PhD Chemical Engineering at UTK: Fees 2026 Dates & Requirements

A total of 72 credit hours beyond the bachelor's degree are required for the PhD. These consist of course work hours and research and dissertation hours (CBE 600). Specifically, the departmental requirements consist of the satisfactory completion of

A minimum of 36 credit hours in graduate-level courses (excluding?CBE 600) in chemical engineering and related fields beyond the baccalaureate. These courses must include the four core courses (CBE 506,?CBE 531,?CBE 547, and?CBE 579), and at least 6 credit hours of courses at the 600 level from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

A qualifying exam that assesses the student's competence in the core areas of chemical and biomolecular engineering, ability to think analytically and creatively, and potential to perform original research.

A comprehensive examination consisting of a written part and an oral part. The written part consists of a written thesis research proposal, and the oral defense of the thesis research proposal constitutes the oral portion of the exam.

A minimum of 24 credit hours of research and dissertation credit in?CBE 600. Registration must be continuous from the time research begins. (See the Continuous Registration requirement in the Graduate School section of this catalog.)