Chemical engineers play key roles in the development and production of commodity chemicals, pharmaceuticals and bioengineered materials, high-strength composites and specialty polymers, semiconductors and microelectronic devices, and a wide range of ultrapure fine chemicals. Indeed, chemical and biomolecular engineering is essential for the operation of contemporary society. The solutions to many of the problems that we face today–e.g., energy, the environment, development of high-performance materials–will involve chemical engineers.
Graduate study in chemical and biomolecular engineering provides a unique opportunity for students and faculty to work together toward advancing knowledge through innovative research. Graduate research opportunities are provided in the areas of biotechnology and biomolecular engineering, computational science and engineering, energy and sustainability, and materials and nanotechnology. Formal course work provides exposure to advanced chemical engineering and scientific principles that are designed to enhance the research and analytical skills of students. Additionally, students are provided numerous professional development opportunities, including attendance at conferences, professional workshops, career services, and teaching programs for those interested in academic careers.
Programs leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees are offered through the Graduate School. Both require a combination of course work and a thesis. There is no language requirement for any degree.
Candidates for the master of science must complete 30 semester hours of work beyond the bachelor's degree. At least 24 of these hours are graduate-level courses (12 hours in chemical engineering core courses, with the remaining hours selected from courses in the major or from related areas of interest approved by the research adviser). Each degree candidate conducts research under the supervision of a faculty adviser (this will comprise at least 6 additional semester hours), prepares a written thesis, and presents it orally to the faculty.
Candidates for the doctor of philosophy complete a minimum of 72 semester hours of work beyond the bachelor's degree. At least 24 of these hours are course work including 12 hours in required chemical and biomolecular engineering courses. Of the remaining 12 hours at least 3 hours must be taken outside the department (and cannot be for a co-listed course). These courses should complement the student's research interests. The remaining hours are Ph.D. dissertation research. The course load is designed to allow students to spend the majority of their studies on original research. Up to 24 hours of graduate course work with an equivalent of A or B grade may be transferred to Vanderbilt and applied to the Ph.D. At the end of the first year in residence, students complete a departmental examination. Admission to candidacy in the Ph.D. program is based upon this departmental examination, as well as the Ph.D. qualifying examination, which consists of written and oral presentations of a proposal for doctoral research. Following the examinations and at least 24 semester hours of dissertation research, the student prepares and publicly defends a dissertation presenting results of original research.