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:

  Fall Spring Summer
PhD December 15 October 15* No Entry
       

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:

*TOEFL scores MAY be waived for qualifying applicants. To see if you qualify for this waiver, please verify with our Graduate Office.
PhD Applicants
  Cumulative GPA GRE TOEFL
IELTS
(TOEFL Alternative)
US Citizen 3.0 or equivalent Not required Not Required Not Required
International 3.0 or equivalent Not required
Internet Based Test: 80
Reading: 19
Listening: 14
Speaking: 18
Writing: 18
 
   
6.5

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 Graduate School 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.
  • Diversity Essay: All applicants that graduated from a US high school are required to submit a diversity essay, as certain fellowships will be awarded based solely on the Diversity Essay.
  • 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 Purdue University Graduate School. 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 Purdue Graduate School 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.