Chemical Engineering

Four students
Chemical engineers touch all aspects of our lives, such as the production, distribution and maintenance of a safe supply of food and water, medicines that keep us healthy, the clothes that keep us warm, and the fuel that we use for transportation. Below you’ll find more information about working as a chemical engineer and the ISU Chemical and Biological Engineering experience.
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We are a community of faculty, staff and students immersed in nationally and internationally recognized chemical and biological research. As one of the nation’s first chemical engineering departments, we are committed to providing a high-quality education that prepares you for a productive career in engineering or a related field, and for life as an educated, effective citizen and leader. Our graduate students work hand-in-hand with our faculty to better the lives of individuals everywhere.


Degrees Offered:

  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  • Master of Engineering (M.Engr.)
  • Master of Science (M.S.)

Area(s) of Specialization: 

  • Advanced and Nanostructured Materials
  • Biorenewables
  • Catalysis and Reaction Engineering
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Health Care Technology and Biomedical Engineering
  • Renewable Energy

How long does it take to earn a degree?

  • Median time to earn the doctorate: 5.0 years (Methods)
  • Median time to earn the master’s: 1.5 years (Methods)

Chemical & Biological Engineering

chemengr@iastate.edu
515-294-7870
Chemical and Biological Engineering Graduate Program
2114 Sweeney Hall
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-1098

Learning Goals

  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of scholarly literature in the area of study.
  • Form testable hypotheses and articulate research objectives that, when met, will lead to significant contributions to the field of study.
  • Conduct quantitative research via appropriate acquisition, analysis, and reporting of data.
  • Interpret research results appropriately, integrating them into the existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Clearly and accurately communicate research findings orally and in writing.
  • Conduct independent scholarship in ways that consistently demonstrate ethical practice and professionalism.

Admission Requirements

Graduate College Requirements:

  • 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Academic Records/Transcripts
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
  • Proof of English Proficiency.

Program Specific Requirements:

  • Program Requires GRE: No
  • Program Requires GMAT: No
  • Program Will Review Without TOEFL or IELTS: No

International Requirements:

  • Financial Statement:  Application
  • English Proficiency Minimum:
    TOEFL Paper (PBT) 587
    TOEFL Internet (iBT) 94
    IELTS 7
    PTE 64
    Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) 115

Application Requirements

Application Deadlines:

Priority consideration deadlines for Fall admission are December 1 (international applicants) and January 1 (domestic applicants). Applications for Spring admission are due on September 15.

Application Details:

This program is open to domestic and international students.

Application Instructions