Chemical Engineering (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in chemical engineering is awarded in conformity with the general requirements of the Graduate School. See general requirements for graduate degrees .

Satisfactory completion of at least 60 units of approved graduate level course work beyond the baccalaureate, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 is required of all PhD students in engineering. The 60 units minimum include research courses (590, 690, 790) and 4 units of 794a and 794b Doctoral Dissertation. PhD students must also complete the core requirement for their major as listed below. The core courses make a part of the 60 units requirement. The number of units taken at USC can be reduced by transferring graduate credits from another institution. Transfer/Waiver units are subject to approval by the Degree Progress Department (for course work taken at institutions in the United States) or by International Admission (for course work taken at institutions outside the United States), by the faculty adviser, and by each degree’s respective department directors. Faculty advisers may also request students to take additional courses outside of the core requirements including specific elective courses.

Departmental Policies and Requirements

In addition to the general requirements for the PhD described in this catalogue, candidates in chemical engineering are required to demonstrate proficiency in the following fields: thermodynamics, transport and chemical engineering kinetics. In addition, students must register in the department seminar course CHE 550 each semester for four semesters or until they pass their qualifying exam, whichever is earlier.