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 diverse backgrounds bring to the URochester community.
The PhD application closes on January 15, 2025. The MS application closes on March 15 each year. The application fee is $30. Applications for the spring semester are rarely taken.
All applicants must make an official application, using the University's online forms and procedures, and following the directions from the 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
MS Admissions Requirements
Complete applications must be submitted through the graduate admissions portal.
Application Package
A complete application package includes a personal statement, transcripts, two letters of recommendation, and English language proficiency exam scores for international students whose native language is not English. These requirements are described further below.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is limited to one page and should highlight the applicant’s motivation for graduate study, academic and technical qualifications, other relevant experience, and specific reasons for applying to the University of Rochester’s Department of Chemical and Sustainability Engineering.
Transcripts
Applicants should submit a transcript(s) from each college or university they have attended. Unofficial, electronic copies are accepted in the online application. Students are required to submit official transcript(s) upon matriculation to the program.
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation are required (only one letter is required for University of Rochester undergraduates applying to the 4+1 Option). Recommenders will be contacted by email and provided a link where they can upload their letter of recommendation.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
An English language proficiency exam is required for all international applicants whose native language is not English. The Department of Chemical and Sustainability Engineering accepts the TOEFL and IELTS test. A minimum TOEFL score of 620 (paper-based test), 260 (computer-based test), or 95 (Internet test) is preferred for admittance. A minimum IELTS band score of 7.0 is preferred for admittance. The English proficiency exam requirement is waived for applicants who are graduates of a U.S. undergraduate program with a minimum of two years of study in the U.S. The institute code number for TOEFL reports is 7267. The department code for chemical engineering is 64.
PhD Admissions Requirements
Complete applications must be submitted through the graduate admissions portal.
Application Package
A complete application package includes a personal statement, transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and English language proficiency exam scores for international students whose native language is not English. These requirements are described further below.
Personal Statement
The personal statement is limited to two pages and should primarily highlight the applicant’s research experience, specific research interests, career goals, and alignment with the faculty and research expertise in the University of Rochester’s Department of Chemical and Sustainability Engineering. The applicant should also describe personal qualities, capabilities, and experiences that will contribute to their success as a PhD candidate.
Transcripts
Applicants should submit a transcript(s) from each college or university they have attended. Unofficial, electronic copies are accepted in the online application. Students are required to submit official transcript(s) upon matriculation to the program.
Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required. Recommenders will be contacted by email and provided a link where they can upload their letter of recommendation.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
An English language proficiency exam is required for all international applicants whose native language is not English. The Department of Chemical and Sustainability Engineering accepts the TOEFL and IELTS test. A minimum TOEFL score of 620 (paper-based test), 260 (computer-based test), or 95 (Internet test) is preferred for admittance. A minimum IELTS band score of 7.0 is preferred for admittance. The English proficiency exam requirement is waived for applicants who are graduates of a U.S. undergraduate program with a minimum of two years of study in the U.S. The institute code number for TOEFL reports is 7267. The department code for chemical engineering is 64.
Stipends and Financial Aid
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.
Application Requirements for Non-US Students
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.
Non-Discrimination Policy
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.