COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemical Engineering requires a total of 30 graduate-level credits, including 6 credits for the master’s thesis, although a formal thesis defense is not required. Students interested in the optional master’s program are encouraged to take the Ph.D. comprehensive examination during their second semester of full-time study. This examination may be attempted up to two times. Students who pass the exam may enroll in an additional 3 credits of CHME 6990 Master’s Thesis, while their formal coursework requirement for the M.S. degree is reduced to 21 credits. Furthermore, these students have the opportunity to transition directly into the Ph.D. program without completing the master’s thesis, which can shorten the total time required for the doctoral degree by approximately six months. Those who choose this pathway will still receive the M.S. degree after completing two years of satisfactory full-time study and having their dissertation proposal accepted, with the thesis requirement formally waived. This flexible structure allows students to tailor their academic progression based on research readiness and long-term goals, offering both a traditional M.S. route and an accelerated transition toward doctoral research.