options. Funding will be available on a continuing basis if the student maintains satisfactory progress toward completion of the degree. A 3.00 GPA must be maintained in course work throughout the program, and this will obviously be the main criterion in assessing performance during the first year. After the first year, however, progress will be primarily in research, where a clear quantitative measure of performance is infeasible. In general, the thesis advisor is responsible for this progress review, but in cases where there is disagreement between advisor and student, the thesis committee will provide an independent evaluation to determine if there is "satisfactory progress" for the continuation of funding. In the event that progress is deemed unsatisfactory, the student will be provided at least three months notice that funding is in danger of being discontinued, and will, wherever possible, be given sufficient opportunity to rectify the situation. Although the likelihood of this happening during the early stages of the research is slim, students should be aware that all theses must come to an end and thus the likelihood of funding being discontinued increases as the residence time in the program increases. In particular, funding is not guaranteed beyond four years.

The majority of students in the department will be supported on research grants and contracts obtained by their faculty advisor. Students on projects without external funding will be provided support (assuming that their progress is satisfactory) through the use of either departmental funds (e.g., industrial grants) or by appointment as a teaching assistant. No student will be supported by departmental funds for more than five semesters; funds beyond such a commitment must be provided by the thesis advisor or by appointment as a teaching assistant. This policy does not apply to students working with new faculty, where full support may be provided for purposes of initiation of new research.

The Bachelor of Chemical Engineering program at the University of Delaware is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in the principles and practices of chemical engineering. The curriculum combines fundamental courses in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and engineering principles with specialized subjects such as thermodynamics, process design, transport phenomena, and reaction engineering. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory work, design projects, and internships, preparing them for careers in industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, materials, and environmental services. The program emphasizes problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and innovation, encouraging students to develop sustainable and efficient solutions to global challenges. The faculty are renowned experts in their field, offering mentorship and research opportunities that foster academic excellence and professional development. Facilities include modern laboratories equipped with advanced instrumentation, allowing students to conduct experiments and simulate industrial processes. The program also integrates interdisciplinary approaches, collaborating with departments like Chemistry and Materials Science, to broaden students' perspectives. Graduates of the chemical engineering program at the University of Delaware are well-prepared for employment in industry or for further education in graduate or professional schools. The university's strong network of industry partnerships enhances internship prospects and job placement, helping students to transition successfully into the workforce. The program encourages innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting students interested in developing new technologies and startups in the chemical engineering domain. Overall, the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware aims to equip students with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical understanding necessary to excel as chemical engineers and contribute positively to society.