Applying to Rochester
Our graduate program is open to all applicants who have completed a bachelor’s degree or will have completed one before matriculating as a graduate student at the University of Rochester. A degree in chemical engineering is not required but applicants should be familiar with key chemical engineering concepts and their applications. Typically, applicants have BS degrees in chemical engineering or closely related disciplines, such as chemistry, physics, mathematics, materials science, bioengineering, biology, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, or interdepartmental engineering.
We value the rich perspectives, skills, and ideas people from varied backgrounds bring to the Rochester community. Diversity is key to the University of Rochester's mission and our department. The teaching and research of our faculty provide opportunities to engage deeply in concerns related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Diversity leads to better ideas, is essential for social justice, and enriches the learning and research environment.
The MS and PhD application closes on January 30 each year for fall admission; later applications may be accepted. The majority of financial aid is awarded to students beginning their graduate program in the fall.
All applicants must make an official application, using the University's online forms and procedures, and following the directions from the Arts, Sciences & Engineering, graduate admissions portal. See the application package page for details. Submission of GRE scores is encouraged but not required. More details regarding applications to the PhD and MS programs are below.
If you have an interest in spring admission, please contact the department’s graduate program director directly to discuss your application.
Individual chemical engineering faculty members do not admit applicants directly to their research groups. Please do not send individual faculty members or staff informal documents and appeals for informal evaluations and/or admission to a research group. Inquiries and materials sent to individual professors may or may not be redirected to administrative staff.
Questions
Questions regarding the University of Rochester’s online application should be directed to ASEGEPA@Rochester.edu or (585) 275-4153.
Questions regarding the chemical engineering department graduate application should be directed to chegradinfo@che.rochester.edu or (585) 275-4913.
More Information
Our master of science (MS) is a terminal degree program for those who want to gain advanced knowledge in chemical engineering to pursue a career in industry or a professional degree such as law, medicine, education or business. MS degree requirements are described on the MS in chemical engineering page.
Complete applications must be submitted through the University's online forms and procedures, and following the directions from Arts, Sciences & Engineering graduate admissions portal.
A complete application to the Department of Chemical Engineering's MS program contains several components:
- A completed online application
- A curriculum vitae
- A personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcript(s)
- Official test scores
Active University of Rochester undergraduates, who apply through the 4+1 Option, must include the following materials in their application:
- A completed online application
- Transcript
- A personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
Internal University of Rochester undergraduates, who maintain a minimum overall 3.3 GPA during their undergraduate experience, do not need to submit a letter of recommendation. Students with a lower GPA are also encouraged to apply.
MS applications must be complete by January 30 each year for the fall admission.
Our doctor of philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree in chemical engineering. PhD degree requirements are described on the PhD program page.
Complete applications must be submitted through the University's online forms and procedures, and following the directions from the Arts, Sciences & Engineering graduate admissions portal.
A complete application to the Department of Chemical Engineering's PhD program contains several components:
- A completed online application
- A curriculum vitae
- A personal and research statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcript(s)
- Official test scores
PhD applications must be complete by January 30 of each year for fall admission.
The University of Rochester offers fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships on a competitive basis for full-time graduate study. Applicants are encouraged to apply for outside funding such as NSF, DOE or other fellowships. See the Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs website for more details on financial aid for graduate programs.
PhD Students
Our full-time PhD students receive competitive graduate fellowships or research assistantships comprising an annual stipend of at least $30,000 (from fall 2022), medical benefits, and full coverage of graduate tuition. We anticipate the stipend to gradually increase to $36,000 in 2025. The details of a particular student's financial offer can vary depending upon specific circumstances and will be specified in a letter sent to each student at the time that an admission offer is made.
MS Students
MS students typically receive a tuition waiver of 40 percent of their registered credit hours. The details of a particular student's financial offer can vary depending upon specific circumstances and will be specified in a letter sent to each student at the time that an admission offer is made.
Documents or letters submitted in an application must be in English or should be accompanied by an English translation. Please do not send secondary school records. Many countries will not issue visas without proof of adequate proficiency in English, such as a satisfactory TOEFL or IELTS and/or GRE verbal score.
To obtain a visa for study in the United States, international students must present the Certificate of Eligibility (I-20 or DS-2019) at a U.S. consulate or embassy and demonstrate full proof of ability to pay all tuition and living expenses* for the first year of study.
The University of Rochester International Services Office will issue the I-20 or DS-2019 after a student has accepted the offer and demonstrated proof of their ability to pay all expenses for at least the first year of study. Questions should be addressed to (585) 275-2866 or questions@iso.rochester.edu.
*University fellowships may not cover all of these expenses; students will ordinarily need some additional funds.
The University of Rochester provides equal opportunity in admissions and student aid regardless of sex, age, race, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, and national or ethnic origin. Further, the University complies with all applicable nondiscrimination laws.
Questions on compliance should be directed to the particular school or department and/or to the University's Intercessor, University of Rochester, Box 270039, Rochester, NY 14627-0039. Phone: (585) 275-9125.