Research programs

We offer 3 research programs administered by the Faculty of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies at the Vancouver campus.

Thesis topics can be chosen from the fields of faculty research. We also offer joint research programs for MASc and PhD candidates with the Michael Smith Laboratories, the Advanced Materials and Process Engineering Laboratory (AMPEL), the BioProducts Institute and the Clean Energy Research Center (CERC).

Professional programs

We offer 2 professional programs designed for engineers who wish to upgrade their training in a specialization and fast-forward their careers.

The Master of Engineering is a 12-16 month technical course program where students complete courses with the option of completing a technical report, and have opportunities to apply for co-op.

The Master of Engineering Leadership is a 1-year professional degree program for those who want to excel in their careers, and gain business and leadership skills.

Research areas

We hold world-class reputations in several areas of chemical engineering science, providing innovative and sustainable solutions to pressing local and global challenges to industry and society. We are actively engaged in applied research, supported in part by external funding of about $12 million per year.

Nathan holding a pipette

Biotechnology

Harnessing cellular and biomolecular processes in the development of new products to benefit mankind.

Environmental Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Integrating biotechnology with traditional chemical engineering to provide healthy land, water and air for habitation.

Oil in water

Process Engineering

Simulation and computational modelling give clear insights into the nature of complex chemical processes.

Printed solar cell

Energy and Materials

Engaging in the global effort to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to energy challenges and preserving our environment.

Graduate Programs

PhD MASc MSc MEng
Research/Thesis-based Yes Yes Yes No
Requires undergraduate degree in engineering Yes, but exceptions are possible Yes No Yes
Minimum Graduate Research Stipend (GRA)1 $30,000 $30,000 $30,000 None
Minimum course credits2 9 (with Masters),
18 (direct entry)
18 18 30
Program length (estimated) 4 years 2 years 2 years 1.5 years
Co-op No No No Yes
Application Apply Now Apply Now Apply Now Apply Now

1For graduate students in the MASc, MSc and PhD programs without scholarships or external funding, minimum stipends for nominal periods are provided by the students’ supervisor(s), subject to satisfactory annual performance, progress and availability of research funds. Beyond the nominal timeframe, student stipends are determined by the supervisor(s) and on the availability of funds.

2See CHBE Graduate Handbook for details

Awards and funding

Entrance scholarships

Scholarship Amount Qualifying
4-Year Doctoral Fellowship (4YF) $18,200 per year plus full tuition for maximum 4 years PhD students only
Graduate Student Initiative (GSI) Up to $5,000 (One-time, Non-renewable) MASc, MSc, PhD students

Other funding opportunities

Teaching Assistanceships (GTA’s)

Graduate students in our MASc, MSc, MEng, and PhD programs may apply for Teaching Assistantships.

Other opportunities

Other funding opportunities include research scholarships and research assistantships (GRA’s).

Application deadlines

Domestic

PhD MASc/MSc MEng
September intake February 1 February 1 June 1
January intake August 1 August 1
May intake December 1 December 1

International

PhD MASc/MSc MEng
September intake February 1 February 1 April 1
January intake August 1 August 1
May intake December 1 December 1