Paper Science and Engineering

The Bachelor of Science in Paper Science and Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology is a comprehensive, interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for exciting careers in the pulp, paper, and packaging industries. This innovative curriculum combines fundamental engineering principles with specialized training in fiber and paper technology, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and optimize sustainable paper products. Students will delve into topics such as cellulose chemistry, fiber processing, paper manufacturing, and environmentally friendly practices, equipping them to meet the evolving demands of the industry. The program features hands-on experience through laboratory work, industry internships, and research projects, fostering practical skills and professional readiness. Graduates of this program are well-positioned for leadership roles in product development, process engineering, quality control, and sustainable manufacturing within global paper and packaging companies. With a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability, the degree prepares students to contribute to environmentally responsible practices and advance the development of new paper-based materials. The program is supported by state-of-the-art facilities and close partnerships with industry partners, ensuring students receive a relevant and cutting-edge education. Students also benefit from the university’s extensive network, expert faculty members, and a collaborative learning environment that encourages creativity, problem-solving, and technical excellence. Upon completion of this program, graduates will have the technical expertise and industry insight needed to thrive in a competitive and rapidly changing global marketplace, making meaningful contributions to the future of paper science and engineering.

Core Courses

• CHBE 6003 – Chemical Process Safety
• CHBE 6100 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
• CHBE 6200 – Transport Phenomena
• CHBE 6260 – Mass Transport
• CHBE 6300 – Kinetics and Reactor Design
• CHBE 6741 – Pulp and Paper Manufacture I
• CHBE 6742 – Pulp and Paper Manufacture II
• CHBE 6252 – Chemical Engineering Processes in Pulp and Paper

Elective Courses

• CHBE 6XXX – Pulp and Paper Elective

3.0 GPA required for the above core and elective courses.

Minor

• 3 courses from outside ChBE
• 1 can be at 4000-level; the other 2 must be graduate level
• Course of study requires approval before starting
• Must earn a B or better in each class

Other Courses

• CHBE 8001–2 – Graduate Seminars (must attend at least 60% every semester in residence)
• CHBE 8801 – Introduction to Research

Qualifying Exam

Oral Exam

• Review and critique an assigned technical paper
• 15 minute oral presentation to 2 or more faculty members
• Up to 45 minute question and answer session covering the paper and other fundamental aspects of chemical engineering

Core Courses

• Must complete core courses listed above with a GPA of at least 3.2

Research Evaluation

• The research advisor will submit an evaluation of the student’s research progress and potential.

Thesis Proposal and Oral Defense

• 10 to 20 pages in length
• 20 minute defense before Thesis Advisory Committee
• Must be completed no later than the end of the sixth semester at Georgia Tech

Thesis Research

• Must be a significant contribution to the field of chemical & biomolecular engineering
• Must be publishable in a peer-reviewed research journal in the field

Pre-Doctoral Review

• Includes a presentation of an outline for the completed PhD dissertation
• Done at least 6 months before the Thesis Defense

Fall Graduate Colloquium

• Must present seminar to ChBE faculty and students during the fall semester of your fourth year

PhD Dissertation

• Must meet Division of Graduate Studies guidelines

Thesis Defense

• Given before Doctoral Examination Committee, which contains at least 5 facutly members, 3 of whom must be from ChBE and 1 of whom must be from another academic unit at Georgia Tech.

Requirements

• B.S. degree in chemical engineering, bioengineering, paper science & engineering, or a closely related discipline
• Minimum GPA of 3.3/4.0
• GRE test scores and, for international students, TOEFL scores (minimum 85)

Applications for graduate admissions must be submitted through the Georgia Tech Graduate Studies & Admissions Office.

Scholarships

We provide financial support for all of our PhD students. Every School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering PhD student making satisfactory progress towards his or her degree receives a competitive stipend and a tuition waiver that drops the cost of tuition to $25 per semester. In return for the stipend, PhD students are expected to serve as teaching assistants for three or four semesters during their time at Georgia Tech, depending upon the needs of the School.

Outstanding students can apply to receive additional funding through the following external sources:

• The National GEM Consortium
• National Science Foundation
• National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship
• Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship
• NASA Harriett G. Jenkins Predoctoral Fellowship Project (must be a member of an underrepresented group)
• Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Predoctoral Fellowships to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research
• American Association of University Women (must be a woman)
• Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs (for US citizens or nationals committed to teaching and research at the university level)
• The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans
• ASEE SMART Scholarship for Service

The B.S. in Paper Science and Engineering at Georgia Institute of Technology is a comprehensive program designed to prepare students for a career in the pulp and paper industry, as well as related fields such as renewable materials and sustainable manufacturing. The curriculum combines principles of chemical, mechanical, and materials engineering with specialized courses focused on fiber and paper manufacturing, paper properties, and the processing of pulp and paper products. Students gain a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, and engineering sciences, complemented by hands-on laboratory work and industry-relevant projects.

The program emphasizes sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, reflecting the growing importance of environmentally friendly manufacturing processes. Students learn about fiber properties, papermaking processes, and paper product design, positioning them to innovate in areas such as packaging, writing and printing papers, and biomaterials. The department offers state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities that empower students to conduct experiments and develop new materials.

Career opportunities for graduates include roles in paper and pulp manufacturing, product development, quality control, research and development, and sustainability management. Graduates also pursue advanced degrees or entrepreneurial ventures within the sustainable materials and green chemistry sectors. The program maintains close ties with industry partners, providing internships and cooperative education options that give students real-world experience.

Faculty members are experts in fields relevant to paper science, including chemical engineering, materials science, and environmental engineering. The curriculum is regularly updated to incorporate the latest technological advancements and industry trends. Overall, the Paper Science and Engineering program at Georgia Tech offers students a unique blend of technical expertise, industry engagement, and a focus on sustainability, preparing them for leadership roles in a vital and evolving industry.