Case Western Reserve University

Requirements for Ph.D.

The Ph.D requirements include technical coursework, professional development requirements, and a series of examinations related to the dissertation research. The requirements for students entering after August 2006 are given below.

A. Technical Coursework Requirements

1. Core courses. The following four courses are required (12 credits total):
ECHE 460 Thermodynamics of Chemical Systems
ECHE 461 Transport Phenomena
ECHE 462 Chemical Reaction Engineering
ECHE 475 Chemical Engineering Analysis

2. Advanced core courses
Two 500-level chemical engineering courses (6 credits total)

3. Electives
At least two graduate level courses in math, science or engineering, and up to two special topics courses (12 credits total)

B. Professional Development Requirements

1. Coursework
ECHE 401, 402 Professional Communications (3 credits total)

2. Department seminars
ECHE 470 Chemical Engineering Seminar (0.5 credits per semester; 3 credits total)

3. Teaching
Three semesters of teaching: UNIV 400, ECHE 400T, ECHE 500T, ECHE 600T

C. Major Ph.D. Examinations

1. First proposition. This exam will be given in August after the first year of graduate study. A student presents his or her graduate research work to a panel of 3-5 professors The student’s research advisor cannot participate in discussions or decisions. A written document is required. The exam will assess the research progress and potential of the student, and probe the student’s knowledge of basic chemical engineering principles as related to the research work. This exam is required for Ph.D. candidacy. The panel will evaluate the student, on a pass/fail basis, in regard to further progress in the Ph.D. program. This evaluation is based on the performance on the first proposition examination, as well as their performance in the the Core chemical engineering courses and in their research project as assessed by research advisor. If a student fails the exam, the student cannot proceed towards candidacy.

2. Second proposition. Must be given no later than the 5th semester of study at Case. Subject matter is the student’s Ph.D. dissertation research. Required for Ph.D. candidacy.

3. Annual Meetings with Dissertation Committee. Must be completed before the end of August each year, and is required for continued funding. The thesis committee must submit a report to the Department Chair regarding this meeting.

4. Departmental Seminar. Students present their research to members of the Chemical Engineering Department.

5. Dissertation Defense. Final defense of Ph.D. dissertation, to a committee of at least three chemical engineering faculty members and one faculty member from outside the Chemical Engineering Department.