How to Apply - Davidson School of Chemical Engineering - Purdue University

Applying to the PHD Graduate Program

NOTE:  The GRE will be optional for the PHD program. If you are able to take the GRE exam, and would like to submit your scores, you may do so.  However, your application will not be impacted negatively if you do not submit GRE scores.

You are welcome to apply to the Chemical Engineering Graduate Program at any time, however most students complete their applications during October-December of the preceding year they wish to begin graduate studies.

Please do not contact faculty in our department.  The PhD applicants go through an advisor selection process in the first semester.

Application Deadlines:

We will continue to accept applications after these dates, however, for full consideration, please submit a completed application, including all supporting materials (transcripts, test scores, recommendations, etc.), before the deadline.

*Our Primary admission window is for fall entry, however we do admit students to the PhD program for spring entry as needed. Please check with the Graduate Office to see if applications are being considered for spring admission before applying. All other applicants will be considered for fall admission.

Admission Requirements:

Supporting documentation needed to complete your application:

• References: Identify three references for the PhD.  You will need their email address and contact information. They will submit their recommendations on-line, and then the letters will be uploaded directly to your application.

• GRE Scores: The GRE will be optional for the PHD program.

• TOEFL Scores: If you are an international student whose native language is not English, you must submit your TOEFL scores through the ‘Test Scores’ link in your application. Also, request ETS submit your TOEFL scores to the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) using institutional code 1631.

• Statement of Purpose: Carefully prepare a statement of purpose that clearly outlines your goals and interests in Chemical Engineering.

• GPA & Class Ranking: Report undergraduate and, if applicable, graduate GPA(s) and class ranking(s) in your application through the ‘Education Background’ link.

• Transcripts: Upload a PDF copy of all transcripts from all institutions you have attended. International applicants should include original language and English translations of their transcripts. These documents should be uploaded to your application through the ‘Education Background’ link. Official transcripts will only be required upon admission.

• Personal History Statement: helps reviewers learn more about you as a whole person and as a potential graduate student. This may include relevant details on community service, leadership roles, participation in diverse teams, and significant barriers that you overcame to attend graduate school.

• Resume: The School of Chemical Engineering does require a resume be submitted with your application. 

Our application process is entirely electronic and requires submission of an application through the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS). The application does not need completed all at once. You may save your application at any point and finish at a later time.

You are not required to submit official documentation when applying to our program. Please upload unofficial transcripts (in the original language and English translation if applicable). You may also report your test scores (GRE, English proficiency) in your application. Admitted students will be required to provide their official transcripts and test scores to the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS) before they are allowed to enroll.

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If you have any further questions after reviewing the FAQs, please email chegrad@purdue.edu.