John R. and Jeanette Dachille McWhirter Graduate Program in Chemical Engineering

SPECIAL COVID-19 NOTICE: The McWhirter Graduate Program in Chemical Engineering has re-opened its Ph.D. application process. We understand that there are likely students whose plans have been disrupted or modified by the COVID-19 measures and their economic impact. We can waive the GRE requirement considering the short notice of this resumption. The new applications for Fall 2020 admission will go through the same rigorous screening process as the applications received prior to our original deadline and the admission offers will be made on a rolling basis. The application deadline is May 8, 2020.

Start making a difference

If you’re seeking an opportunity to solve the pressing problems facing society today, the Department of Chemical Engineering is a great place for you! As a Penn State chemical engineering graduate student, you would work collaboratively with experts from diverse backgrounds at both Penn State and around the world.

Why choose us for your graduate experience?

• Endowed program: We offer our graduate students fellowships, travel funds, an active graduate student association, and our own research symposium to enhance our graduate student experience.
• Established, but growing, program: Our program began in the 1920s but we’re looking to a bright future with our new building and a growing group of impactful faculty covering six research areas.
• Expert faculty as mentors: Students have their choice of faculty with extensive background academic, medicine, and industry as their research mentors.
• Impactful research opportunities: With funding from industry and government sources, our research projects tackle some of society's most pressing societal issues in human health, environmental sustainability, renewable energy, accessible food supply, and more. 
• New Building: Opened in April 2019, the Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Building features 109,000 square feet of state-of-the-art labs, innovative collaborative spaces, bright and roomy graduate student office space, and more. Click here to watch a video featuring the new facilities.

Our graduate degree programs include:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering (Ph.D.)
  COVID-19 Extended Application Deadline: May 8, 2020.
• One-year, Non-thesis Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (M.S.)
  Application Deadline: April 15, 2020. Please note that the application review will begin as early as February 1 and continue on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Admission may be granted after April 30 if spaces remain.
• Graduate Minor in Chemical Engineering