CBE Grad FAQ
FAQ's for prospective chemical and biomolecular engineering graduate students:
My undergraduate degree is not in chemical engineering but I would like to pursue a M.S. or Ph.D. in chemical engineering. What are my chances of being admitted to your program?
Admission to the graduate program in chemical engineering at the University of California at Berkeley is highly competitive. While an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering is not a formal requirement for admission, we expect students to have completed the equivalent of our own undergraduate required curriculum. This includes (number of semester units in parentheses):
- General Chemistry (8)
- Organic Chemistry (5)
- Inorganic Chemistry (3)
- Physical Chemistry (6)
- Physical Chemistry Laboratory (3)
- Introduction to Chemical Process Analysis (3)
- Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (3)
- Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Engineering (3)
- Transport Processes (6)
- Separation Processes (3)
- Chemical Engineering Laboratory (3)
- Chemical Process Design (3)
- Dynamics and Control of Chemical Processes (3)
I am thinking of applying but I am worried that my background and qualifications are such that I won't be accepted. Is there someone I can call who can tell me if I'll be accepted before I apply?
As much as we would like to offer pre-screening, regrettably we do not have the resources to offer this service. We recommend that you contact the advising staff at your own undergraduate institution for an evaluation of your current record and suggestions regarding where to apply for graduate school. Your undergraduate record, performance on the GREs, any undergraduate research experience, letters of recommendation, and your personal statement are all considered in our final decision regarding admission.
I've been working several years since I graduated from college. Do I need references from faculty members?
Yes, get at least two academic references. You may add one or two professional references if you wish.
Do I need to take a Subject (e.g., Engineering or Chemistry) GRE exam?
NO. The faculty of the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) at UC Berkeley have determined the Graduate Records Exam (GRE) is a proven identifier of race and socio-economic status. Its association with successful completion of the doctorate is minimal, and its fulfillment is an economic burden on applicants. CBE will no longer consider it for admission.
I am an international student and I would like to apply for admission to the graduate program. Do my chances of being admitted differ from those who can establish permanent residency?
Unfortunately, recent changes in the University of California budget make it difficult for this department to accept students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. As a result, the department is able to accept only a small fraction of the many highly qualified international students who apply. The MINIMUM requirements for admission include: a grade point average of 3.0 and minimum score for the TOEFL is at least a 90 on the (Internet-based test) iBT. The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering requires that applicants be able to demonstrate an A- or better undergraduate record. All applicants must have an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering or equivalent training.