The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering strives to maintain a balanced commitment between teaching and research.The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering strives to maintain a balanced commitment between teaching and research.

About
Quick Facts

Faculty Facts

  • Highly interdisciplinary faculty and research program
  • 24 core faculty and 10 courtesy faculty members
  • 5 members of the National Academy of Engineering
  • 11 NSF CAREER or PYI Award winners
  • 2 Packard Science and Engineering Fellows
  • 1 HHMI Young Investigator
  • 4 Charles Deering McCormick Professors of Teaching Excellence (highest teaching award at Northwestern)
  • 4 leaders of University research centers or institutes

Undergraduate Study

  • 130-160 undergraduate students in chemical and biological engineering
  • Class size is typically between 20 and 50 students
  • High rate of student participation in cooperative education program
  • Curriculum can accommodate study abroad opportunities
  • Undergraduate research opportunities with world-class faculty members
  • Minor in biotechnology and biochemical engineering available in department, as well as other minors in other departments

Graduate Study

  • 100-120 graduate students in chemical and biological engineering
  • Highly interdisciplinary graduate research with world-class faculty members
  • All doctorate candidate graduate students are supported by fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships
  • Can complete an MS degree (without thesis) in as little as one academic year, and fewer than two years for a MS degree with thesis
  • Typically five years to complete a PhD (beyond BS)