COURSE CURRICULUM

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering is a research-focused graduate degree designed to develop advanced technical expertise and independent research skills in chemical engineering while preparing students for careers in industry, research laboratories, or doctoral study. The program requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and combines advanced core coursework, elective specialization, and a significant thesis-based research experience. Students begin with required graduate-level core courses that build a strong theoretical foundation in key areas of chemical engineering, including CHBE 923 Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, which examines energy systems and phase behavior in complex chemical processes; CHBE 932 Advanced Chemical Engineering Kinetics, which focuses on reaction mechanisms and rate laws in engineering systems; and CHBE 940 Advanced Transport Phenomena, which covers the principles of momentum, heat, and mass transfer that govern chemical process design and analysis. Students may also register for CHBE 900 Seminar, which provides exposure to ongoing research, industry developments, and professional topics in chemical engineering. Beyond the core, students complete 19 credits of elective coursework, selected in consultation with faculty advisors, allowing them to specialize in areas aligned with their research interests and career goals. These electives may include advanced topics within chemical engineering or approved interdisciplinary courses from related fields such as life sciences, business, or law, provided they are approved and graded on a letter basis. A defining feature of the program is the Master’s Thesis (CHBE 899), which requires 6 to 9 credits of original research work under faculty supervision. Through the thesis, students design and execute a focused research project, analyze experimental or computational data, and contribute new knowledge to the field of chemical engineering. This process strengthens critical thinking, problem-solving ability, and technical communication skills. The program emphasizes academic rigor and research independence, ensuring students develop a deep understanding of fundamental engineering principles and their real-world applications. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in chemical, energy, pharmaceutical, environmental, and materials industries, as well as for advanced doctoral studies or innovation-driven entrepreneurial pathways.