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The Department of Chemical Engineering has broad research interests in many cutting-edge areas that have been funded by notable organizations such as the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of Defense and others. Some research projects address the topics of synthesis and characterization of biopolymers, membrane-based separation, fluid property measurement/prediction, chemical catalysis and reaction engineering, modeling and simulation and the treatment of waste using bacteria.

Program highlights:

  • The Chemical Engineering program has been part of MSU since 1935 with chemical engineering becoming a stand-alone department in 1956.
  • Chemical Engineering faculty have received numerous national recognitions such as the National Science Foundation career award, Department of Energy early career award, fellow of American Institute of Chemical Engineers and more.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition per credit hour $558.50
Instructional Support Fee per credit hour $25.00

Tuition and fees listed are subject to change and do not include all possible charges. Additional fees may apply. Please refer to the master class schedule for individual course charges.

 

What are some potential careers?

 

Program Structure

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering with Chemical Engineering Concentration - Direct Admission

CHE XXXX Graduate-level coursework 36
Dissertation Research/dissertation 20
Total Hours: 56

Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering with Chemical Engineering Concentration - Post Masters

CHE XXXX Graduate-level coursework 12
Dissertation Research/dissertation 20
Total Hours: 32

Completion Requirements for Ph.D. Students

Qualifying Exam

The qualifying exam will consist of two stages: 1) a written comprehensive exam; and 2) an oral comprehensive exam.

  1. Written Examination: Students will write a research proposal on the topic of their dissertation research. The deadline for proposal submission with be middle of the third semester (mid-October for Fall admits or mid-March for Spring admits). This will be read and approved by the research Advisor. Once approved by the Advisor, the student will present the proposed research topic to his/her dissertation committee.
  2. Oral Examination: Upon passing the written exam with Advisor approval, the student will orally defend the proposal wither at the end of the 3rd semester or the beginning of the 4th semester. A vote by the dissertation committee will indicate passage of the comprehensive exam.

Comprehensive Exam

The student takes the comprehensive examination typically at the end of 3rd year or beginning of the 4th year. Students must be within 6 hours of coursework completion excluding any internship/practicum courses. This exam is scheduled in consultation with the major professor i.e. major professor should concur that adequate progress has been made in research. Successful completion of the comprehensive exam will result in the Ph.D. student being admitted to Ph.D. candidacy.

Publication requirement

Doctoral students will be required to prepare and submit a minimum of two publications prior to the dissertation defense, for which they are first author. One publication must be for a peer-reviewed journal while the other may be for a published conference proceeding.

Dissertation Defense

All PhD students must prepare and successfully defend the dissertation before a committee composed of faculty members of the University.

Admissions Requirements

Students seeking full admission into this program should apply as a classified student. Non-degree seeking students wishing to take classes offered through the Online program should apply as an Unclassified student.

For Domestic Students:
  • Spring Enrollments need applications by October 15th
  • Summer Enrollments need applications by March 15th
  • Fall Enrollments need applications by June 15th
For International Students:
  • Spring Enrollments need applications by August 15th
  • Summer Enrollments need applications by February 15th
  • Fall Enrollments need applications by April 15th

In order to ensure your ability to apply for resources from the College of Engineering, all students should submit their application two months prior to the International Student deadlines for the desired semester.


An applicant for admission to graduate study must hold a bachelor's degree from a fully recognized four-year educational institution that has unconditional accreditation with appropriate regional accrediting agencies. They must meet the admission requirements of the Graduate School and the Chemical Engineering program.

Regular admission to graduate study in the program requires a minimum grade point average (last four semesters of undergraduate work) of 3.00/4.00. When a student is deficient in one of the criteria cited, the student's application, nevertheless, may be considered for admission based on the strength of other materials contained in the student's application.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) scores are NOT required for entry into this program.

Bagley College of Engineering programs may accept transfer work previously completed by the student. Transcript reviews to determine transfer or prerequisite work will be evaluated AFTER students are granted full admission. Once admitted an academic coordinator can review those transcripts for more information.

To meet admission requirements, submit a separate official final transcript from each college or university attended; faxed transcripts will not be accepted. An applicant may not ignore previous college attendance and must list all colleges attended on the application for admission. You must be in good standing at the last college or university attended


Attention International Students

International students are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score greater than 550. Detailed information regarding international applications can be found in the Graduate Catalog. Questions regarding international applications can be addressed to the Office of the Graduate School at gradapps@grad.msstate.edu.

  • ETS is providing home testing for the TOEFL iBT test, and MSU is encouraging students to take advantage of this testing option. For those students applying who have taken the TOEFL within five years of the semester they plan to enroll and are unable to access the TOEFL iBT test from home, we will accept your previous test scores.

Admission Options

Domestic/International Classified Admissions

  1. Submit online application. You will choose Chemical Engineering program as your Program of Study and Online Education as your campus.
  2. Statement of Purpose
  3. TOEFL or IELTS scores are required for international students.
  4. Three letters of recommendation
    • You will be asked to submit three names and three email addresses of individuals you are using as references. Once you click submit, these individuals will be sent an email from MSU, which will provide a link to an online form for completing their recommendations.
  5. One official transcript showing bachelor’s degree or progress toward degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
  6. One official transcript showing ALL work after bachelor’s degree. (For international students, please submit a copy in native language along with translated copies, if appropriate.)
    • Electronic transcripts should be sent to: gradapps@grad.msstate.edu Mississippi State University, Graduate School. Only one copy of an electronic transcript is required.
    • Paper Transcripts Address (USPS):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      P.O. Box G
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
    • Physical Street Address (for DHL, Fed Ex, UPS, DHS, etc.):
      Mississippi State University
      The Office of the Graduate School
      175 President Circle
      116 Allen Hall
      Mississippi State, MS 39762
  7. Payment of $60 non-refundable application processing fee for domestic students.
    Payment of $80 non-refundable application processing fee for international students.
  8. Once you are admitted, you will receive an email with complete instructions on registering for classes and contacting your advisor

Accessing Online Courses

Accessing Course Videos

Videos recorded during our on campus class sessions are uploaded for online students to view within our online course repository.  Online students will have access to course videos within 24 hours of the on campus course completion. Students should visit Engage to access the course videos. Instructions for viewing the recordings and downloading the recordings are offered below.


View and Download Videos

Instructions for viewing classes live or downloading videos, use our video download instructions.


If you experience technical difficulties or have any questions regarding the recording or format of our lecture capture, please contact:

IT Support & Staff
Bagley College of Engineering
Mississippi State University
dist-support@engr.msstate.edu
662.325.7794


Contact Information

Photo of Mindy Wolfe

Mindy Wolfe

Enrollment & Onboarding Coach

  • General Program Questions
  • Assistance with Admissions Process & Requirements
Photo of Anusha Rijal

Anusha Rijal

Retention & Engagement Coach

  • Current Student Inquires
  • Academic & Support Services Assistance
Photo of Bill Elmore

Dr. Bill Elmore

Chemical Engineering

  • Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator
Photo of Amirlatifi

Dr. Amin Amirlatifi

Chemical Engineering

  • Assistant Professor
Headshot of Tamra Swann

Tamra Swann

Engineering

  • Distance Education Coordinator