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Dec 06, 2025
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2025-2026 Academic Catalog
Chemical and Biological Engineering, PhD
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Contact Information
Dr. Lori Groven
Professor, Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering,
CBEC#2212
Phone: 605-394-5117
Email: Lori.Groven@sdsmt.edu
Department Website
Students are responsible for checking with their advisors for any program modifications that may occur after the publication of this catalog.
PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering
The curriculum is designed to provide the CBE PhD graduate with the depth and breadth of engineering knowledge to become a leader in their chosen focus area. To facilitate this goal, each student is asked to complete a program of study plan that will provide the framework for the student’s coursework and research. This plan should be filed with the Program Coordinator before the midterm of the second semester in residence. The CBE PhD Advisory Committee must approve all programs of study.
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Distribution of credits
Core requirements: 19 credits
Research requirements: 32 credits
Elective requirements: 21 credits
Total credits: 72 Students who are entering the program with a MS degree in Chemical Engineering or a closely related discipline may apply 24 coursework credits and 6 research credits from a previous MS degree toward the PhD requirements, subject to approval of the CBE PhD Program Advisory Committee. Students who are pursuing a PhD in Chemical and Biological Engineering must take the 500 and above level courses (i.e., not the 400 level courses). At least 36 of the required 72 credits must be taken at the 600 level or above. Elective requirements
A total of 21 credits of electives a required. At least 9 credits of electives must have a CBE prefix. CBE 501 and CBE 502 may not be used as electives. Examples of CBE elective courses include: Examinations
Detailed information on examination policy, admission to candidacy, and defense of dissertation are included in the Chemical and Biological Engineering Graduate Program Handbook. Qualifying examination
The qualifying examination has two components to demonstrate the student’s aptitude for doctoral work: 1) proficiency in the foundational material of the discipline and 2) necessary skills and drive for advanced research. The format and timing of the examination are set by each program, but it must be completed within the first two years of study. Admission to Candidacy
PhD students must prepare a dissertation prospectus, which is a plan describing the proposed content and format of the dissertation in sufficient detail for the student’s graduate committee to evaluate whether the scope and value of the work warrants a PhD degree. The student is admitted to candidacy upon approval of the prospectus by the committee. The format and timing of the prospectus is set by each program, but it must be completed no later than two years after the student’s qualifying exam. Dissertation defense
A dissertation defense and a final oral examination are required for this degree. Research requirements
The completion of a doctoral dissertation, approved by the student’s graduate committee and the Dean of Graduate Education, is required for this degree. Objectives and Outcomes
Student Outcomes: - Demonstrate an advanced mastery of engineering and science fundamentals appropriate for the discipline.
- Demonstrate and act with an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify, investigate, formulate, and solve new problems through the application of original, independent discipline specific research.
- Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts both orally and in writing through dissemination.
- Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of technical concepts and state-of-the art literature within the student’s chosen field of specialization.
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