Skip to main content

Guide for Graduate Studies

 

Welcome to the Graduate Program in the William A. Brookshire Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Houston!

This description contains information that will help you plan your studies at the University of Houston. However, we realize that no single document can cover everything. Useful information for new graduate students is available on the departmental web page and in the current University of Houston Graduate Catalog. Additional information for admitted students can be obtained from the Organization of Chemical Engineering Graduate Students (OChEGS), and in the Dean's summary of policies and procedures. Current course offerings are listed in the UH academic schedule, found here, which is updated twice each year. In addition, the Director of Graduate Admissions, grabow [at] uh.edu (Dr. Lars Grabow); The Director of Graduate Studies, jrimer [at] central.uh.edu (Dr. Jeffrey Rimer) and the Department Chair, tjmountz [at] central.uh.edu (Dr. Triantafillos J. Mountziaris) will be happy to answer your questions or direct you to the right person.

This page contains information on the following topics:

 

Graduate Degree​ Programs

The department has M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Chemical Engineering. The department also offers a professionally-oriented Masters in Chemical Engineering (M.Ch.E.) program, directed by nikolaou [at] uh.edu (Dr. Michael Nikolaou). The M.S. and Ph.D. programs in Chemical Engineering are described below.

 

 

The M​.S. Program

This program focuses on advanced engineering fundamentals. Students with a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering or related field must obtain 30 credit hours (10 courses) of core and elective courses to obtain a course-based M.S. degree. No financial aid is offered for M.S. students.

DEGREE RE​QUIREMENTS

  1. Coursework

    Each candidate must complete the four 3-credit hour core courses:

    • CHEE 6331: Mathematical Methods in Chemical Engineering I
    • CHEE 6333: Transport Processes
    • CHEE 6335: Classical & Statistical Thermodynamics
    • CHEE 6337: Advanced Reactor Engineering or CHEE 6360 Biomolecular Engineering
       

    Six 3-credit hour graduate-level elective courses may be chosen from the department offerings. ONLY two elective graduate-level courses (6 credit hours) from other departments may be substituted for chemical electives. It is possible to cross-enroll to Rice or Baylor College of Medicine in some cases. Basic computer science (COSC) classes, as well as the finance and accounting courses offered in the MChE program (e.g. CHEE 6368, 6369 and 6383); need the Graduate Director approval before enrolling as electives.

  2. Course-Based
    Although our M.S. program is course-based and does not include a research component, it is possible, though uncommon, for admitted M.S. to carry out research in lieu of four elective courses. The thesis must be presented and satisfactorily defended in an oral examination. The thesis committee consists of your advisor, one other faculty member from the Chemical Engineering department, and one other Ph.D. scientist or engineer (most commonly a UH faculty member) from outside the department. The student's research advisor chairs the committee. The thesis corresponds to at least 12 credit hours toward the overall degree requirements, of which at least 6 are taken as research credits and 6 as thesis credits.

back to top

 

 

The Ph.D. P​rogram

Candidates for the Ph.D. degree are given intensive exposure to a specific field of engineering research as well as continued study of a broad range of engineering fundamentals. The main focus is individual research, and students are expected to expand the frontiers of knowledge in their area of endeavor. Moreover, candidates learn, absorb, and otherwise experience the general philosophy, methods, and concepts of research and scholarly inquiry so that after graduation they can approach significant problems that may or may not be related to their doctoral research.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

  1. Coursework

    Each candidate must complete a total of 30 credit hours of coursework including the following 4 core courses: (Mandatory enrollment/completion of UH core, no exceptions)

    • CHEE 6331: Mathematical Methods in Chemical Engineering I
    • CHEE 6333: Transport Processes
    • CHEE 6335: Classical & Statistical Thermodynamics
    • CHEE 6337: Advanced Reactor Engineering or CHEE 6360 Biomolecular Engineering
       

    Of the remaining six (elective) courses, ONLY two elective graduate-level courses (6 credit hours) from other departments may be substituted for chemical electives. Graduate level courses from other departments may be approved on a case-by-case basis. It is possible to enroll in Rice graduate courses in some cases. Some basic computer science (COSC) classes, as well as the finance and accounting courses offered in the MChE program (CHEE 6350, 6368 and 6369) are not usable as M.S. or Ph.D. electives. Students are also required to enroll for the departmental seminar series class (CHEE 6111) after their first year. However, you must attend department seminars regularly, whether formally enrolled or not.

  2. Admission to Candidacy for the Ph.D.

    At the end of the first year Spring Term, the faculty decide whether a student belongs to one of the three following tracks:

    • Track (i) goes for fast-track Ph.D.,
    • Track (ii) works on removing coursework deficiency and then goes for Ph.D., or
    • Track (iii) goes for a course-based MS degree and leaves.
       

    This decision would be based on 4 required course instructors recommendations (positive or negative) and advisor recommendation.

    • Track (i) would have students who have done well in courses (required core courses GPA>3.30). They must have positive recommendations from all instructors and their advisor. They would do a research-based Ph.D. qualifier by the end of the second year. (A one Term extension can be given in special situations.) A committee of 3 ChE faculty would judge, if they qualify. If they do not qualify, complete the course-based M.S. degree and leave.
    • Track (ii) would have the students who have not performed well in some required courses. They may be advised to repeat the required courses in which they performed poorly and/or obtain a thesis-based M.S. They must have a positive recommendation from the course instructor to move on. If they succeed in these additional requirements, they proceed to the Ph.D. program. If they do not qualify, they complete and leave with a M.S. (Note:  If an instructor finds weak performance, but with potential to improve, he/she can give an “I” grade, allow the person to do extra work or do an extra project and change the grade within a month.
    • Track (iii) would have students who have required core courses GPA < 3.00 or get 3 (or more) negative recommendations from instructors and advisor. They would be advised by the end of their first calendar year to take the necessary classes and leave with a course-based M.S.
       

    This qualification process also includes the faculty evaluation of all first-year students at the end of the first Fall Term. The weak students (2 or more B-) are advised to drop out of the Ph.D. program at that stage and do a course-based M.S.

    Research-based Ph.D. Qualifying Examination Format: In the second year (preferably in the Spring Term), students would take their research-based qualifying examination. The examination would consist of a report (double-spaced, 12-font, approximately 20 pages: background, summary of research conducted, and directions for further research) and an oral presentation of the research to a committee of 3 professors (including the advisor). The committee would be appointed, with input from the advisor, by the Director of Graduate Studies and approved by the ChE Chair.

  3. Residency
    All Ph.D. Students are required to satisfy a 1-year full-time residency before they can graduate. This means that you must be enrolled for the required nine (9) hours, which is considered full time, in two (2) consecutive long terms (Fall and Spring).
  4. Research Dissertation
    A Ph.D. candidate must complete a research project and a Ph.D. dissertation. The dissertation should contain a significant new contribution to knowledge in chemical engineering, and must be presented and satisfactorily defended in an oral examination. The dissertation committee is composed of the student's advisor, two other faculty members from the Chemical Engineering department and two faculty (most commonly UH faculty) from outside the department. The student's research advisor chairs the committee. The dissertation must provide at least 42 credit hours towards the overall degree requirements, of which at least 30 are taken as research credits and 12 as dissertation credits.

back to top

 

 

Ph.D. Dissertation C​ommittee

This committee seeks to provide input to the Ph.D. candidate's research goals and progress at a time early enough to accommodate any adjustments before defense of the dissertation. The time for assembling this committee is decided by the student and his/her advisor. For further information, please contact the Director of Graduate Studies.

back to top

 

 

Students with B.S. Degrees in Subjects other than Chemical Engineering?

Degree plans for full-time students seeking a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering who have a B.S. degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Engineering or related branches of science and engineering are arranged on a case-by-case basis. In the first year, the student will usually take two of the required graduate courses per Term together with pertinent undergraduate courses. If the student audits the other required courses and is making the transition to chemical engineering smoothly, they will be encouraged to take the Ph.D. qualifying exam at the end of the second year.

back to top

 

 

Students with Previous M.S. Degrees in Chemical Engineering

Students pursuing a Ph.D. degree after a previous M.S. degree in Chemical Engineering must take all four (4) core courses and three (3) elective courses, for a total of seven (7) courses. Students with a M.S. degree in a different discipline may be required to take ten courses. The core course requirement cannot be waived. Students with a previous M.S. degree have a shortened eligibility window for Graduate Tuition Fellowships (GTF).

back to top

 

 

Stipends and Payment

With very rare exception, full-time Ph.D. students in the department are paid the current standard departmental rate. Some students receive additional fellowships. Variations in take-home pay are created by the complex Federal and University policies governing stipends and income, by international tax treaties, and by insurance and tax withholding. Ph.D. students are very rarely admitted without support, as financial concerns usually prevent unsupported students from doing well. External fellowships arranged by the student (e.g., NSF Graduate Fellowships) lead to somewhat higher stipend levels.

Students are paid at the beginning of each month, for the month just ended. The first payment to new students is therefore October 1st . It is essential to arrange for your Social Security Number to be entered into the university accounting system as soon as possible, to ensure that payment will occur on time.

Fellowships

Fellowships are intended to assist departments or programs in enhancing quality by providing funds to recruit outstanding students. The Fellowship program provides funds to match or exceed financial assistance packages offered by other institutions. Only students of exceptional caliber who represent extraordinary recruitment opportunities will receive these fellowships. 
https://www.egr.uh.edu/academics/graduate-programs-policies/presidential-fellowships 

Graduate Tuition Fellowships (GTF)

The Graduate Tuition Fellowship provides funding to assist in defraying cost of in-state tuition of up to 9 credit hours per semester and up to 6 credit hours in the summer for qualified Ph.D. students, who are in good academic standing.
https://www.egr.uh.edu/academics/graduate-programs-policies/doctoral-student-tuition-fellowships

back to top

 

 

Assignment of Research Advisors

Research advisors are assigned at the end of Fall or start of the Spring Term. Several weeks before advisor-choices are to be submitted, each professor planning to take new students gives a 30-minute presentation on his/her work and the projects available for new students. Each student is then expected to meet further with at least three or more of the professors, as well as with students already involved with the groups of interest. Experience shows that these meetings are one of the main ways in which students learn about the research activities of the department, and this knowledge is often helpful in their research. The OChEGS symposium each Fall is another valuable source of information about current research in the department. Following these meetings, near the end of the Fall Term, each student submits 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. Don't be out of touch during the week before second-term classes begin, as it is often necessary to consult with students regarding the assignment process.

back to top

 

 

Teaching Assistant Duties

In addition to their coursework and research activities, all full-time graduate students in the department are assigned some teaching assistant duties. Such duties usually include homework grading, tutoring students, or assisting in an instructional laboratory. This assignment is a worthwhile educational experience for all graduate students. Because all students participate, the burden on each individual is moderate. In recent years, no TA duties have been given to students during their first Term of graduate study, or to students who expect to graduate before the end of the Term.

back to top

 

 

OChEGS

The Organization of Chemical Engineering Graduate Students (OChEGS) is a useful, student-run organization in which many graduate students participate. OChEGS organizes a variety of social events each year, as well as a long-standing Fall symposium featuring research conducted by students in the department. OChEGS may be reached through their mailbox and at the events they sponsor.

back to top

 

 

Ethical Practices

The department's standards in this area are high and inflexible and result in Severe Consequences Particularly avoid the following: collaboration on take-home exams, cheating, plagiarism of others' writings, and falsification of data. Any of these can potentially end your professional career. Any appropriate penalty may be imposed up to a maximum penalty of permanent suspension from the Department and or University. Seek advice if you find yourself in a situation in which you are uncertain.  The UH Academic Honesty Policy can be found at this link:
https://www.uh.edu/provost/students/student-policies/honesty/

back to top

 

 

Department Safety

Much of the research conducted in the department involves the use of potentially-dangerous substances and equipment. None of the research conducted here outweighs serious injury to any member of the department. Be cautious when you first begin experimental work. Ask the members of your research group about hazards. Lab safety information from Environmental Health & Risk Management can be found at: https://www.uh.edu/ehls/. You will be required to take the required Hazardous Material Safety course. Take the required radiation-safety course and laser safety course, if applicable to your research. Know the special disposal rules for organic and biohazardous wastes. Beware of gas cylinders, which must always be secured against falling, and leaks of toxic/flammable gases. Use eye protection. Know where the nearest eyewash and fire extinguisher are located (could you find them with your eyes closed or blinded?). Beware of glass tubing and vessels, and hot surfaces. Finally, even the non-experimentalists should be aware that injuries associated with over/improper use of computers are real, and increasingly common.

back to top

 

 

Duration of Financial Support

Support will continue as long as you are maintaining a 3.3/4.00 GPA and satisfactory progress in the core courses, research, dissertation, and other requirements for the completion of your Ph.D degree.

The department limits the duration of financial support to encourage students and their advisors to expedite the student's progress toward graduation. While anxiety-provoking at first glance, this policy has effectively eliminated the lengthy terms of graduate study still found in many other departments (e.g., 7-8 years!).

All full-time Ph.D. candidates are ideally expected to complete their degree requirements within four and a half years from the time they enter the department. In addition to the above guidelines, the State of Texas places a reasonable but firm upper limit on the duration of graduate studies, beyond which out-of-state tuition would have to be charged by the University for a student to continue his/her enrollment in the graduate program. Please make sure that you discuss this issue with your advisor.

back to top

 

 

University Holidays

The official holiday schedule for each academic year typically includes: Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas/Winter Break &New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, , Memorial Day, Emancipation Day and U.S. Independence Day.

Note: A State employee is entitled to observe Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur or Good Friday in lieu of any holiday or holidays on which the employee's agency is required to be open or staffed to conduct public business. Please refer to SAM policy 02.E.03 section 3.8, to review the process for observing. Other absences should be prearranged with the student's advisor. In practice, it is observed that students who are enthusiastic and committed to their studies and their research seem to have more fun, and do better when they get out.

back to top

 

 

Graduate Coursework and Seminar Series

A full-time student must enroll in 9 credit hours each term. The Department invites renowned speakers to address the faculty and the graduate students. Seminars are usually held from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. on Fridays. A social with coffee and doughnuts precedes each lecture. All PhD graduate students are required to be enrolled in this course every Fall and Spring Term. First year Students are not enrolled in the seminar but are required to attend the graduate seminars (no exceptions).

back to top

 

 

Enrollment in Classes

The UH requirement for full time enrollment can change depending on policies of the higher administration and Federal government (it’s generally 9 or 12 hours for full time M.S., and 9 for Ph.D. students, but check each term with the Graduate Advisor). Any student who is supported (TA, RA, fellowship, scholarship) is required by the College of Engineering to be full time.