Graduate Studies
Graduate students in the College of Engineering have the opportunity to pursue the Master of Science in Engineering and the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Life Science Engineering.
Students in the graduate chemical and life science engineering programs will gain exposure to cutting-edge research practiced by faculty members and peers. Funding comes from public and private sector entities, and sponsored research areas include specialties in both life science engineering and chemical engineering.
Thinking about applying?
Consider applying for an M.S. or Ph.D.
Application for admission to Graduate Study in the College of Engineering begins with the completion of an application for admission form. The form is available on the Graduate School website.
Send the completed form to the Graduate School, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 843051, Richmond, VA 23284-3051. A fee paid in the form of a check or money order (payable to VCU) must accompany the application. The fee cannot be returned or credited toward tuition payment.
The following documents are required:
- Official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate work sent directly from college or university registrars to the Graduate School (address above).
- Letters of recommendation from three present or former teachers or others believed by the applicant to be qualified to evaluate fitness to engage in graduate study for the degree in the field of choice.
- A Statement of Purpose from the applicant summarizing motivation, education and aims in pursuing graduate study.
- TOEFL/IELTS Scores: International applicants for whom English is not their native language must meet university admission requirements for performance on the Test of English as a Foreign Language or International English Language Testing System. Acceptance of an applicant is based on the recommendation of the Admissions Committee with approval of the program chair and the associate dean for graduate studies. To download application forms or to apply online, visit the VCU Graduate School’s website.
You may be suited for our B.S to M.S in Engineering Bridge Program.
A unique program designed to enable you to receive a M.S. degree in Chemical and Life Science Engineering (CLSE) with a background in a non-engineering field.
May be completed in 4-5 semesters, with an option to continue on for a Ph.D.
Typical relevant undergraduate coursework: Chemistry through Organic chemistry with labs, Basic Biological science with labs, Differential equations, Multivariate calculus, Calculus-based Physics 1 and 2, Computer programming knowledge (desirable), and Physical chemistry/Reaction kinetics (desirable).
You may qualify for the accelerated B.S. to M.S. program.
A unique program that enables you to apply up to 6 credits of 500 level elective courses towards BOTH your B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemical and Life Science Engineering (CLSE). Complete a M.S. degree (thesis or non-thesis option) in 2 additional semesters, with option to continue for a Ph.D.
Am I eligible?
- Are you a VCU CLSE student?
- Did you complete CLSE 301, CLSE 302, CLSE 305, CLSE 312, and CLSE 320?
- Is your overall GPA > 3.0 and your CLSE GPA > 3.2?
If you answered YES to all three questions, you are eligible to apply to the accelerated B.S. to M.S. program.
How do I apply?
- Talk to your Academic Advisor (Sarah Pezzat, scpezzat@vcu.edu) and the Graduate Program Director (Thomas Roper, tdroper@vcu.edu) about your interest in the accelerated M.S. program and verify your eligibility.
- Complete the VCU Accelerated Program Declaration Form the summer before your senior year.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress, including maintaining a GPA > 3.0.
- Apply to the M.S. degree program in your senior year.
- Note the GRE is waived and only one reference letter is required.
Application deadlines
| Degree | Semester(s) of entry | Deadline dates | Test requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ph.D. | Fall (preferred) | Jun 1 (Jan 15 for financial assistance) | TOEFL required for international students |
| Spring | Nov 15 | ||
| M.S. | Fall (preferred) | Jun 1 (Jan 15 for financial assistance) | GRE waived for Fall 2022 |
| Spring | Nov 15 | International students require TOEFL (A minimum score of 100 in the TOEFL exam is required to be considered for financial assistance) |
Degree programs
Chemical and life science engineering concentration
The Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in chemical and life science engineering prepares you to lead the development of thousands of consumer products we rely on everyday, from home and personal care products to clothing and sports equipment to automobiles and electronics.
Environmental and sustainable engineering concentration
The Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in environmental and sustainable engineering shows you new engineering techniques, like reusing waste to create energy, identifying new materials for chemical processes, and making more efficient use of materials in products while minimizing resource consumption through process intensification.
Ph.D. in Chemical and Life Science Engineering
The Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical and Life Science Engineering program prepares students with a strong foundation in engineering knowledge, advanced research experience, and skills for lifelong learning and professional growth. Emphasizing research, communication, and innovative problem-solving, the program equips graduates to excel in academia, industry, and research laboratories.
Estimate your tuition and fees
Estimate the cost to attend using the VCU cost calculator. Tuition and fees vary based on a student’s residency status with the state of Virginia.
International applicants
VCU Global Education Office (GEO) has a team of immigration advisors to assist prospective and current international students with questions related to visas, housing and more.
Evening master's degree option
Our master's programs offer late-afternoon and evening hour course options. This is great for working professionals who seek to earn a graduate degree while also maintaining employment.
Faculty advisers
| Faculty | Room Number | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| James Ferri | BT8-420 | jkferri@vcu.edu | |
| Steve Fong | W422 | ssfong@vcu.edu | Fong website |
| Ram Gupta | W331D | rbgupta@vcu.edu | Gupta website |
| Frank Gupton | W403 | bfgupton@vcu.edu | Medicines for All |
| Mo Jiang | BT8-422 | mjiang3@vcu.edu | |
| Nastassja Lewinski | W438 | nalewinski@vcu.edu | Lewinski website |
| Charles McGill | W442 | mcgillc2@vcu.edu | |
| Michael Peters | W408 | mpeters@vcu.edu | Peters website |
| Tom Roper | BT8-312C | tdroper@vcu.edu | |
| Leah Spangler | W440 | spanglerl@vcu.edu | |
| Christina Tang | W406 | ctang2@vcu.edu | Tang website |
| Xuejun Wen | IEM399 | xwen@vcu.edu | |
| Vamsi Yadavalli | W434 | vyadavalli@vcu.edu | Yadavalli website |
Program Details
The chemical and life science engineering tracks in the engineering master’s and doctoral programs are designed primarily for students who are interested in applying biological, chemical, medical and engineering principles toward important contemporary topics.
|
Typical curricula of graduate study in CLSE – M.S. / Ph.D. |
|
| Concentration components – CLSE course work |
CLSE 650 – Quantitative Analysis CLSE 654 – Graduate Equilibrium Analysis CLSE 655 – Graduate Non-Equilibrium Analysis CLSE 656 – Graduate Reaction Engineering |
| Track electives – engineering and/or science course work | Grad Electives (500/600 level) |
| Directed Research | Thesis Research (CLSE 697) |
| All CLSE graduate students attend Graduate Seminar (CLSE 690) each semester (does not count towards graduate coursework credit). | |
| Please see the links to the VCU Bulletins for typical number of credits required for each program | |