Chemical Engineering Major, PhD

Requirements
Students may apply directly to the PhD program either with or without having completed a master’s thesis. Students proceeding directly to the PhD program from a baccalaureate degree should submit evidence of outstanding performance in a rigorous undergraduate program and the ability to perform independent research at the doctoral level.

A total of 72 hours beyond the bachelor’s degree are required for the PhD. These consist of course work hours and research and dissertation hours (CBE 600 ). Specifically, the departmental requirements consist of the satisfactory completion of

• A minimum of 36 semester hours in graduate-level courses (excluding CBE 600 ) in chemical engineering and related fields beyond the baccalaureate. These courses must include the four core courses and at least 6 hours of courses at the 600 level from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
   
• A comprehensive examination consisting of a written part and an oral part. The written part covers the core fundamentals of the program. The defense of the dissertation proposal constitutes the oral portion of the exam.
   
• A minimum of 24 hours of research and dissertation credit in CBE 600 . Registration must be continuous from the time research begins. (See the Continuous Registration requirement in the Graduate School section of this catalog.)
   
• Successful oral defense of the dissertation before the student’s dissertation committee.
   
• Active participation in graduate seminars conducted by the department. Resident students must register for CBE 501  or CBE 503  every semester offered.