Joint UNU-CCNY PhD Program in Chemical Engineering

Offered at the City College of New York in collaboration with the United Nations University- Institute for Water, Environment and Health.  

 

About the Program 

This Joint PhD Program in Chemical Engineering allows students enrolled in CCNY’s PhD program to pursue their doctoral degree while earning a UNU-certified diploma focused on sustainability-driven research. It is embedded within the existing Chemical Engineering PhD structure and enhances it through interdisciplinary coursework, global research exposure, and UN-linked research engagement.

The program follows CCNY’s established PhD in Chemical Engineering requirements while integrating interdisciplinary coursework, applied research, and policy-relevant perspectives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, providing global research exposure and engagement with UN-linked initiatives.

 
What Sets This Program Apart
 
UN-University Research Collaboration
Pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering from CCNY while earning a UNU-certified fellowship diploma, gaining international academic recognition and exposure to UN-linked research initiatives.
 
Interdisciplinary & Sustainability-Focused Training
The program integrates chemical engineering research with interdisciplinary perspectives on water, sustainability, policy, and governance, strengthening the relevance of doctoral research to global challenges.
 
Applied Research Aligned with UN SDGs
Doctoral research proposals include explicit connections to the UN SDGs, ensuring that research outcomes contribute to real-world sustainability and resilience efforts.
 
Global Research Exposure & Professional Networks
Students engage with UNU scientists, UN agencies, and international research networks through coursework, seminars, dissertation committee participation, and applied research experiences.
 
 Program Structure & Requirements
  • Completion of all standard PhD coursework, examinations, and dissertation requirements in Chemical Engineering at CCNY
  • Interdisciplinary coursework drawn from CCNY offerings in sustainability, policy, data science, remote sensing, and governance
  • A doctoral research proposal that demonstrates alignment with relevant SDGs
  • A dissertation committee that includes at least one UN or UNU affiliated member
  • A required internship (10-12 weeks, in-person or remote) with a UN-related agency, UNU Institute, or UNU Hub, providing hands-on global research experience

 The program maintains the academic rigor of a traditional Chemical Engineering PhD while expanding its global and interdisciplinary scope.

Degree and Credentials Awarded

  • PhD in Chemical Engineering from CCNY 
  • Doctoral Diploma in Integrated Materials for Sustainable Energy and Biotechnology from UNU INWEH and CCNY

Career Pathways

  • Academic research and doctoral-level teaching
  • International organizations and UN agencies
  • Sustainability-focused industry and engineering research
  • Policy-relevant research institutions and think tanks
  • Advanced research roles addressing global environmental and development challenges