Georgia Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The programme is research-led and emphasises fundamental science and engineering applied to cellulose-based materials, pulp and paper processing, coatings and composites, and renewable bioproducts. Doctoral students follow a personalised study plan combining advanced coursework, original laboratory or modelling research and dissertation work.

• Core research topics: pulp and paper chemistry, fibre science, papermaking process engineering, rheology of suspensions, surface chemistry and coatings, paper and board mechanical behaviour, recycling and deinking, biorefinery approaches and nanocellulose.
• Typical advanced coursework: advanced transport phenomena, polymer and colloid science, materials characterisation techniques, process modelling and control, advanced topics in paper and coating technology, and statistics for experimental design and data analysis.
• Research training: students undertake original research under the supervision of faculty in relevant units, develop a doctoral research proposal, pass a qualifying or candidacy assessment where required, and complete a written dissertation and oral defence.
• Facilities and methods: experimental work commonly makes use of pilot-scale papermaking and coating lines, fibre and pulp processing equipment, microscopy and spectroscopy suites, mechanical testing rigs, and chemical analysis laboratories; computational research includes modelling of processes, materials and transport phenomena.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: collaborations across chemical engineering, materials science, environmental engineering and the Renewable Bioproducts Institute enable projects spanning sustainable feedstocks, circular economy strategies, and advanced functional materials.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a strong bachelor's degree with honours or a master's degree in chemical engineering, materials science, paper science and engineering, chemistry, mechanical engineering or a closely related field. Evidence of research ability and preparation for independent study is important.

• Academic record: a strong undergraduate GPA and, where applicable, a relevant master’s transcript demonstrating coursework in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, materials or polymer science, and chemistry.
• Research experience: prior research, internships or industry experience in paper, pulp, biomaterials, coatings or related areas is highly beneficial and often expected for competitive applicants.
• Supporting materials: statement of purpose describing research interests, curriculum vitae, academic transcripts, and several letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees.
• English language: international applicants must meet the Institute’s English language proficiency requirements; acceptable test scores or exemptions depend on institutional policy.
• Other considerations: applicants should contact potential faculty supervisors whose research aligns with their interests before applying. Specific admission conditions such as minimum test scores, funding availability or prerequisite coursework are set by the department and admissions office.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Paper Science and Engineering from Georgia Tech go on to careers in industry, academia and public research. The degree prepares students for roles that require deep technical expertise, independent research capability and leadership in developing sustainable materials and processes.

• Academic and research careers at universities or national laboratories, including postdoctoral fellowships and faculty positions.
• Research and development roles in the pulp, paper, packaging and coatings industries, focusing on product development, process optimisation and scale-up.
• Positions in emerging sectors such as nanocellulose and biobased materials, biomaterials for medical or high-performance applications, and sustainable packaging solutions.
• Technical leadership and specialist roles in consulting, process engineering, quality and standards organisations, and corporate research centres.
• Entrepreneurial opportunities in start-ups commercialising new cellulose-derived materials, coatings, composites or biorefinery technologies.

Why study at Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Tech combines the historic strengths of the Institute of Paper Science and Technology with a large public research university environment, providing strong interdisciplinary links, modern facilities and close engagement with industry. The Institute supports applied and fundamental research in bioproducts and materials, and doctoral students benefit from collaborative projects across engineering, materials and sustainability programmes.

• Institutional strengths: access to faculty with expertise in pulp and paper science, polymer and colloid chemistry, process engineering and materials characterisation.
• Research infrastructure: pilot-scale and laboratory facilities for papermaking, coating, fibre processing and advanced materials testing, together with computational resources for process and materials modelling.
• Industry connections: established partnerships with regional and international companies in pulp, paper, packaging and bioproducts that support collaborative research, internships and technology transfer opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary environment: opportunities to work with the Renewable Bioproducts Institute and related centres to address sustainability, circular economy and biorefinery challenges at multiple scales.