Best Doctorate in Chemical Engineering Programs
The engineering field offers many specializations, including chemical engineering. Chemical engineers research new manufacturing processes, test equipment, and ensure workers’ safety. Some professionals with a doctorate in chemical engineering also perform original research.
Several top U.S. universities offer on-campus or online doctorate in chemical engineering programs. Most degree-seekers need 4-6 years to graduate. Tuition ranges from approximately $8,000-$55,000 as of July 2022.
When deciding whether to attend graduate school , learners should consider that tuition makes up just one part of a program’s cost of attendance . Other typical expenses include fees, textbooks, and technology. Fortunately, some online programs feature cost savings compared to in-person programs.
Although a doctorate degree can be expensive, many chemical engineering careers pay well above the average salary for all occupations in the U.S. of $58,260. Qualifying for a lucrative job may make taking on debt less of a financial burden for some individuals.
Best Accredited Doctorate in Chemical Engineering Programs
Rankings compiled by the BestColleges Ranking Team
How We Rank Schools
Each year, the BestColleges Ranking Team evaluates hundreds of programs to produce our annual Best Doctorate in Chemical Engineering ranking. In 2022, the team sourced the most recent data available from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Navigator, both of which are hosted by the National Center for Education Statistics. We identified 60 schools that qualify for our ranking, listed in alphabetical order. The programs in our list are based on the following criteria.
- Each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution.
- Must offer a doctorate degree program in the given subject.
- Must submit an annual report to the National Center for Education Statistics.
The BestColleges Ranking Team is made up of contributors from our data science and product management teams. These contributors operate independently from the editorial team. All BestColleges school rankings are produced by the ranking team and are free of editorial influence. Read our Editorial Policy and Standards to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Engineering Programs
Is a doctorate in chemical engineering worth it.
Depending on your career goals and interests, it can be. Scientists with a doctorate in chemical engineering perform research tackling the field’s most significant challenges and questions. These professionals may experience more benefits, such as feeling great pride in their accomplishments and exploring new career opportunities.
Applicants to doctorate in chemical engineering programs should not overlook the advantages of earning their degree online . Fully accredited online programs have the same academic rigor as on-campus degrees. Other benefits may include a lower cost of attendance and a flexible learning style.
What can I do with a doctorate in chemical engineering?
A doctorate in chemical engineering prepares graduates for many career paths, such as postsecondary teaching. Professionals in a tenure-track position teach classes, mentor students, and serve on academic committees. Other responsibilities include performing original research and publishing the results.
Career paths outside of academia include process engineering. These professionals make industrial processes more efficient by analyzing the relationship between equipment, chemical interactions, and system performance.
Doctorate in chemical engineering degree-seekers can explore these and other job options with the help of a career advisor. Advisors may recommend completing an internship or taking career interest surveys.
How long does it take to get a doctorate in chemical engineering?
Typical full-time students graduate in less than six years. A master’s degree in chemical engineering lets some learners skip introductory graduate coursework. Degree-seekers with only an engineering bachelor’s may need longer to graduate.
Students in online doctorate in chemical engineering programs must take classes such as molecular thermodynamics, applied mathematics, and chemical kinetics. Students then take a qualifying examination. Those who pass move on to their dissertation.
Doctorate in chemical engineering students instruct undergraduate classes. This experience prepares them for careers in academia. Degree-seekers graduate once they successfully defend their dissertation in front of a committee.
How much money can I make with a doctorate in chemical engineering?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that postsecondary engineering teachers earned a median salary of $104,940 in May 2021. This figure exceeds what many teachers in other disciplines made. Top-paying states for professionals included California, Illinois, and Rhode Island.
The average salary for process engineers exceeded $75,000 in June 2022, according to Payscale . The highest earners make more than $105,000. In-demand skills that may increase salary potential include technical analysis, engineering design, and risk management.
Online doctorate in chemical engineering students should consider how their specialty can affect salary potential. The BLS reports that the best paying employers for chemical engineers include engineering services firms and petroleum production companies.
What are the highest-paying jobs with a doctorate in chemical engineering?
The BLS reports that the highest-paying jobs for workers with a doctorate in chemical engineering include chemical engineering. Professionals in the engineering services sector earned a median salary of $152,430 in May 2021. Those specializing in coal product manufacturing made $126,780.
Other lucrative career opportunities can be found in research science. Payscale data shows that top earners in this profession made more than $101,000 per year as of July 2022. The latest salary data suggests that employers provide regular raises to mid-career and experienced professionals.
Degree-seekers and recent graduates make themselves more competitive for lucrative jobs by earning industry certifications. The National Certification Commission in Chemistry and Chemical Engineering awards certifications to professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree.
Feature Image: Hinterhaus Productions / DigitalVision / Getty Images
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