Thank you for your interest in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon for your graduate studies! In order to apply to our graduate programs, you must have completed a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related science or engineering discipline.
Important dates and deadlines
Applications are expected to be complete, including all supporting materials, by the deadline. Please work with your references to ensure timely submission of support letters.
Fall term of entry deadline:
Ph.D. - December 15
Master's - January 31
Spring term of entry deadline:
Ph.D. and Master's - September 1
We highly encourage spring applications for all Master's programs except the MS in AIE-ChE and the MS-BTPE programs. Spring admission is not available for the MS in AIE-ChE and MS-BTPE programs due to timing constraints.
Please note that we typically do not admit Ph.D. students for a spring start, and those we do admit are selected based on specific faculty project needs.
Application checklist
* GRE scores will no longer be accepted.
All applications are to be submitted online. The online application will allow you to edit and revise your application until you are satisfied. Once submitted, you can check your application status online, at any time. A completed application includes the following:
- Application fee of $75 (non-refundable)
- Fee waivers are available for attendees of our virtual information sessions.
- The graduate application
- Three letters of recommendation - At least two letters from faculty at your current/recent institution are preferred. For applicants to our research-based programs, at least one letter from someone who has supervised you in a research setting is preferred.
- Uploaded unofficial transcripts - Official copies of final transcripts are required upon admission.
- Resume/CV
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
- All international and United States permanent resident applicants must take an English language proficiency exam. This is required as a component in determining academic success in the program and to support visa applications for admitted students studying on an F1 visa. The scores must be received by the application deadline for the semester in which you are applying. An English language proficiency test is not required if you will have graduated from a US university by the time of enrollment. It is also not required for applicants with citizenship in the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia.
- The following forms of English language proficiency assessments are accepted:
- Duolingo English Test: A minimum overall score of 105 is required, with minimum subscores of Literacy 105, Comprehension 115, Production 70, and Conversation 95.
- TOEFL exam: A minimum overall score of 84 is required, with minimum subscores of IBT-R 22, IBT-L 22, IBT-S 18, and IBT-W 22. These requirements must be met from a single test date—we currently do not accept TOEFL MyBest scores.
- IELTS exam: A minimum overall score of 6.5 on the IELTS is required, with minimum subscores of Reading 6.5, Listening 6.5, Speaking 6, and Writing 6.
- Self-reported scores are not accepted as official.
Questions? Review the Graduate admissions FAQ.
Test Codes
- ETS Institution Code: 2074
- TOEFL Department Code: 64
- Duolingo: Carnegie Mellon University - College of Engineering
- IELTS are delivered electronically.
Please use the postal address below for the verification process for the IELTS electronic delivery service:
Carnegie Mellon University College of Engineering
431 Hamerschlag Drive
Ansys Hall Suite 250
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Need to translate your transcript?
Educational Credential Evaluators has created a custom application for Carnegie Mellon University that will give you a 10% discount. A copy of your evaluation will be sent digitally to Carnegie Mellon at no charge. Access the evaluation application.
Financial aid
Financial aid is awarded upon admission in the form of research assistantships based upon departmental resources and available openings. If available, financial aid is awarded for both the fall and spring semesters. There is not a special financial aid form.
Virtually all graduate students in the Ph.D. program receive financial aid, in the form of fellowships, that cover tuition, fees, and reasonable living expenses for the entire year. Thus, students can concentrate on course work and research without financial concerns or interruptions. All Ph.D. applicants are considered for financial aid with no special form required. Only students in the Ph.D. program can be considered for departmental financial support in the form of tuition, stipend, and health insurance.
Students in chemical engineering master's programs are ineligible to receive departmental fellowships that cover tuition and living expenses. Master's students are primarily self-supported but may be eligible to receive partial financial support in the form of external scholarships and other funding opportunities. There is sometimes also campus employment available.
Additional questions
For additional questions about our graduate applications process, please contact us:
412-268-2243
chegrad@andrew.cmu.edu
* Please refrain from mailing hard copies of supporting documents and other documents such as publications or certificates. These items will not be filed with your application and will not be held by the department.
View our Middle States Accreditation information
Statement of Assurance
Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate in admission, employment, or administration of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition, family status, marital status, parental status, religion, ancestry, veteran status, or genetic information. Furthermore, Carnegie Mellon University does not discriminate and is required not to discriminate in violation of federal, state, or local laws or executive orders.
The university's Discriminatory and Sexual Misconduct Policy contains grievance procedures that provide for the prompt and equitable resolution of Complaints alleging any action which would be prohibited by this Policy.
Inquiries concerning the application of and compliance with this statement should be directed to the Office for Institutional Equity and Title IX, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, telephone 412-268-7125.
Obtain general information about Carnegie Mellon University by calling 412-268-2000.
Carnegie Mellon University publishes an annual campus security and fire safety report describing the university's security, alcohol and drug, sexual assault and fire safety policies, and containing statistics about the number and type of crimes committed on the campus, and the number and cause of fires in campus residence facilities during the preceding three years. You can obtain a copy by contacting the Carnegie Mellon Police Department at 412-268-2323. The annual security and fire safety report also is available online at www.cmu.edu/police/annualreports.
Information regarding the application of Title IX, including to admission and employment decisions, the sexual misconduct grievance procedures and process, including how to file a report or a complaint of sex discrimination, how to file a report of sexual harassment, and how the university responds to such reports is available at www.cmu.edu/title-ix. The Title IX coordinator may be reached at 5000 Forbes Ave., 140 Cyert Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; 412-268-7125; or tix@cmu.edu.
For more information regarding the statement of assurance please visit www.cmu.edu/policies/administrative-and-governance/statement-of-assurance.html.