Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Thesis-based program

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Ambitious students looking to make their mark should consider a Chemical and Petroleum Engineering degree. Under the research-based program, students are expected to grow their skills as they produce a significant original contribution to fundamental engineering knowledge. This degree is generally a requirement for a career in academia or government/industrial research. A PhD can also be a first step toward a chief scientific officer (CSO) position.

Completing this program

Courses (excluding Petroleum Engineering): Topics may include mass transfer, chemical reactor design, heat transfer, fluid mechanics and more.
Professional Development Courses: Students take two professional development courses on communication styles, presentation skills and more.
Candidacy: Students will complete both oral and written candidacy exams.
Petroleum Engineering: Core courses include Reservoir Simulation, Secondary and Tertiary Recovering, Thermal Recovery Methods and more.
Doctoral Courses: Students complete Experimental Design and Error Analysis and Advanced Mathematical Methods in Engineering prior to candidacy.
Thesis: Students will be required to submit and defend an original research thesis.

Specializations

Chemical Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Engineering, Energy and Environment (Interdisciplinary)
Environmental Engineering (Interdisciplinary)
Energy and Environmental Systems (Interdisciplinary)

Outcomes

Oil and gas, medicine, education, government sector, research and consulting. Process engineer, petroleum reservoir engineer, petroleum production engineer, environmental engineer, software development, documentation for chemical process/petroleum reservoir simulation software, sales.

A PhD in chemical and petroleum engineering is usually considered a final degree.

Thesis-based program

Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.

Courses

Three to six courses, depending on specialization

Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar

Classroom delivery

Time commitment

Four year full-time; six years maximum

Supervisor

A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted

Fees and funding

See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.

GPA

A minimum of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the graduate degree.

Minimum education

An MSc degree or equivalent, or equivalent from a recognized institution.

Work samples

None

Documents

Two official copies of your final official transcripts and degree certificates (if degree is not clearly stated on transcripts) in signed sealed envelopes from institution attended. These documents may be sent to us directly from the institution or you can have the documents mailed to yourself and then mail them to us. We do not considered open official transcripts as official.
Statement of Interest (not mandatory)
C.V. (not mandatory)

Reference letters

Two

Test scores

None

English language proficiency (ELP)

An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iB T including TOEFL iBT Home Edition) minimum score of 86 (Internet-based, with no section less than 20).
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 6.5 (with no section less than 6.0).
Cambridge C1 Advanced or Cambridge C2 Proficiency minimum score of 180.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 59 or higher
Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) overall score of 70 (no section less than 60).
Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) minimum of B+ in each course.
Duolingo English Test obtaining a minimum score of 125 (with no sub-score below 105). (temporary until Fall 2024 intake)

Deadlines

For admission on September 1:

Canadians and permanent residents: July 15 application deadline
International students: Mar. 15 application deadline

For admission on January 1:

Canadians and permanent residents: Nov. 15 application deadline
International students: July 15 application deadline

For admission on May 1:

Canadians and permanent residents: Mar. 15 application deadline
International students: Nov. 15 application deadline

If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements