Graduate students pursuing MS and PhD degrees in Chemical Engineering at Michigan Tech work alongside faculty to advance fundamental and applied knowledge in chemical engineering and related fields.
Graduate research opportunities available to students are often interdisciplinary, with strong industry collaborations. Becoming part of nationally recognized research that improves the lives of people makes Michigan Tech chemical engineering an excellent choice for graduate study.
Current departmental research includes pioneering a microdevice—an entire miniature chemical plant on a silicon wafer—to rapidly determine a patient's blood type, as well as designing process equipment to sequester CO2 using industrial waste materials.
Many of our new research projects are driven by University initiatives in sustainability, biotechnology, and alternative energy. Our core research thrust areas are
- Process safety;
- Process systems engineering;
- Energy production and storage;
- Sustainable engineering;
- Applied thermodynamics;
- Polymer processing;
- New materials synthesis;
- Minerals processing;
- Iron and steel making; and
- Biochemical engineering.
Extensive Funding Sources
Chemical and materials industries fund 25 percent of the department's research programs. Federal and state agencies support the majority of our projects, highlighted by funding from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Education, the National Institute of Health, and the US Department of Energy. The current level of external funding is approximately $3 million, with about $1 million in annual research expenditures.
Cutting-Edge Research Facilities
Fully equipped laboratory facilities and analytical equipment support the department's research efforts. Resources are available to study inorganic and biochemical systems and processes ranging in size from nanoscale to pilot plant. Students receive training in measurement and imaging methods needed for their research.
Projects go well beyond small-scale laboratory demonstrations. At three stories tall and 6,500 square feet, our Unit Operations Laboratory simulates a real-world chemical-processing facility. Students receive industrially relevant, hands-on experience with state-of-the-art equipment for chemical processing, instrumentation, control, and data acquisition.
MS Plans
Whether your interests lie in research or course work, we offer a master plan to suit your educational goals. A detailed explanation of degree requirements can be found on the Graduate School's Master of Science requirements page.
PhD Plan
A detailed explanation of degree requirements can be found on the Graduate School's Doctor of Philosophy requirements page.
