The University of Iowa Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering offers both thesis and non-thesis Master's of Science programs, a Doctor of Philosophy program, and a five-year U2G program. Graduate students in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering gain an understanding of the principles of engineering science, with a focus on a chosen research area.

Information for Graduate Students

Students look into light box wearing goggles

Prospective Students

Mubeen lab group of students working

For Current Students

Man wearing hat and plaid shirt smiles next to research poster

U2G Programs

Old Capitol building icon

Apply Today!

Student Learning Outcomes

MS 

Graduates will:

  • Demonstrate a mastery of core chemical engineering concepts;
  • Effectively communicate scientific concepts and/or research results in both written and oral formats to scientific and general audiences;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to safe and ethical behavior through adherence to best safety practices and academic integrity principles.
  • Students completing the program with thesis will additionally demonstrate the abilities to:
    • Demonstrate the ability to perform independent research, critically identify and solve research problems, summarize disciplinary information, evaluate research findings.


PhD 

Graduates will:

  • Demonstrate a mastery of core chemical engineering concepts;
  • effectively communicate scientific concepts and/or research results in both written and oral formats to scientific and general audiences;
  • Demonstrate the ability to perform independent research, critically identify and solve research problems, summarize disciplinary information, evaluate research findings;
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to safe and ethical behavior through adherence to best safety practices and academic integrity principles.

Contacts

Eric Nuxoll

Eric Nuxoll

Director of Graduate Admissions

Associate Professor, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

The director of graduate admissions recruits and serves as the first point of contact for prospective graduate students.

Alec B. Scranton

Alec Scranton

Director of Graduate Studies

Professor, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

The director of graduate studies is an advocate for graduate students and their success. He advises incoming students, coordinates the research advisor selection process, monitors and tracks student progress, and is a point of contact for graduate program questions.

Jun Wang

Jun Wang

Departmental Executive Officer

Lichtenberger Family Chair in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

The departmental executive officer is the academic administrator the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering.

Sara Hartman

Sara Hartman

Graduate Program Specialist

The graduate program specialist is a contact for prospective, incoming, and current students for anything related to the academic program.

Amanda Jensen

Amanda Jensen

Department Administrator

The department administrator is a point of contact for anything related to graduate student human resources, finance, travel, and administrative odds and ends.

News Highlights

Plastic bottle on sandy beach with sunset in backdrop

Study: Microplastics may be warming our planet

Thursday, May 7, 2026
A University of Iowa faculty member contributed to a study finding airborne micro- and nanoplastics may contribute to global warming at a level equivalent to 16.2% of that caused by black carbon, or soot, according to findings published in Nature Climate Change. 
Woman with brown hair and black skirt poses in hallway with windows overlooking street below

CBE student first to complete new Applied Climate Science and Energy Technologies certificate

Thursday, May 7, 2026
Karah Hook, from Belvidere, Illinois, will earn a bachelor’s degree in chemical and biochemical engineering this month. She will also be the first student to earn University of Iowa’s new Applied Climate Science and Energy Technologies (ACSET) certificate.
Head shot of woman with long dark hair, black sport coat, and light V-neck shirt.

CBE student wins Fulbright for environmental chemistry research in Germany

Wednesday, May 6, 2026
Klaertje Hesselink, a University of Iowa undergraduate from Cedar Falls studying biochemical engineering, has received a Fulbright grant for environmental chemistry research in Germany for the 2026–27 academic year.