Chemical Engineering

Program Information

The Chemical Engineering Department offers the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Science (thesis and non-thesis options), and Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering. Minimum requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Master of Science Degree – Thesis Option

Completion of the program is possible in 16 months, and its usual duration ranges from 16 to 24 months. The principal requirements for the M.S. degree are 30 semester hours and a research thesis approved by the student’s supervisory committee. These credits include:

• Twelve graduate semester hours in the basis of chemical engineering courses (Mathematical Basis, Continuum Basis, Molecular Basis, and Chemical and Bio Lab).  Molecular Basis can be replaced with an Elective for students on Applied Track.
• Six credits of Chemical Engineering Science courses, including at least one course in reaction engineering, bioengineering, or kinetics.
• Up to six semester hours of supervised research.

Students must submit a final thesis and pass an oral thesis-defense examination.

Master of Science Degree – Non-Thesis Option

This program is designed for completion in 12 months, although some students prefer longer durations. The M.S.-Non-Thesis provides an opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge of chemical engineering fundamentals, to emphasize a specific specialization area, and to acquire basic experience in research or industrial practice through a short internship. The principal requirements are 30 credits of courses including an option for 7 credits of research work in a laboratory or of work in an industrial internship. The core course requirements for this program are identical to that for the M.S.-Thesis. A final thesis document is not required but a written report on a project, internship or a contemporary Chemical Engineering topic is required for graduation.

All new students for the M.S. program are admitted to the non-thesis option at the time of admission, and some are converted to the thesis option upon approval by the Research Advisor and the Director of Graduate Programs.

Master of Engineering Degree

A student with a B.S. degree in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or another branch of engineering may obtain a graduate degree in Chemical Engineering by meeting the necessary academic requirements and taking selected undergraduate courses. Students intending to obtain a professionally oriented M.E. degree would normally complete their undergraduate requirements in 1-2 semesters. The graduate course requirements of 30 credits of coursework require another 3-4 semesters. The M.E. students can apply for conversion to the M.S.-NT or M.S.-Thesis program after satisfactory completion of the undergraduate courses.

Ph.D. Degree

The Ph.D. degree plan is primarily a research program. The granting of the degree is based essentially on general proficiency and distinctive attainments in Chemical Engineering and particularly on the demonstrated ability to conduct an independent investigation as exhibited in the doctoral dissertation. Briefly, the formal requirements for the Ph.D. degree are:

• Maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher with B- or higher in all Basis courses.
• Successful completion of written and oral examinations for advancement to candidacy. The written examination is comprised of the candidate’s objectives and achievements towards their doctoral dissertation. The oral examination is based on the written part and related areas. The oral section also includes the Qualifying Examination to test the student’s breadth of knowledge in Chemical Engineering fundamentals.
• Preparing a dissertation based on original research.
• Passing the final examination based on the dissertation.
• The graduation requirements include 90 credits including at least 30 credits in coursework. Details and minor changes in any of these requirements will be given upon the student’s arrival.

The department offers a combination bachelor’s/master’s degree program. Contact graduate coordinator for information.

For more information, please see our website: https://www.che.ufl.edu/apply-to-che/#1518393029582-95412685-f4f2.

Degrees Offered with a Major in Chemical Engineering

• Doctor of Philosophy
• Master of Engineering
• Master of Science

Requirements for these degrees are given in the Graduate Degrees section of this catalog.

Chemical Engineering Departmental Courses

College of Engineering Courses

Chemical Engineering (Phd) 

SLO 1     Knowledge        
a. Ability to identify a problem   b. Ability to formulate a problem   c. Ability to solve engineering problems   d. Ability to critically read engineering literature

SLO 2     Skills     
Ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice at an advanced level

SLO 3     Professional Behavior   
Ability to communicate effectively

Chemical Engineering (ME & MS)            

SLO 1     Knowledge        
a. Ability to identify a problem   b. Ability to formulate a problem   c. Ability to solve engineering problems   d. Ability to critically read engineering literature

SLO 2     Skills     
Ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice at an advanced level

SLO 3     Professional Behavior    
Ability to communicate effectively