Graduate Programs

New to chemical engineering? We offer a prep course.

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We encourage applicants with degrees in related science disciplines such as chemistry, physical chemistry, general engineering and more; or, applicants returning from industrial practice in chemical engineering to pursue advanced degrees. Our online summer preparatory program prepares you for success in the core graduate courses and is free to students admitted to our doctoral program.

Why choose Iowa State? Here’s 4 reasons.

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1. An award-winning campus in a top-ranked city. Ames is one of best college towns, with free public transportation for Iowa State students and an affordable quality of life.
2. Leading-edge faculty. Our faculty are highly regarded teachers and researchers. In the last year, they published over 100 articles and their works collectively garnered over 19,000 citations.
3. Modern research facilities. Updated labs, classrooms, and technology help you flourish.
4. Collaborative research centers. Partnering across campus offers opportunities for innovations that make a difference.

What else can I expect? Plenty of support. 

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All our doctoral students receive fully funded graduate assistantships with:

• competitive annual stipend—$33,000+ in 2023–24
• health care benefits
• full tuition waiver
• partial fee waiver
• opportunities for supplemental assistance
• opportunities for conference travel

All graduate students have opportunities for professional support from faculty as well as programs offered through the university, including Graduate College Career Services and College of Engineering Career Services. All graduate students can find support for academics, financial aid, and student life is available through the Center for Communication Excellence and a number of programs through the university including the Dean of Students Office, International Students and Scholars Office,  and many more.

How do I apply? Apply online by January 15, 2024. 

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Submit your online application. You will need:

• Transcripts from an accredited Bachelor’s Degree and/or Master’s Degree
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• GRE not required
• Demonstration of English proficiency (for international students)
  1. A degree from an institution in a country where English is the only official language, or 
  2. TOEFL/IELTS scores at or above:
     • TOEFL Paper (PBT) – 587
     • TOEFL Internet (iBT) – 94
     • IELTS – 7.0
• Apply for admission to the Fall 2024 semester and pay $0 application fee.
  • Note: The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is not charging an application fee for all applicants for Fall 2024. No waiver or code required. Other departments and programs at Iowa State University may charge an application fee.

CBE Department Learning Goals

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Graduates from our doctoral program are be able to:

1. Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of study.
2. Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.
3. Conduct quantitative research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.
4. Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
5. Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing.
6. Conduct independent scholarship in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.

Worldwide Recruitment

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Iowa State chemical engineering graduate programs have attracted students from more than 100 universities throughout the United States and around the world. Many have recognized the leading chemical engineering research and land-grant philosophy Iowa State breeds. These ideals encourage practical approaches to chemical engineering problems and the sharing of knowledge among other U.S. states and countries around the world. In fact, Iowa State University was one of the first institutions founded on these ideals.

Sample of universities ChE graduate students move from		States and countries ChE graduate students just move to after Iowa State (Students have not yet originated from these locations)		States and countries ChE graduate students move from and move to after Iowa State
From U.S. States and Territories Carnegie-Mellon University Colorado School of Mines Georgia Institute of Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology Michigan Technological University Northwestern University Pennsylvania State University Purdue University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rutgers University University of California, Davis University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign University of Minnesota, Twin Cities University of Pennsylvania University of Wisconsin, MadisonInternational (Countries) Australia Canada China Colombia Germany India Japan Mexico South Korea Sri Lanka Switzerland Taiwan Turkey Ukraine Zimbabwe		U.S. States and Territories Arkansas Connecticut Idaho Florida Kentucky Louisiana Maryland New Hampshire Ohio Oregon Puerto RicoInternational Jamaica Portugal Singapore United Kingdom		U.S. States and Territories Arizona California Colorado Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Missouri Nebraska New Jersey New York North Carolina Pennsylvania South Dakota Texas Virginia WashingtonInternational China India Switzerland Taiwan