Frequently Asked Questions for admission
 

1. What is the deadline to apply to for the MS or PhD programs?

The deadline is February 15 of each year for the upcoming fall semester. However the absolute deadline for all required documents to be received is by the end of March.

2. Can I apply for the Spring semester to the MS or PhD programs?

No. The department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering only admits students for the Fall semester.

3. Can I apply for a PhD with only a bachelor's degree?

Yes

4. How do I apply?

All students must submit an online application. Also you must submit all required documents requested on the Chemical Engineering admission website: http://www.chee.uh.edu/graduate/?e=admission

5. What criteria are used to admit students?

The Graduate Committee looks at grades, GRE and TOEFL scores, recommendation letters and the student statement of purpose.

6. Is there a minimum GRE score?

The Quantitative + Verbal scores combined should be at least 1200; however this does not guarantee admission.

7. What kind of GRE is needed for the program?

The General GRE Exam.

8. Is there a minimum TOEFL score? Yes - the minimum scores are as follows:

550 - Paper Based Test
213 - Computer Based Test
79 - Internet Based Test
6.5 - IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
No exceptions are made for scores below these minimum scores

9. Can GRE or TOEFL exam be waived?

The GRE must be taken by all interested applicants. For international or permanent resident applicants, the TOEFL exam is required unless you have an undergraduate degree from a US institution.

10. What is the Institution Code for UH that ETS will report GRE and TOEFL scores?

The code for the University of Houston is 6870, no dept code is needed. However the department will accept a paper copy of the scores for the review process.

11. What about the application fee?

The application fee is $75 for international applicants and $25 for domestic applicants. It can be paid by credit card when submitting the online application or by check or money order should be payable to the University of Houston.

12. Can I contact individual faculty to help me get admitted?

No. All admission decisions are made by the graduate committee, not individual faculty. We admit graduate students as a department. Students choose their advisor in the first semester.

13. Choosing a Research Advisor?

If you are admitted, faculty presentations are typically conducted in October. You will submit your choices by their rank-ordered first, second, and third choice. The department earnestly attempts to assign students to the advisor of their choice, and the great majority of students get their first or second choice.

14. What about Financial Assistance?

All Qualified candidates who are accepted into our PhD program receive full financial aid. No separate application is necessary for you to be considered for financial aid.

15. How do I find tuition and fee costs?

For estimated costs, please review the following web site: http://www.uh.edu/sfs/

16. How many full-time students are admitted each year?

The number of full time students varies each year, but typically the Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering department makes 50 offers. Typically 20-25 students accept our offer.

17. What is the correct address to mail required documents?

University of Houston
Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering Department
S222 Engineering, Bldg. 1
Houston, TX 77204-4004
USA
ATTN: Graduate Coordinator

Last Updated: 07/09/2007