M.S. in Chemical Engineering

The Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemical Engineering is a research-based degree, typically two years in length, that prepares you for non-academic research careers and is often used as a steppingstone to Ph.D. programs.
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Dean Lynden Archer is standing in front of a chalk board in his office with three graduate students.

M.S. degree requirements are flexible and you’ll be able to adjust your coursework and research to match your interests. You’ll take graduate-level chemical engineering courses, work on original research, and complete a thesis or special project before you are eligible for graduation.

M.S. Concentration Areas

  • Advanced materials processing

  • Applied math and computational methods

  • Biomedical engineering

  • Biochemical engineering

  • Classical and statistical thermodynamics

  • Fluid dynamics, rheology, and biorheology

  • Heat and mass transfer

  • Kinetics and catalysis

  • Polymers

  • Surface science

M.S. Learning Outcomes

  1. Mastery and application of chemical engineering knowledge

    • Demonstrate an understanding of the core subjects in chemical engineering
    • Apply core subjects to technological applications

  2. Problem formulation, analysis, solution and presentation of results

    • Use appropriate chemical engineering techniques, tools, and methods to solve engineering problems in the context of courses and independent projects
    • Apply those tools to the formulation, analysis and solution of broadly defined problems
    • Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate results

  3. Communication of knowledge

    • Describe effectively the formulation, analysis and solution of specific problems in chemical engineering
    • Explain the technological importance of the problems and the results obtained

  4. Self-directed learning and professional development

    • Demonstrate the ability to assimilate information from multiple sources to solve original engineering problems of technological importance
    • Work with fellow students in individual and team environments
    • Understand professional roles in chemical engineering practice
    • Understand that involvement in the chemical engineering profession involves a commitment to lifelong learning and continuing development of skills and abilities

Post-graduation Paths

Students who graduate with an M.S. in chemical engineering typically go on to Ph.D. programs – often at Cornell – or into industry roles.

  • Ph.D. programs that recently accepted our M.S. graduates

    • Cornell University
    • Columbia University
    • The Pennsylvania State University
    • University of California, Riverside
    • University of Washington
    • The Ohio State University

  • Companies that recently employed M.S. graduates

    • Samsung
    • Inspire Energy
    • Gilead Sciences
    • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
    • Genentech
    • Home Depot
    • Axium Nano
    • Corning
    • Saudi Aramco
    • SF Motors
    • Sinopec

M.S. Program Contacts