The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University is pioneering transformational discoveries in synthetic biology, biotechnology, catalysis, medicine, complex systems, energy, sustainability, and materials in order to tackle the biggest problems facing the world today. Our areas of impact include renewable energy, biomanufacturing, clean water, plastics recycling, and human health.
To achieve these goals, our highly interdisciplinary department conducts research across traditional boundaries while creating an inclusive environment committed to excellence in education, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, leading to innovative startups and national awards.
The PhD program emphasizes advanced coursework, hands-on teaching experience, and world-class research via interdisciplinary interactions, including through leading research centers and training programs that have not only garnered the department a high national ranking, but have also attracted students from the most competitive institutions in the world.
Study with faculty pursuing high-impact interdisciplinary research and translation
Our faculty boasts numerous National Science Foundation PYI/NYI/CAREER Award recipients, Packard Science and Engineering Fellows, and National Academy of Engineering members. Several have also received top teaching awards at the university.
including the Center for Synthetic Biology, the Northwestern Institute on Complex Systems, and the Center for Engineering Sustainability and Resilience.
Combining experimental, computational, and theoretical approaches to make discoveries at the cutting edge
“I really enjoy the creative, social, and collaborative nature of the community, from the undergraduate students through graduate students, post-docs, faculty, and staff.”
The basics at-a-glance
The PhD program emphasizes advanced coursework, hands-on teaching experience, and world-class research at the forefront of the broad disciplines of chemical and biological engineering.
The average time for completion of the PhD program is about five years.
Graduate students holding BS or BE degrees in chemical engineering must complete 10 courses.
Students entering with an MS or graduate coursework in chemical engineering or a related field may have some course requirements waived or be allowed to substitute on a case-by-case basis.
Students interested in academic careers may opt to participate in the Teaching Apprentices Program. Graduate students work closely with a faculty mentor to teach three to five weeks of an undergraduate chemical engineering class, preparing lectures, assigning homework, and writing and grading exams.
The majority of graduate students in our department participate in interdisciplinary programs and research groups, including:
At Northwestern, you’ll have opportunities to participate in laboratory research experience, teaching, and conferences and workshops. In addition, our career advisers in Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement assist students with career development and placement.
The department prepares PhD graduates for careers in academia, industry, and government. The department’s industrial internship program frequently leads to offers for permanent employment.
Our graduates typically move on to research or leadership positions within:
Where our alumni work in academia
Where our alumni work in industry
Request a customized program guide about the PhD in chemical and biological engineering.
