💡Current CBEE Graduate Students should go to: https://cbee.umbc.edu/academics/graduate-resources/
Q. I am interested in earning my PhD. Do I need to have a MS degree to apply to the PhD program?
A. No, it is not necessary to have a MS degree to apply to the PhD program.
Those interested in pursuing a PhD in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering or Environmental Engineering can apply after earning an undergraduate degree or master’s degree, as long as the necessary program requirements are fulfilled.
Q. Is funding and financial support available for graduate students in the department?
A. Funding is offered to students admitted to the PhD program. Unfortunately, the department does not offer funding to students pursuing their MS degree.
Additional details about funding opportunities is available under Program Support on the Graduate Program Overview page
Q. I have a non-environmental engineering undergraduate degree. What do I need in order to work toward an advanced degree in environmental engineering?
Q. I have a non-chemical engineering undergraduate degree. What do I need in order to work toward an advanced degree in chemical engineering?
A. Applicants must complete key prerequisite courses for Chemical & Biochemical Engineering Master’s or Doctoral program.
All prerequisite courses must be completed before starting the program. Prerequisite courses can be taken at any accredited institution. They do not have to be part of a degree program.
Q: Can I take the prerequisites for the degree program as at UMBC?
Q: Yes, if a applicant needs to complete the prerequisites for a CBEE Degree program, an applicant can do so as a “Non-Degree Seeking Student.” The status of “Non-Degree Seeking Student” is not available for most international students. Enrolling in prerequisite courses does not guarantee admission into the graduate program.
Graduate Non-Degree Status:
Students can take the undergrad classes above as a “Non-Degree Seeking Student.” Graduate Non-Degree students pay graduate rates for their classes regardless of the level of the actual class. Typically students take classes as a non-degree-seeker for the following reasons:
- Student has been away from school for a while and wants to make connections for the purpose of receiving letters of reference.
- Student graduated a while ago and wants to try graduate work.
- Student may not have the best GPA but wants to show they can do well in graduate work.
- Fun facts about graduate non-degree students: up to six credits of work taken while a non-degree student can be applied towards their degree program if they apply and are accepted as a degree student.
- The graduate school reviews non-degree applications and will admit anyone who applies with a GPA of 3.0 or better when they received their BS degree. If the student has below a 3.0 they will ask the department review their file before admitting to graduate classes.
Learn more about Non-Degree Status: https://umbc.edu/admissions/graduate/post-traditional-students/#certificate-nondegree
Q. I would like to do part-time work for a graduate degree. Can this be done?
A. Part-time programs are possible; however, the department offers limited evening ourses. Graduate courses are often scheduled during regular business hours. Financial support is normally not available for part-time students.
Q. What are the tuition charges and additional fees?
A. Current tuition and fee information can be found on the Student Business Services website.
Q. What housing accommodations are available to me?
A. On-campus housing is available in the form of shared four-bedroom apartments, although most graduate students choose to live off campus.
Learn about more housing options here.
Q: Can I take courses offered outside of the CBEE department toward my Graduate Degree?
A: Yes, students often take courses offered from other departments. The most common courses taken by CBEE students is provided on the list of pre-approved elective courses. Students can request approval from their research advisor or GPD to take other courses that are appropriate for their interests.