The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Tufts University is a research-focused doctoral program for students who want to apply principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics to solve problems involving the production and use of chemicals, fuels, drugs, food, materials, and other products. Students complete advanced coursework, conduct original research, and defend a doctoral thesis.

Offered through the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, the program is available on campus in Medford/Somerville. Full-time and part-time study options are available, and the average duration is 3–5 years.

Who is this Program For?

This program is designed for students who want to pursue advanced research in chemical engineering and related fields. Applicants are generally expected to have a prior degree in chemical engineering.

Applicants with degrees in closely related engineering fields, such as materials science and engineering or polymer engineering, may also be a strong fit if they have preparation in the core content of chemical engineering. Applicants with backgrounds in chemistry or biochemistry should have coursework in ordinary or partial differential equations and, ideally, preparation in heat, mass, and momentum transport. These courses should be clearly shown on the transcript(s) and must also be described in the applicant's personal statement.

Application Requirements

Application Fee
Resume/CV
Personal Statement
Transcripts
Three letters of recommendation
Official TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test scores (if applicable)
GRE General Test scores are not required
Portfolio (optional)

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What Will You Study?

Doctoral study in chemical engineering combines advanced coursework, independent research, teaching experience, and thesis preparation. Students build depth in core chemical engineering principles while developing the research skills needed to contribute original knowledge to the field. Ph.D. requirements also include additional electives that support individual research themes, a qualifying exam, teaching assistant assignments, attendance and participation in the Departmental Seminar Series, research committee meetings, and a thesis defense.

Core coursework includes:

Mathematical methods in chemical engineering
Advanced thermodynamics
Advanced kinetics and reaction engineering
Advanced transport phenomena

Research areas underlying the program include:

Materials for energy and sustainability
Cell and biomolecular engineering
Systems and process modeling

About the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Tufts University supports graduate education and research across chemical engineering, biological engineering, materials, energy, sustainability, and manufacturing.

Faculty research connects core chemical engineering with emerging work in sustainable chemicals and fuels, clean energy, electrochemical systems, synthetic biology, biomolecular engineering, tissue engineering, process control, polymer science, nanobiofabrication, BioMEMS, and related fields.

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Why Study Chemical Engineering at Tufts?

Research-Oriented Doctoral Training

The Ph.D. is designed for students who want to conduct original research in chemical engineering. Students build advanced technical knowledge, research independence, and scientific communication skills through coursework, thesis research, seminars, teaching experience, and faculty-guided dissertation work.

Interdisciplinary Research Areas

Chemical engineering research at Tufts connects chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, materials science, energy, and systems modeling. Students may pursue research themes related to energy and sustainability, cell and biomolecular engineering, or systems and process modeling.

Faculty Mentorship

Doctoral students work closely with faculty mentors whose expertise spans chemical and biological engineering, materials, sustainability, catalysis, biotechnology, transport phenomena, polymers, membranes, energy systems, and process modeling.

Boston and Cambridge Innovation Ecosystem

Tufts’ Medford/Somerville campus is located near the research, biotechnology, clean energy, pharmaceutical, and advanced materials communities of Greater Boston and Cambridge. This setting can support professional connections, research exposure, and access to a broader engineering and life sciences ecosystem.

What Can You Do With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering?

A Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering can support advanced research, technical leadership, teaching, and innovation-focused career paths. Graduates may pursue opportunities across academia, industry, research, government labs, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, energy, advanced materials, manufacturing, and sustainability.

Potential paths may include:

University faculty member or postdoctoral researcher
Chemical engineering, catalysis, energy systems, materials, biotechnology, or bioprocessing researcher
Process development, pharmaceutical process, or R&D engineer/scientist
Sustainability or clean-energy technology researcher

What is the Career Outlook?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment for chemical engineers is projected to grow 3% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. The median annual wage for chemical engineers was $121,860 in May 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

What academic background do I need?

Applicants are generally expected to have a prior degree in chemical engineering. Applicants from closely related engineering fields may also be considered if they have preparation in core chemical engineering topics.

Is the GRE required?

No. GRE General Test scores are not required.

Are scholarships or financial aid available?

Full-time PhD students within the School of Engineering often receive a tuition scholarship. Applicants should review current tuition and aid information and contact gradadmissions@tufts.edu with questions.

How do I apply?

Applicants can apply online through Tufts Graduate Admissions Portal. Required materials typically include transcripts, a resume or CV, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose. International applicants may also need to submit English proficiency documentation. Visit the admissions page for current deadlines and application requirements.