Engineer your future at the CU Boulder Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
World-class education
Learn skills, conduct research, build your professional network and more while you earn your PhD in Chemical Engineering or Biological Engineering at CU Boulder.
Work with expert faculty in the fields of:
Biomaterials and tissue engineering
Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
Renewable and sustainable energy
Nanomaterials & nanotechnology
Polymers and soft materials
Protein engineering and synthetic biology
Join an engineering department that values and cultivates inclusivity and collaboration.
Discover a flexible curriculum with an emphasis on professional growth and development.
Earn a competitive stipend as a PhD student ($33,100 per year).
Attend weekly research seminars and professional development events.
Join a vibrant, service-focused student community.
In the perfect location
Benefit from faculty and institutional partnerships with:
Work in world-class facilities nestled at the foot of the Rocky Mountains that offer a unique location and experience.
Get connected to industry and entreprenuership opportunities.
The Jennie Smoly Caruthers Biotechnology Building is an advanced interdisciplinary research and education center on CU Boulder's East Campus, and is home to the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.
The department is #14 overall and #10 among public chemical engineering graduate programs according to U.S. News & World Report.
Our faculty includes:
- 4 National Academy Members
- 4 MRS Outstanding Young Investigators
- 16 NSF Fellows
- 3 NDSEG Fellows
- 2 NIH Fellows
- 2 AIChE Colburn Awards
- 1 AIChE Lifetime Achievement Award
Hear From Our Students
“The department has many working partnerships with private, academic and government entities, which I felt would enrich my graduate research experience. Their facilities are well-equipped to perform cutting-edge research in a broad array of fields. Located at the foot of the Rockies, Boulder also allows me to pursue all of my passions in the outdoors so that I can work hard and play often in the same place."
Megan English, Weimer Lab
"ChBE at CU Boulder has not only provided me with access to world-class research opportunities and facilities, but also world-class mentors and peers who share my passion for science and engineering. Everyone here truly wants to see you succeed in grad school and beyond. It is an incredibly empowering environment for developing skills as a researcher, team member and mentor."
"CU Boulder is the closest to a dream school I could think of. I love to be immersed in an academic environment where people can have a perfect leisure-to-work balance and enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing the quality of the cutting-edge research that is carried out here. It is motivating to belong to the ChBE family, and inspiring to be surrounded by successful and smart people all year long.”
“I did not imagine working as a grad student in the ChBE Deptartment meant being a part of a family, but it’s felt amongst the admin, faculty, students and even the cafe staff! Integrity and quality work are enforced as much as enjoying a healthy work-life balance. The department also works with you to make sure you’re getting what you need every step of the way in order to not only graduate but also be prepared for what comes after. They invest in you and your success.”
Amanda Garley (PhDChemEngr'21), Heinz Lab
"ChBE has helped me grow not just as a researcher but as a person. When I’ve run into problems, whether they be related to research or not, I’ve been able to get mentorship from professors who want what’s best for me and truly care about me as an individual."
J.J. Hernandez, Bowman Group
"The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder offers excellent research opportunities while also providing an environment dedicated to the wellbeing of students. Campus and departmental resources, as well as research facilities, ensure that graduate students have the opportunity to thrive during their studies.”
Hayden Fowler, White Group