FAQs

Before continuing, make sure you are familiar with the Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Handbook. It likely contains most of the information you might be seeking. 

Classes

Your initial semesters will be filled with a flurry of classes, setting the groundwork for your academic journey. Typically, you'll enroll in three core courses in the fall and two core courses plus one elective in the spring. For further details on course requirements, please refer to the Graduate Program Site.

Teaching Assistantship

Alongside coursework, you will take on a Teaching Assistant (TA) role for at least one semester. The TAs typically work 20 hrs/wk on average. TA responsibilities include maintaining office hours; grading; conducting discussions; proctoring exams; delivering substitute lectures; developing and helping students with projects; and/or supervising, maintaining, and developing undergraduate teaching laboratories.

Advisor Selection​

Selecting an advisor marks an important step early on in your Ph.D. journey. Faculty members interested in taking new students will give presentations and subsequent one-on-one meetings to introduce you to available research projects. It's normal to not be completely familiar with all the research topics. Delve into the provided research papers, ask questions, and seek insights from fellow graduate students within these research groups. Finding a personality match with your advisor is also essential to foster a harmonious working relationship. Most students will be paired with their first or second choice in advisors. 

Starting your research

By the second semester, you'll start immersing yourself in your research topic. This phase involves extensive reading and discussions with peers, although balancing this with coursework can be challenging. The real depth of your research journey begins in the following summer.

The qualifying exam

The qualifying exam usually occurs towards the end of your second semester, either in May or January. This exam gauges your readiness for graduate-level research, presentation skills, and handling questions under pressure. It consists of a 15-minute presentation, followed by a 90-minute oral exam. While it may seem intimidating, pacing yourself and staying focused can alleviate much of the stress. Despite the build-up, once it's behind you, you'll likely find it was more manageable than anticipated. Passing the qualifying exam marks your official status as a Ph.D. candidate.

ChEGSA helps support graduate students by offering a practice exam before your official qualifying. The way the exam is administered may vary depending on agreements between the department and current ChEGSA leadership. Stay attentive to emails from us for updates on the qualifying exam.