Securing a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering gives bachelor’s degree holders the opportunity to gain access to careers in research or academia that aren’t typically available for those with a bachelor’s degree. The master’s program in Chemical Engineering gives them a deeper understanding of chemistry and engineering principles thus, opening a wide array of opportunities to master’s graduates.
With a master’s in Chemical Engineering degree, you have an increased chance of securing managerial or high-level positions and a high demand overall for chemical engineering graduates. Masters in Chemical Engineering graduates earn an average starting salary of US$72,362 in the United States.
In this article, we’ll list the best master’s in Chemical Engineering programs. Carefully read through!
See the table of contents below for a quick overview.
What is Chemical Engineering?
Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering which applies the principles of physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and economics to produce, design, transport and transform energy and materials.
The obligation of a chemical engineer can range from the utilization of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in the laboratory to large-scale industrial processes that modify chemicals, raw materials, living cells, microorganisms, and energy into valuable forms and products.
Furthermore, Chemical Engineers are useful in various aspects of plant design and operation, including safety and hazard assessments, process design and analysis, modeling, control engineering, chemical reaction engineering, nuclear engineering, biological engineering, construction specification, and operating instructions.
Steps To Becoming A Chemical Engineer
Most jobs in chemical engineering require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. In the US and Canada, earning a BS or BA in Chemical Engineering will require intensive courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and other related subjects. The steps below outline the steps to be taken in order to become a Chemical Engineer.
Earn a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering
Chemical engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Programs in chemical engineering usually take 4 years to complete and include classroom, laboratory, and field studies. High school students keen on studying chemical engineering will profit from taking science courses, such as chemistry, physics, and biology. They also should take math courses, including algebra, trigonometry, and calculus.
At some universities, students can opt to enroll in 5-year engineering programs that lead to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. While a master’s degree isn’t a prerequisite, it can help students advance their careers to managerial levels or into research positions.
PhDs in chemical engineering are for students who wish to work in special areas of development and production or teach the discipline at the collegiate level.
ABET accredits engineering programs. ABET-accredited programs in chemical engineering include courses in chemistry, physics, and biology. These programs also include applying the sciences to the design, analysis, and control of chemical, physical, and biological processes.
Undergo internship
While not all chemical engineering degree requirements include an internship or co-op component, these are excellent opportunities for gaining experience and building contacts in the field.
Some colleges and universities offer internships and/or cooperative programs in partnership with industry. In these programs, students gain practical experience while completing their education.
Bachelor’s level students typically undertake these during their junior and/or senior years, while master’s and PhD level students can elect to do so after their first year of studies. The American Chemical Society maintains a board of internship and fellowship opportunities.
Choose a specialty
Because the field of chemical engineering is so broad, numerous programs offer concentrations for students who wish to specialize their knowledge in a particular area. Students typically devote 12 to 18 credit hours to studying specific topics, with options ranging from petroleum/gas exploration or energy systems to material and polymers or biological engineering.
Obtain licenses and certifications
For prospective Chemical Engineers seeking to work in respected firms, there are a number of steps they can take to be competitive. These include:
- Attend an ABET-accredited institution
- Undertake the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination directly after completing a baccalaureate degree
- Complete the Professional Engineering (PE) exam after at least four years of relevant work experience
To become licensed as an engineer, university graduates may take the fundamentals of an engineering exam, which is given by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). In the US, each state also has its own licensing exam for engineers who are going to work in the public sector.
Continuing on to earn a master’s or doctoral degree is one way to increase job opportunities, earning power, and to specialize in an area of interest.
Why Should I Study A Masters In Chemical Engineering?
Studying a Masters in Chemical Engineering is an added advantage to the student. This is so because an advanced degree in a particular area opens the door of knowledge and expertise to you. With a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering you’ll get to specialize in a particular area. Here are a few reasons why you should study a master’s in Chemical Engineering;
It gives you an edge
Despite the nature of bachelor’s level chemical engineering jobs, getting an advanced degree will open doors to higher-paying jobs. Some high-profile organizations like NASA and Kraft prefer master’s degrees holders for their positions, and most jobs involving management will also require an advanced degree.
Furthermore, a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering spells knowledge depth in a particular area.
Increased Earnings
Though expensive, an advanced degree places one on a higher level. That is to say, with a master’s in Chemical Engineering, your earnings will automatically rise. This is outrightly bourne out of the slight advancement in the knowledge base and qualifications.
Employer Preference
When placed in a balance, an employer has several reasons to choose a candidate with a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering over a bachelor’s degree holder. This is because a master’s degree in assures the employer that the candidate has garnered in-depth knowledge and leadership potentials.
Furthermore, many master’s level graduates also have work expertise that they acquired while earning their advanced degree. Even just a few years of work experience can make a big variation in experience levels and what candidates are able to accomplish on the job.
What Are The Entry Requirements For Masters In Chemical Engineering?
Chemical engineering is a large, diverse, and developing subject, expanding from its traditional origins in oil and gas production to areas such as food production, pharmaceutical technology, biotechnology, and environmental issues.
A master’s in Chemical Engineering will prepare you for chemical engineering careers in the industry. In addition, you’ll gain multidisciplinary skills, commercial awareness, and risk management skills, among others. Also, you will gain a clear and wide-ranging view of the technologies that are currently used in manufacturing processes in the industry, and the ways in which these techniques can be improved for safety and sustainability.
Though entrance requirements vary per university, you will typically need a good bachelor’s degree in a related science or engineering discipline for entry to a Masters in Chemical Engineering. Also, you may need to provide letters of recommendation, a personal statement, or entrance exam results.
How Long Does It Take To Complete Masters in Chemical Engineering?
The duration of a Master’s in Chemical Engineering is solely dependent on the nature of the program and the student. Typically, a master’s in Chemical Engineering requires one to two years to complete, depending on the intensity of study and whether a thesis is written. The data science track can be completed in 10 months (one academic year plus the summer A term).
What Jobs Can You Get With A Masters in Chemical Engineering?
The master’s program in Chemical Engineering gives students a deeper understanding of chemistry and engineering principles thus, opening a wide array of opportunities to master’s graduates. Students with a master’s in Chemical Engineering are a good fit for the following jobs;
Chemists and Materials Scientists
Chemists and materials scientists work within research and development. During this research, they look at the composition and structure, as well as the properties of various types of matter, and the scientific laws associated with them. Furthermore, they educate fellow scientists and laboratory technicians on the processes associated with chemical testing and processing. Also, they oversee production and enforce quality control standards within chemical plants.
Environmental Scientists and Specialists
Environmental scientists and experts work with the government departments to help create new strategies on environmental conservation and help find ways in which human actions can be modified in order to prevent possible environmental issues in the future.
For those individuals who choose to work in the research sector, they frequently have to write grant proposals in order to obtain funding for a given project. These same individuals collect water, soil, air, and food samples from the environment and examine them to ascertain where potential environmental problems might be befalling.
Natural Sciences Managers
Natural sciences managers supervise physicists, chemists, and biologists during the course of research. They oversee sample collection and production, as well as quality control and testing procedures. These same individuals actively monitor lab equipment and supplies to guarantee that all equipment is functioning properly and that the laboratory is set at any given time.
Petroleum Engineer
Petroleum engineers play huge roles in nearly all stages of the location, evaluation, and extraction of hydrocarbon deposits, including analyzing cost-effectiveness, production levels, risks, and environmental impact. They work both on- and off-shore for oil and gas services and producing businesses. This role incorporates a number of distinct specializations, including petroleum geologists, reservoir engineers, production engineers, and drilling engineers.
Postsecondary Chemical Engineering Teachers
Postsecondary Chemical Engineering teachers normally need a PhD in order to teach at a university, but oftentimes a master’s degree is enough to get you the slot. Individuals in this line of work instruct students on the chemical and physical properties and compositional changes of substances. They teach students the principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, services, and instruments.
Additionally, they provide acumen into the qualitative and quantitative methods related to chemical analysis. Furthermore, they often assist students in their research and laboratory work and render guidance on the proper use and maintenance of equipment within the lab.
Chemical Engineer
As a chemical engineer, your duty is to design and develop different products. Your work will focus on changing the chemical, biochemical, and physical state of a substance to turn it into something else, such as making plastic from oil.
Furthermore, modern Chemical Engineering also champions valuable new materials and techniques, such as nanotechnology, fuel cells, and biomedical engineering.
How Much Does It Cost To Complete A Masters in Chemical Engineering?
The cost to attend a master’s in Chemical Engineering vary greatly. According to U.S. News & World Report, yearly tuition at top programs can range from $10,000 at a public university to $55,000 at a private institution.
Nevertheless, most graduate programs provide tuition assistance through the form of teaching/research assistantships, as well as, stipends, and often times the cost of attendance is completely covered as a result. During this time, students will be involved in coursework related to advanced chemical reactions, microhydrodynamics, advanced thermodynamics, and chemical engineering methods.
What To Expect In A Masters In Chemical Engineering Degree
A master’s degree in Chemical Engineering is a postgraduate degree program that provides students with sound scientific and technological knowledge in the scope of Chemical Engineering; not only in the professional context but also in the investigation department. Through this program, students are given a clear and wide view of technologies that are currently put to use in different manufacturing processes present in the chemical industry.
Furthermore, the master’s degree in chemical engineering can serve multiple objectives for chemical engineering students. It can be a stepping stone to achieving another degree, such as a PhD, and it can provide knowledge depth in a specific area. Whichever way, it allows graduates to enter a subfield within the chemical engineering industry.
Some of the unique advanced coursework often found in a master’s degree program include:
BIOCHEMICAL AND DRUG DELIVERY – This course teaches students about different materials and chemicals used in medicine, and how they are best put to use, as well as reactions and interactions.
CHEMICAL PROCESS DESIGN – This course teaches students how to create and implement processes to engineer new chemicals and materials.
SUSTAINABLE CHEMICAL ENGINEERING – This course presents an in-depth view of historical and future trends related to sustainable chemical manufacturing and engineering.
SEPARATION PROCESSES – This class addresses the various theories and methods concerning the separation of substances and compounds.
Where Can I Get A Masters In Chemical Engineering?
A master’s program in chemical engineering prepares students to become chemical professionals. It also trains students to become qualified chemical engineers who can adapt easily to positions of high responsibility in organizations, investigation centers, chemical sectors, and learning institutions.
Here’s a list of the best master’s in Chemical Engineering program. This list was selected based on the following ranking criteria:
Reputation – The reputation of a school highlights its ranking performance on other reputatble websites.
Graduation rate – This shows the ability of the program to produce graduates.
Employability index – This data represents the performance of the university’s graduates in the labor market.
Accreditation – The accreditation status of an institution shows whether the school or program is approved by the authorizing body.
#1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private institution established in 1861. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,602. Its setting is urban, and the campus size is 166 acres. It utilizes a 4-1-4-based academic calendar. Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranked number 3 in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. Its tuition fees are $53,790.
The Master of Science in Chemical Engineering Practice degree program offers hands-on, real-world experience in industrial settings, and can be completed within a single year after the bachelor’s degree. You will finish two semesters of graduate-level courses at MIT (core plus electives), followed by one semester at industrial sites of the Practice School under the direction of resident MIT staff. Credit for the Practice School semester is accepted in lieu of a Master’s thesis.
The program is dully accredited by ABET.
#2. University of California–Berkeley
University of California—Berkeley is a public institution established in 1868. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 30,853, and the campus size is 1,232 acres. It employs a semester-based academic calendar. The University of California-Berkeley’s ranking in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, #22. Its in-state tuition and fees are $14,184; out-of-state tuition and fees are $43,176.
A total of 24-semester units are required for the masters in Chemical Engineering program. Of the 24 units, Academic Senate regulations state that a minimum of 12 units must be in 200-level courses in Chemical Engineering (230, 240, 244, 250 and 274). Additional 12 units in upper-division/graduate course electives as approved by our Graduate Advisor. Research is not a requirement for the M.S. However, students may opt to enroll in research credits with an Advisor.
Admission to the M.S. in Chemical Engineering is highly competitive as we have only a confined amount of space for this program. They admit only 3-5 students to this program.
Admission is awarded by the University’s Graduate Division on the recommendation of the department. Applicants are required to produce the following:
- Evidence of superior performance and research experience in the last 2 years of undergraduate studies.
- General Graduate Record Examination Scores are required and this cannot be waived. letters of recommendation from professors or colleagues familiar with the applicant’s academic, research, and professional aptitudes.
- International students whose native language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency.
The program is dully accredited by ABET.
#3. Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology is a public institution established in 1885. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 16,049, and the campus size is 400 acres. Georgia Institute of Technology ranked 29 in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. Its in-state tuition fees are $12,682; out-of-state tuition fees are $33,794.
The School of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering offers graduate programs involving advanced-level coursework and independent research leading to MS in Chemical Engineering. The MS degree can usually be obtained by coursework only, without a thesis. Course selection for both the MS and doctoral degrees is quite flexible, with individual plans of study developed for each student.
The program is dully accredited by ABET.
#4. University of Texas–Austin
University of Texas—Austin is a public institution founded in 1883. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 40,804, and the campus size is 437 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar. Also, the University of Texas—Austin ranked 48 in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. Its in-state tuition fees are $10,818; out-of-state tuition fees are $38,228.
The Master’s program in Chemical Engineering is designed to provide students with the chance to acquire skills in transport phenomena, thermodynamics, and reaction engineering for the application of chemistry to the advancement of society.
Students with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering typically meet the admission criteria. Apart from the requirements of the Graduate School, the is no criteria for admission set by the department. Applications are treated in a comprehensive manner based on GRE and TOEFL/IELTS scores, GPA, research experience, letters of recommendation, and personal statements.
Furthermore, candidates with a bachelor’s degree in another discipline, such as chemistry, physics, other engineering sciences, and natural sciences, must have history the department considers to be appropriate for the study of advanced chemical engineering.
The program is dully accredited by ABET.
#5. Stanford University
SU is a private institution established in 1885. Stanford University ranked number 6 in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. Its tuition fees are $53,529.
Master of Science (MS) program is a terminal degree for those seeking advanced knowledge in a focused area of Chemical Engineering to pursue a career in industry or a professional degree.
The program is dully accredited by ABET.
#6. University of California–Santa Barbara
The Department of Chemical Engineering is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and service to the profession and the community. It is widely acknowledged as prestigious, and frequently ranked within the top ten chemical engineering graduate programs in the country.
The master’s in Chemical Engineering program at UC Santa Barbara is truly one of the best in the world. The graduate program has been ranked #2 in the world by the most recent National Research Council rankings. Our graduate researchers and faculty make a tremendous impact on a diverse range of fields.
The Department of Chemical Engineering features an outstanding, world-renowned faculty considered to be the leaders in their respective areas of specialization.
#7. TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
A Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering offers technical training to students seeking to pursue expertise in the chemical processing industry, with both core chemical engineering training and exposure to new technologies in the field. Master of Science students can choose between the thesis option and the non-thesis option.
The Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering focuses on real-world experience through programs such as research, internships, and co-op education. The ultimate objectives of the Department are to have a positive impact on society and to help students develop into independent researchers who will continue to advance the discipline.
Applicants must submit a statement of purpose, GRE scores, transcripts, and three letters of recommendation.
#8. California Institute of Technology
California Institute of Technology is a private institution founded in 1891. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 948, its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 124 acres. It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. California Institute of Technology ranked number 12 in the 2020 edition of Best Colleges and National Universities. Its tuition is $54,600.
Students who obtain a Master’s Degree in Chemistry will have achieved advanced knowledge in modern chemistry through a program of graduate-level courses, and an introduction to chemical research through participation in a project under the direction of a member of the professorial faculty.
#9. University of Colorado Boulder
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering offers an innovative master’s degree program and emphasizes the doctoral degree. The department’s exceptional domestic and international students benefit from the high level of faculty-student collaboration and also from access to six interdisciplinary research centers.
The department expressly encourages applications from students who would expand the diversity of our graduate community.
The Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering requires 30 hours of approved credit hours and successful completion of a comprehensive final exam or thesis defense.
General criteria for regular admission to the master’s program include a bachelor’s degree with a 3.25/4.00 or better overall GPA from a college or university of recognized standing. Furthermore, you’ll need to submit a personal statement and academic transcripts.
#10. University of California, Los Angeles
The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department is located within the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science. The faculty is comprised of world-class researchers in their respective fields, all of whom have won national and international awards. They have strengths in multiple areas, including the biological synthesis of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and biomaterials; semiconductor materials processing; alternative energy; process control and systems engineering; water treatment; and nanotechnology.
UCLA’s MS in Chemical Engineering requirements consist of nine courses, a thesis, and a minimum GPA of 3.0 in graduate courses. Advanced Engineering Thermodynamics, Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Advanced Mass Transfer are required.
Applicants must submit GRE scores and three letters of recommendation, the departmental supplement, and a statement of purpose. A bachelor’s degree is required in a field that has equipped the student with at least two years of experience in physics, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics.
Conclusion
A master’s in Chemical Engineering will prepare you for Chemical Engineering careers in the industry. In addition, you’ll gain multidisciplinary skills, commercial awareness, and risk management skills, among others. Hence, if you’re pursuing a master’s in chemical engineering, we have compiled a list of best masters in Chemical Engineering degree programs to guide you.
FAQs On Best Masters In Chemical Engineering Degree Programs
Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering which applies the principles of physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, and economics to produce, design, transport and transform energy and materials.
Most jobs in chemical engineering require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. In the US and Canada, earning a BS or BA in Chemical Engineering will require intensive courses in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, and other related subjects. Also, you need t gain practical experience and also obtain the necessary licenses and certifications.
Though entrance requirements vary per university, you will typically need a good bachelor’s degree in a related science or engineering discipline for entry to a Masters in Chemical Engineering. Also, you may need to provide letters of recommendation, a personal statement, or entrance exam results.
The cost to attend a master’s in Chemical Engineering vary greatly. According to U.S. News & World Report, yearly tuition at top programs can range from $10,000 at a public university to $55,000 at a private institution.
