Graduate Information
The graduate program in our department offers the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (MSChE) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemical Engineering. Tuition waivers and living stipends are available for outstanding applicants to enable them to focus on cutting-edge research and advanced coursework. The most commonly-asked questions about the program are addressed below. You can download the department’s Graduate Student Handbook (PDF), which is a complete guide to applying to the program, the coursework requirements, and details on funding.
What are the entrance requirements?
- A grade point average of 3.0 out of 4.0 in a completed degree program in chemical engineering, natural science or other engineering program. If your undergraduate institution uses a grade scale not based on 4.0, the Graduate School will convert your grades to a 4.0 scale when they receive your application. Applicants who do not have a degree in chemical engineering will be required to take courses in preparation for their graduate work as outlined in the department's Graduate Student Handbook (PDF)
- A minimum GRE score of 700 on the quantitative section of the exam and a minimum of 1200 combined score on the quantitative and verbal sections of the exam. When you take the test, have the score sent directly to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, institution code 6866, dept code 1001.
- For students without a B.S. degree from a U.S. university, a minimum TOEFL score of 550 (for the TOEFL paper based test or PBT), 213 for the computer based TOEFL test, 80 for the iBT, or a score on the IELTS of at least 6.5
What kind of financial aid is available?
Due to the years of additional study past the Bachelor's degree, the broader duties of the graduate student and the desire to attract the best students, the Department offers financial assistance for some incoming students. All students are automatically considered for financial aid and no additional application is required. Strong preference for funding will go to students seeking the PhD degree.
If you receive financial aid, it will pay all tuition, some student fees, and provide a living stipend at one the following levels:
Master’s students: $12,000 per year
PhD students: $20,000 per year
In addition, the best applicants in the PhD program are eligible for one of the Walton Fellowships (maximum of four years support):
Doctoral Academy Fellowships - $10,000 per year in addition to the base stipend
GPA: 3.50/4.00 if entering with a BS in chemical engineering, natural science, or other engineering program. 3.65/4.00 if entering with a MS in a similar subject area.
GRE: verbal plus quantitative score of at least 1200 with a GRE writing score of 5.0 or higher
Distinguished Doctoral Fellowships - $20,000 per year in addition to the base stipend
GPA: 3.65/4.00 if entering with a BS in chemical engineering, natural science, or other engineering program. 3.85/4.00 if entering with a MS in a similar subject area.
GRE: verbal plus quantitative score of at least 1300 with a GRE writing score of 5.0 or higher
What degree programs are offered?
The MSChE consists of 24 hours of coursework (8 courses), a research project supervised by a faculty member, and the defense of a written thesis. A non-thesis MSChE is not offered as a terminal degree. This normally takes 2 years, with all classes completed in the first 12 to 18 months.
The PhD degree consists of 48 hours of coursework, a research project supervised by a faculty member, and the defense of a written dissertation. In addition, you must pass a set of qualifying exams. This normally takes 4 years, with all classes completed in 2 - 3 years.
What research areas are available?
Biological Systems and Food Science
Chemical Hazards Research
Chemical Process Safety
Chemical Separations and Supercritical Fluid Technology
Materials Science for Microelectronics
Membrane Separations
Dispersal of Pollution in the Environment
Life Cycle Analysis
more information at http://www.cheg.uark.edu/research.asp
How do I find out more?
You can download the department’s Graduate Student Handbook, which is a complete guide to applying to the program, the coursework requirements, and details on funding.
Download pdf of Grad Student Handbook
How do I apply?
Apply directly to the department through the on-line procedure outlined in the department’s Graduate Student Handbook. We will evaluate your application and will notify you of our decision. If you are accepted by the department, you will need to make formal application to the Graduate School.
The Graduate School at the University of Arkansas
http://www.uark.edu/depts/gradinfo/
University of Arkansas general website
http://www.uark.edu/
Information for International Students
http://international.uark.edu/
Friends of India Student Organization
http://comp.uark.edu/~india/home/main.html
University web site to help look for off campus housing
http://offcampushousing.uark.edu