PhD Programs - USC Viterbi | Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering & Materials Science

PhD Programs

At the Mork Family Department (MFD), we aim to address the emerging needs of our increasingly complex and interconnected world. We offer in-depth educational instruction over the full spectrum of chemical engineering, materials science, and petroleum engineering. Our excellence in these three programs is evidenced by internationally recognized scholarly work, leadership in the profession, and the education of a diverse group of highly qualified and well-placed graduates.

GRE scores are no longer needed for any MFD graduate program for the 2024/25 admissions cycle.

Our Programs

PhD in Chemical Engineering

PhD in Materials Science

PhD in Petroleum Engineering

Application Deadline

Fall 2026: December 15, 2025

Research Themes

Creating Sustainable Cities & Responsible Energy Sources

Improving Health & Wellness

Harnessing Data Science & Machine Learning

Designing Quantum Materials & Systems

Developing Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Methods

PhD Handbook

Please see the appropriate handbook for the summer you started or intend to start your PhD Program.

Student Handbook
2024 & on

View 2024 PhD Handbook

Student Handbook
before 2024

View 2020 PhD Handbook

How to Apply

Upload Electronic Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. A mailed hard copy or official e-transcript is not required for admission to our programs. These instructions apply only to applicants to the master's and Ph.D. programs of the Viterbi School of Engineering

Submit an electronic copy of official transcripts (.pdf recommended) and other degree-related documents through the online graduate application (International applicants, visit USC Graduate Admission’s Country Requirements page for details on required documents)
- Unofficial transcripts from university student portals are not acceptable
- If the transcript includes a separate grading scale, make sure it is also uploaded
- For upload purposes, all transcript-related documents for a single school must be submitted as one document

If you are admitted, you will be given specific instructions on submitting your hard-copy transcripts

Submit the following materials through the online application system:

Personal Statement
Letters of Recommendation (3 required) from faculty members with direct knowledge of your research abilities. Recommenders included in the online application will be contacted by email. Your application may be submitted before letters of recommendation are received. The recommender module is separate.
Resume/CV

Please submit:

A Photocopy of the first two pages of your passport
A report of your scores on the TOEFL/IELTS sent electronically by the testing agency to USC. Please review USC's English Proficiency Criteria.
Applicants who have earned a previous degree at USC are exempt from the English Proficiency Requirement and don't need to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores.

Required official copies of materials from non-U.S. schools vary from country to country. Please see Admission Requirement by Country.

Find more information about how to apply here.

FAQs

No, you will not be automatically considered for the Master's Program if you are not admitted to the PhD Program. To be considered for the MS program, you must add it as a second program in your online graduate application.

Follow the Application Fee Waiver Instructions for information on how to do this with one application fee.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications submitted for multiple Viterbi School programs without a valid waiver will be charged for each additional program and no refunds will be given.