Preparing to Apply

Preparing to Apply

Key Application Information for Prospective Students

Apply Now!

Applying to any graduate program requires adequate planning and preparation to ensure that your application is successful. Our timeline for applying includes the recommended timing and steps to take when planning your application. Since many of our applicants and current students come from non-chemical engineering backgrounds, we have also outlined recommended coursework to be completed prior to applying to our program.

Applying Without a Chemical Engineering Background 

Depending on the degree track, students without a chemical engineering background are welcome to apply to our program. Reviewers will be looking for satisfactory completion of a full year of physics, chemistry and engineering-level math, including linear algebra and differential equations.

 The equivalent UC Davis courses are:

SubjectUC Davis Equivalent Courses
Single variable calculusMAT 021A, MAT 021B
Multi variable calculusMAT 021C, MAT 021D
Linear algebraMAT 022A
Differential equationsMAT 022B
Classical mechanicsPHY 009A, PHY 009B
ElectromagnetismPHY 009C
General chemistryCHE 002A
ThermodynamicsCHE 002B
Kinetics and electrochemistryCHE 002C

Application Timeline 

Below is our recommended, but not required, timeline for applying to our program. We strongly encourage all applicants to take standardized tests by October to ensure a timely submission of scores, as we are not able to make an admissions decision until all application materials have been received.  

September 
October  
  • Begin filling out the application online.                                  
December
January 
  • Upload transcripts to system. 
  • Periodically check application status via the online system to ensure that test scores and letters of recommendation have been received. 
February 
  • File a FAFSA form (if applicable). 
  • Begin receiving notification of admissions decision.