PRINCETON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Chemical and Biological Engineering
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
60 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Ph.D., M.S.E., M.Eng. degrees offeredProgram Offerings
- Low student-to-faculty ratioMentorship
- Research-focused Ph.D. and M.S.E. programsResearch Emphasis
- Coursework-based M.Eng. for practicing engineersProfessional Development
- Ph.D. students receive financial supportFunding
Princeton University's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering offers graduate programs designed to prepare students for leadership roles in research, academia, and industry. The department emphasizes a strong foundation in chemical engineering principles, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics. Key strengths include a low student-to-faculty ratio, fostering close mentorship, a diverse student body, strong interdisciplinary collaborations, and proximity to a significant concentration of industrial research laboratories. The graduate programs are primarily focused on the Ph.D. degree, with master's programs available for practicing engineers seeking to enhance their knowledge.
Curriculum
The curriculum is built on core chemical engineering principles, integrated with chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics. Students engage in rigorous coursework and, for Ph.D. and M.S.E. candidates, original research.
- Ph.D. Year 1-2
- Departmental Core CoursesCBE 503, CBE 504, CBE 507, MAE 501/CBE 509, CBE 510 or MAE 552/CBE 557
- Research Ethics CourseEGR 501
- Graduate/Senior Level Technical Courses
- General Examination (First Proposition)
- Ph.D. Year 3+
- Dissertation Research
- Final Public Oral Examination
- M.S.E.
- Graduate-level courses in Chemical and Biological Engineering
- Thesis Research
- M.Eng.
- Technical Courses (Graduate or Senior Level)
- Graduate Level Courses in CBE
Careers
The program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in academia, government, and industry, focusing on research, development, teaching, and entrepreneurship.
- Independent Researchers
- Academics
- Industry Professionals
- R&D Scientists
- Engineers
Frequently asked questions
- What financial support is available for Ph.D. students in Chemical and Biological Engineering?
- Ph.D. students receive comprehensive financial support, including full tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. This support is awarded automatically to all admitted Ph.D. students through fellowships.
- What is the application deadline for the Chemical and Biological Engineering Ph.D. program?
- The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. International applicants are encouraged to apply.
- Are there specific academic prerequisites for the Ph.D. program?
- While there are no rigid prerequisites, a strong academic record is essential. A background in chemistry, biology, mathematics, or physics is considered beneficial for applicants.
- What is the duration of the Ph.D. program in Chemical and Biological Engineering?
- The Ph.D. program typically involves two years of coursework and departmental core courses, followed by dissertation research and a final oral examination. Ph.D. students usually complete their program in their third year and beyond.
- How do I apply to the Chemical and Biological Engineering Ph.D. program at Princeton?
- To apply, you must complete the online application, pay the $75 application fee, submit transcripts, provide three letters of recommendation, and, if required, English proficiency scores. For Ph.D. applicants, selecting up to five faculty members whose research aligns with your interests is also a requirement.
- What career paths can I pursue after completing the Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering?
- The program prepares graduates for diverse careers as independent researchers, academics, industry professionals, and R&D scientists in academia, government, and industry.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate degree in a relevant fieldStrong academic record is evaluated. No rigid prerequisites, but background in chemistry, physics, or mathematics is beneficial.
For Ph.D. applicants, selecting up to five faculty members whose research aligns with your interests is required. M.S.E. applicants typically need employer or external fellowship support. M.Eng. applicants must demonstrate sufficient external financial support, as Princeton does not offer institutional funding for this program. Self-supporting applicants are not admitted to the M.Eng. program.
Fees
Tuition (international)—
Tuition (home)—
Living—
A $75 application fee is required. Ph.D. students receive financial support including tuition, health insurance, and a stipend. M.S.E. students generally have employer or external fellowship support. M.Eng. students must have external financial support (e.g., from an employer or external fellowship).
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit the web-based application form.
2. Pay Application FeeA non-refundable fee of $75 is required.
3. Submit TranscriptsProvide scanned versions of transcripts from your college or university.
4. Provide Letters of RecommendationSubmit three letters of recommendation.
5. Submit English Proficiency ScoresIf required, submit official TOEFL (Institution Code 2672), IELTS, or DET scores.
6. For Ph.D. ApplicantsSelect up to five faculty members whose research aligns with your interests.
Scholarships
First-year FellowshipFull tuition, health insurance, and stipend
Wu and Upton Fellowships—
External Fellowships—
Frequently asked questions
What financial support is available for Ph.D. students in Chemical and Biological Engineering?
+
Ph.D. students receive comprehensive financial support, including full tuition, health insurance, and a living stipend. This support is awarded automatically to all admitted Ph.D. students through fellowships.
What is the application deadline for the Chemical and Biological Engineering Ph.D. program?
+
The application deadline for Fall admission is December 1, 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. International applicants are encouraged to apply.
Are there specific academic prerequisites for the Ph.D. program?
+
While there are no rigid prerequisites, a strong academic record is essential. A background in chemistry, biology, mathematics, or physics is considered beneficial for applicants.
What is the duration of the Ph.D. program in Chemical and Biological Engineering?
+
The Ph.D. program typically involves two years of coursework and departmental core courses, followed by dissertation research and a final oral examination. Ph.D. students usually complete their program in their third year and beyond.
How do I apply to the Chemical and Biological Engineering Ph.D. program at Princeton?
+
To apply, you must complete the online application, pay the $75 application fee, submit transcripts, provide three letters of recommendation, and, if required, English proficiency scores. For Ph.D. applicants, selecting up to five faculty members whose research aligns with your interests is also a requirement.
What career paths can I pursue after completing the Ph.D. in Chemical and Biological Engineering?
+
The program prepares graduates for diverse careers as independent researchers, academics, industry professionals, and R&D scientists in academia, government, and industry.