CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY · UNITED STATES
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering
PhD · Taught in en
At a glance
48 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€45k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- 4-5 yearsProgram Duration
- $120,000Median Graduate Salary
- Fully FundedFor full-time PhD students
- 7 key research areasSpecialization Options
- Mentorship programApplication support
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a research-intensive program designed to equip students with the skills to become independent researchers and contribute groundbreaking solutions to global challenges in areas like health, sustainability, and energy. Students will delve into captivating research at the intersection of technology and society, completing their degree in approximately four to five years. This program prepares graduates for impactful careers in academia, industry, or government research, fostering an environment of collaboration and cross-disciplinary study. Students will work alongside world-renowned faculty, conducting original research that culminates in a substantive Ph.D. thesis.
Careers
A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University opens doors to a wide array of research-focused careers in leading companies, laboratories, and academic institutions. Graduates are prepared to advance innovations and tackle new challenges in various sectors. The median salary for graduates of this program is $120,000.
- AI researcher
- Postdoctoral fellow or researcher
- Research engineer
- Research scientist
- Senior data scientist
- Senior engineer
- Senior research specialist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering?
- All full-time Ph.D. students in Chemical Engineering receive full tuition and stipend funding from the Department, provided they are making satisfactory progress. Direct Entry students are supported for up to 14 semesters and Advanced Entry students for up to 12 semesters.
- What is the estimated cost of living for Ph.D. students?
- Estimated annual living expenses are $34,018, which includes housing, food, books and supplies, personal costs, travel, transportation, and technology fees. Health insurance costs are yet to be determined.
- How long does the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program typically take to complete?
- The program typically takes four to five years. Direct Entry students with a bachelor's degree usually complete it in four years plus two semesters, while Advanced Entry students with a master's degree may finish in four years or less.
- What are the application deadlines for the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering?
- The application deadline for the Fall Term intake is December 15. The deadline for the Spring Term intake is September 1.
- What is the median salary for graduates of this program?
- The median salary for graduates of the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program is $120,000.
- Do I need to take the GRE to apply?
- No, GREs are not required for admission to the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program at Carnegie Mellon University.
Entry requirements
Bachelor's degreeIn chemical engineering or a related engineering or science discipline from an accredited university.
Master's degreeIn chemical engineering or a related engineering or science discipline from an accredited university (for Advanced Entry).
TOEFL iBTMinimum overall score of 100. Expired scores may be accepted if a degree was recently completed in the United States and an official score report with photo can be provided. Waivers are not issued for non-native English speakers based on prior education in English.
GREs are not required for admission.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and stipends are paid for all full-time Ph.D. students making satisfactory progress. Direct Entry students are supported for up to 14 semesters, and Advanced Entry students for up to 12 semesters (including summers). Students are responsible for books and course supplies.
Tuition (home)Tuition and stipends are paid for all full-time Ph.D. students making satisfactory progress. Direct Entry students are supported for up to 14 semesters, and Advanced Entry students for up to 12 semesters (including summers). Students are responsible for books and course supplies.
LivingEstimated annual living expenses are $34,018, which includes housing ($14,752), food ($8,664), books and supplies ($2,212), personal and miscellaneous costs ($4,098), travel allowance ($1,756), transportation fee ($302), and technology fee ($490). Health insurance costs are TBD.
As of April 3, 2026. These figures do not include health insurance or estimated loan fees for federal borrowers. All full-time Ph.D. students receive tuition and stipend funding from the Department of Chemical Engineering.
How to apply
1. Review Program PrerequisitesEnsure you meet the academic requirements, including a bachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering or a related science/engineering discipline. While not explicitly stated for PhD, general graduate application advice includes strong encouragement for coursework in life sciences, statistics, and some programming, along with algorithms and data structures.
2. Prepare Application MaterialsGather all necessary documents: a PDF of your most recent transcript from every college/university attended, a resume in PDF format, and a Statement of Purpose detailing your research interests, experience, and objectives. You may also include an optional paragraph on contributions to outreach or diversity.
3. Secure Letters of RecommendationArrange for three letters of recommendation, with at least two coming from faculty or recent employers.
4. Take English Proficiency Test (if applicable)If English is not your native language, take the TOEFL iBT and aim for an overall score of at least 100. Note that waivers are not granted based on prior education in English, regardless of location.
5. Consider the Application Mentorship ProgramParticipate in the Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Association (ChEGSA)'s Application Mentorship Program. This program pairs prospective students with current graduate students for one-on-one guidance, tips on application materials, feedback on your CV and essays, and a waiver for the application fee.
6. Submit Your Application OnlineAccess the online graduate application portal. Be mindful of the specific deadlines for fall and spring intake. If prompted to enter a GRE date, simply enter any future date as GREs are not required.
Scholarships
Departmental FundingFull tuition and stipend
Rales Fellowship Program—
Conference Funding—
Professional Engagement Funding—
Scholarly Project Funding$750
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering?
+
All full-time Ph.D. students in Chemical Engineering receive full tuition and stipend funding from the Department, provided they are making satisfactory progress. Direct Entry students are supported for up to 14 semesters and Advanced Entry students for up to 12 semesters.
What is the estimated cost of living for Ph.D. students?
+
Estimated annual living expenses are $34,018, which includes housing, food, books and supplies, personal costs, travel, transportation, and technology fees. Health insurance costs are yet to be determined.
How long does the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program typically take to complete?
+
The program typically takes four to five years. Direct Entry students with a bachelor's degree usually complete it in four years plus two semesters, while Advanced Entry students with a master's degree may finish in four years or less.
What are the application deadlines for the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering?
+
The application deadline for the Fall Term intake is December 15. The deadline for the Spring Term intake is September 1.
What is the median salary for graduates of this program?
+
The median salary for graduates of the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program is $120,000.
Do I need to take the GRE to apply?
+
No, GREs are not required for admission to the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering program at Carnegie Mellon University.