Guide to getting a master’s degree in chemical engineering

Chemical engineers are involved in the manufacturing of products through chemical processes. Along with developing the systems and equipment for refining raw materials they are responsible for processing chemicals for use in the pharmaceutical, automobile, medical device, food, energy, and biological industries.

An aptitude for math, chemistry, physics, and biology are essential in this field. A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field prepares you well for this master’s degree. In contrast to the bachelor’s, a master’s in chemical engineering focuses on business concepts in addition to STEM subjects. These include maximizing productivity, developing high-quality products, and minimizing costs.

Earning a this degree from one of the best master’s in chemical engineering programs leads to competitive advantage on the job market. In some cases, it can also replace work experience, accelerating career advancement.

» Read: The importance of a master’s degree

Chemical engineering program basics

Chemical engineering master’s programs focus on core chemical engineering courses in subjects such as:

• applied mathematics
• chemical kinetics
• molecular thermodynamics
• reactor design
• polymer science
• polymer rheology
• biochemical engineering

Depending on whether you choose a master of science or master of engineering program, a final research project or practical jobs skills are the focus of this degree. More information on these 2 types of degrees is available below.

What can you do with a master’s in chemical engineering?

After earning this degree, you are positioned to enter senior and managerial roles, thanks to the advanced lab skills and independent research methods this program cultivates. Other graduates choose to continue on to a Ph.D. and enter academia full time.

» Read: How to get paid to earn your Ph.D.

Should you get a master’s in chemical engineering?

Master’s programs in chemical engineering can help you attain a well-paying job in a field that offers consistent employment opportunities. To enter the profession, you need a bachelor’s degree at minimum, but pursuing a master’s opens up additional professional possibilities. Whether someone wants to invest in a master’s program depends on their career goals and other aspirations.

The table below shows the economic performance of a master’s in chemical engineering 3 years after graduation. It compares earnings to the median debt accrued, and compares this new figure to earnings 3 years after receiving a bachelor’s degree in the same field.

Economically, this degree is a sound choice. Along with an increase in yearly earnings over the bachelor’s, other reasons to pursue this degree include:

• a wider range of career choices, including managerial and research roles
• employers may count a master’s degree as additional years of work experience
• opportunity to become a subject matter expert and teach in the field
• opportunity to enter academia and continue on to a Ph.D.

How to pick a master’s in chemical engineering

Many chemical engineering master’s programs allow you to enrich your expertise in specific concentrations. Ideally, choose an area you’re passionate about.

Here are a few examples of concentrations in chemical engineering:

The concentrations offered vary by school and may include:

• chemical systems
• micro energy
• electrochemical deposition
• biochemical reactors
• fluidization engineering
• materials synthesis and processing
• nanotechnology

Accreditation

ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, provides accreditation to universities teaching engineering, science, and technology. ABET accreditation is crucial at the bachelor’s level, but less so at the master’s. However, you may not be admitted into a master’s program without an ABET-accredited bachelor’s degree.

Can you get a master’s in chemical engineering online?

As you can see in the table below, few fully online master’s programs in chemical engineering are available. The amount of lab and group work required makes it difficult to translate this degree to an online learning environment.

How much does a master’s in chemical engineering cost?

The table below shows the difference in debt and repayment rates based on institution type.

» Read: Budgeting tips for students

Financial aid and scholarships for chemical engineering master’s students

Students can offset the costs of a master’s degree by pursuing financial aid, scholarships, and low-cost loans. As with other degrees, fill out the FAFSA form to get started. Following that, meet with the student financial aid representative at your school to discuss other potential options, such as school aid opportunities.

» Read: Repaying your student loans

What to expect from a master’s in chemical engineering

Master’s degrees in chemical engineering include core coursework, electives related to your concentration, and additional courses in other engineering disciplines, or STEM and non-STEM fields. As discussed in more detail below, your choice between a master of science and master of engineering may affect the degree to which you can customize your program.

Admission requirements

Common admission requirements include:

• minimum GPA as determined by school
• bachelor’s in chemical engineering or a closely related field
• letters of recommendation
• research experience

Admission requirements vary significantly between schools. Be sure to carefully read through your chosen schools’ instructions.

Bridge programs for non-engineering or non-STEM backgrounds

Some graduate schools offer bridge programs for students with non-STEM or non-engineering STEM bachelor’s degrees. These programs may be up to 2 years longer than the average master’s as students catch up with content. They also mean all is not lost if you have not earned a bachelor’s in engineering.

» Read: What is STEM?

How long does it take to get a master’s in chemical engineering?

A master’s in chemical engineering takes 1 to 2 years to complete.

FE and PE exams

The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam is the first step to becoming a fully licensed Professional Engineer. FE exams have been designed for students who have recently graduated from an engineering program, or are about to. To take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam and complete the licensure process, 4 years of work experience are required.

Some students opt to go straight to work and take the PE when they’re eligible. Other choose to attend graduate school first.

Note that a master’s degree is not a replacement for PE licensure.

What type of courses are there in a master’s in chemical engineering?

Most master’s of chemical engineering programs require core coursework in the essentials of chemical engineering, kinetics, statistics, and mathematics, as well as relevant electives.

Common courses include:

What types of master’s degrees are there in mechanical engineering?

The 2 main types of master’s degrees in chemical engineering are the master of science (M.S.) and the master of engineering (MEng), with many schools offering both types.

Careers with a master’s in chemical engineering

In addition to all the roles open to engineers with a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree holders can enter higher-level chemical engineering jobs. Learn more on our careers in chemical engineering page.