PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CBE) at KAIST aspires to developing a world-best research program. A prerequisite to achieving the objective is a strong graduate program. CBE Department houses remarkable research environment and programs, which allow graduate students to develop advanced competence in a wide spectrum of fields ranging from traditional CBE to evolving areas of study. Each graduate student in the Department is expected to master core CBE concepts to establish and transmit new methods and knowledge in a focused area of CBE. The focused research areas include biotechnology, nanomaterials, catalysis, soft materials, and energy/environment/systems. Overview of each research area is described in the “Research” tab.
CBE Department offers programs for Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees that are designed to confer academic degrees on graduate students. In both cases, they are asked to undergo formal coursework and research activities. Course requirements vary between M.S. and Ph.D. programs; therefore, the students are advised to consult with degree requirements. All graduate students will select a thesis advisor from the CBE faculty, and must submit dissertation in order to receive the degree. Upon graduation, the M.S. or Ph.D. degree conferees can seek professions in industry- or government-research organizations where they can apply professional domain knowledge. The graduates from the CBE Department are expected to be equipped with excellent research capability, effective communication skills as well as professional, ethical and social responsibilities.
Prospective students whose final degree is a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) will join the M.S. degree program. Typically, students with a B.S. in CBE or related majors fulfill the department's requirements for admission. The admitted students are asked to select a thesis supervisor before they start the school, and to take coursework required for graduation. The M.S. degree program typically runs for 2 years.
Ph.D. Degree ProgramA Ph.D. degree in CBE represents excellence in research and intellectual pursuits. The extensive research resources supply a research environment for Ph.D. students to actively explore a wide spectrum of research areas. In recent years, the Department has enjoyed prosperity in terms of both quality and quantity of research and academic achievements produced from the faculty. Central and essential to this success is hard work and first-class intelligence of Ph.D. students in the Department. Before admission to the Ph.D. program, student must have an M.S. degree in CBE or related disciplines. The doctoral candidate must also pass preliminary and final oral examinations covering the research program. The Ph.D. degree program typically runs for 4 years. The integrated M.S. and Ph.D. program is also available, which confers the Ph.D. after 5 years without the student’s M.S. thesis defense.
