Chemical Engineering (Nanotechnology) - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at University of Waterloo

Entry requirements

At the time of admission, each student must have an approved PhD supervisor who has agreed in writing to supervise their academic program or co-supervisors, at least one of whom is an approved PhD supervisor. The Faculty of Engineering maintains a list of individually approved research supervisors, known as Approved Doctoral Dissertation Supervisors (ADDS). Additions to and deletions from this list are made by the Engineering Graduate Studies Sub-Committee upon the recommendation of the Chemical Engineering Department's Associate Chair for Graduate Studies. Applicants must demonstrate excellence of background preparation and academic achievement in prior degrees and, usually, possess a relevant, thesis-based master's degree. In the Faculty of Engineering, a minimum 80% standing in an applicant's appropriate master's program is the usual requirement. A master's degree obtained without a full research thesis is normally an inadequate qualification for admission to the PhD program. The Engineering Graduate Studies Sub-Committee requires objective evidence of English language skills. Technical publications that have been written principally by an applicant and published in refereed English language journals, a thesis written in English, or a personal interview with the Chemical Engineering Department's Associate Chair for Graduate Studies are also considered as evidence. Transfer to the PhD program without completion of the MASc program: A student enrolled in a MASc program at the University of Waterloo may apply for transfer to the PhD program without completing a master's degree. Transfer from a MASc program to a PhD program will normally be initiated at the department level. The supervisor shall prepare for the Chemical Engineering Department's Graduate Review Committee a memorandum that summarizes the applicant's qualifications for transfer. At least one additional written recommendation from another Chemical Engineering Department faculty member will facilitate a decision on the transfer request. Admission to the PhD program from a BASc program: In exceptional cases, applicants who have spent at least three years pursuing an appropriate honours bachelor's degree may be considered for admission to a PhD program, upon request from the Department of Chemical Engineering.