Start working on your Master's In Chemical Engineering degree today! Master's in Chemical Engineering degree holders have more opportunities, and average higher salaries. This degree as well as masters degrees in other engineering fields are essential for engineers seeking management positions. Start by finding out more information from our select schools below.
MS in Elec. Eng.
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DeVry University — DeVry University's online MS in Electrical Engineering program is a great tool to advance your career from entry level to senior management. Courses instruct students how to analyze, design and implement solutions to chemical engineering problems while applying U.S. and international standards.
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MS Soft. Engineering
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University of Liverpool — The MS in Software Engineering program at the University of Liverpool features courses that examine computer structures, software engineering, systems analysis and design, all with a global perspective. Modules include database analysis, communication and networks, and security engineering among others. This program provides an alternative to chemical engineering.
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MS in Elect. Engin.
MS in Eng. Manag.
MS in Eng. Tech.
MS in Soft. Engineering
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Drexel University — Drexel University's online MS in Electrical Engineering has specialties in Electrophysics, Robotics, Power Engineering, and Image Processing. Students may also choose to explore the MS in Engineering Management, MS in Engineering Technology, and MS in Software Engineering or chemical engineering options.
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MS/IS in Soft. Eng. Man.
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Strayer University — Strayer's MS/IS in software engineering management covers technical, managerial, and policy issues. Students can choose from concentrations in Computer Security Management, Network Management, and Software Engineering Management, as well as chemical engineering.
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MS in Systems Eng.
MS in Software Eng.
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Colorado Technical University — The MS in Systems Engineering and MS/CS in Software Engineering programs at Colorado Technical University feature documentation and analysis of computer system designs. Graduates often become systems engineers, project managers, or chemical engineers.
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MBA in Eng. Mgmt.
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Northcentral University — The MBA in Engineering & Technology offers a specialization area in Management. Courses in Management focus on productivity, systemic quality control, and using technology to improve productivity. Courses include Emerging Technologies and Strategic Leadership and Industrial Management. Chemical engineers have often turned to this degree option.
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Master of Civ. Eng.
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Norwich University — Norwich University's online Master of Civil Engineering program is designed for working professionals and can be completed in under two years. Skills gained include project management, structural, geotechnical, construction management, and environmental/chemical engineering.
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M.E. in Microelect. Eng.
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Rochester Institute of Technology — Rochester Institute of Technology's master of engineering degree in microelectronics manufacturing engineering is geared towards students interested in the semiconductor or chemical engineering industry. Students learn to create products that meet geometric, electrical and processing parameters.
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MS Fire Pro. Eng.
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Worcester Polytechnic Institute — Worcester Polytechnic Institute's MS in Fire Protection Engineering program features courses that integrate modern technology with fire safety and bring the disciplines of building construction, architecture, electrical, mechanical, civil and chemical engineering together.
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Description of Masters in Chemical Engineering:
A master’s in chemical engineering is a graduate level degree specializing in the branch of engineering that focuses on the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. These programs prepare you to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems employing chemical processes. These systems include chemical reactors, kinetic systems, electrochemical systems, energy conservation processes, heat and mass transfer systems, and separation processes. Analysis of these chemical problems involves corrosion, particle abrasion, energy loss, pollution, and fluid mechanics.
Chemical engineering deals with physical science (such as chemistry and physics) and life sciences (such as biology, microbiology, and biochemistry). It also includes mathematics and economics. Chemical engineering is a diverse field that covers areas from biotechnology and nanotechnology, to mineral processing. Within these fields, chemical engineers are concerned with finding valuable new materials and related techniques.
Within a master’s in chemical engineering program there are two broad subgroups: 1) Chemical process engineers: design, manufacture, and operation of plants and machinery in industrial chemical and related processes; and 2) Chemical product engineers: development of new or adapted substances for products ranging from foods and beverages to cosmetics to cleaners to pharmaceutical ingredients, among many other products. Overall chemical engineers develop economic ways of using materials and energy through using chemistry and engineering. They turn raw materials into usable products, such as medicine, petrochemicals, and plastics. Also included in chemical engineering is waste management and research. On the other hand, chemists are more interested in the basic composition of materials and synthesizing products from those materials.
Principles of Study within a Masters in Chemical Engineering Program:
There are numerous principals that are involved in chemical engineering. A few key concepts that are presented in masters in chemical engineering programs include:
- Chemical Reaction Engineering: This entails managing plant processes and conditions to guarantee best plant operation. Constructing models for reactor analysis and design by using laboratory data and physical parameters are a few responsibilities of chemical reaction engineers. They also use techniques such as chemical thermodynamics to solve problems and predict reactor performance.
- Plant Design: A section of chemical engineering includes the design in the creation of plans and specifications of plants. Plant design also involves the financial aspects of design, such as income projection of plants. Chemical engineers create designs according to different clients needs. There are a few constraining factors that go into the design of a plant, including funding, government regulations and safety standards. A chemical engineer will choose materials and equipment based on those constraints.
- Unit Operation/Process Design: Chemical engineers are also in charge of process design, which involves unit operation. A unit operation is a physical step in an individual chemical engineering process. Unit operations include crystallization, drying, and evaporation. These processes are used to prepare reactants, purifying and separating its products, recycling unspent reactants, and controlling energy transfer in reactors. Unit processes, such as nitration and oxidation, involve the conversion of material through biochemical or thermochemical means. Chemical engineers who are responsible for unit operation are called process engineers.
- Transport phenomena: Chemical engineers who work with transport phenomena must have a thorough understanding of mathematics. The study of transport phenomena concerns the exchange of mass, energy, and momentum between observed and studied systems. Transport phenomena occur frequently in industrial problems, which is why chemical engineers are needed to solve these problems. Problems are usually concerned with momentum transfer, energy transfer, and the transport of chemical species, and can exist in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, and mass transfer.
Admission to Masters in Chemical Engineering Programs:
The requirements for admissions into a chemical engineering graduate program vary depending on the school and program. In general, a person who hopes to pursue a career in chemical engineering must have a great academic record. A set of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions is required. Typically they also need to have a strong background in chemical engineering or related field of chemistry or engineering. Applicants should also have a GPA above 3.5 in most cases.
Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are required in most cases, and non-native English speakers must take the
TOEFL exam.
Programs will require a statement of purpose, resume or CV, and letters of recommendation. Typically, a statement of purpose is a one or two page document outlining your motivation for attending that school’s program, and your goals after completing the degree. Within this essay you should express your interest within chemical engineering. This statement allows you to "speak" to the faculty reviewing your file and gives them a glimpse into your motivations. A resume or CV should summarize your background in chemical engineering. It should be no longer than two pages and should include all relevant school and work experience. Letters of recommendation are also an important component of admission into a chemical engineering program. Typically schools ask for three letters from previous employers and professors.
Course Requirements for Masters in Chemical Engineering:
Master programs for chemical engineering vary in coursework and requirements. There are both online and campus based programs for chemical engineering. Typically both of these methods of education have core courses in chemical engineering, in addition to advanced and elective courses. If you have a previous undergraduate degree in engineering or chemistry, you could receive credit for some of the core course requirements. This depends on the program though and isn’t a guarantee. The following is a general outline of potential courses for masters in chemical engineering programs:
Core Courses:
- Chemical Engineering Analysis
- Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
- Advanced Chemical Engineering Kinetics
- Advanced Mass Transfer
- Advanced Momentum Transfer
- Safety in Chemical Engineering
Advanced & Elective Graduate Courses:
- Digital Control Techniques in Chemical Engineering
- Group Studies in Chemical Engineering
- Catalysis and Catalytic Processes
- Particle Technology
- Colloids and Surfaces
- Chemical Process Dynamics and Control
- Knowledge Based Systems in Engineering
- Novel Separations
- Chemical Engineering Process
- Biochemical Engineering Fundamentals
- Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering
- Biomedical Nanotechnology
- Air Pollution Control
- Principles of Sustainable Engineering
- Polymer Membranes
- Rheology of Fluids
- Principles of Polymer Conversion Operations
- Chemical Engineering Experimental Design
- Chemical Engineering and Optimization
- Process Modeling and Simulation
- Advanced Special Problems in Chemical Engineering
- Advanced Heat Transfer
- New or Unusual Chemical Engineering Operations
- Teaching Experience in Chemical Engineering
Potential Salary for Masters in Chemical Engineering Graduate:
The Bureau of Labor Statistics has occupational employment and wage information for chemical engineers. The mean wage estimates for chemical engineers is an hourly wage of $45.48, and an annual wage of $94,590. These estimates do not include those who are self-employed.
The top paying industries for chemical engineers mean wages are:
- Natural Gas Distribution: $67.97/hr; $141,380/annually
- Oil and Gas Extraction: $55.02/hr; $114,450/annually
- Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing: $54.74/hr; $113,850/annually
- Support Activities for Mining: $52.82/hr; $109,860/annually
- Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services: $50.36/hr; $104,760/annually
The top paying states for Chemical Engineers mean wages are as follows:
- Alaska: $61.08/hr; $127,040/annually
- Wisconsin: $56.94/hr; $118,430/annually
- Delaware: $56.17/hr; $116,840/annually
- Montana: $56.11/hr; $116,720/annually
- Wyoming: $54.41/hr; $113,170/annually
Further Resources on a Masters in Chemical Engineering:
- Wikipedia: The "Chemical Engineer" page on Wikipedia offers great information and background for a career in chemical engineering. The Wikipedia page outlines the history, overview, and employment and salaries of chemical engineering. It also has a list of a few external links available.
- Chemical Engineering Magazine: This is a magazine published monthly by Access Intelligence. The magazine is for chemical engineers and related technical people in the chemical process industries (CPI). It also serves as a good resource for engineering, design and construction companies that service the CPI. Chemical Engineering is good for practical information that can be used directly on the job, plus the latest about what's happening in, or will be affecting, the CPI.
- The American Institute of Chemical EngineersThe AIChE is the world’s leading organization for chemical engineering professionals. They have over 40,000 members from over 90 countries. Their website includes plenty of resources and expertise you need whether you are in core process industries or emerging areas, such as nanobiotechnology. Information exists on recognized and promising chemical engineering processes and methods. Through the AIChE you can also connect with a global network of intelligent, resourceful colleagues and their shared wisdom.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics: This resource from the United States Department of Labor has occupational employment and wages statistics from May 2010. This resource includes graphs and maps with national estimates, industry profile, and geographic profile for chemical engineers. It includes industries with the highest published employment and wages, states and areas with the highest published employment, location quotients, and wages, and more.
Search for your chemical engineering degree...
Complete this short form and we'll match you with degree programs tailored to your interests.
