Getting Your Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering

According to Stanford University, "Chemical engineering is a discipline influencing numerous areas of technology. In broad terms, chemical engineers conceive and design processes to produce, transform, and transport materials — beginning with experimentation in the laboratory followed by the implementation of the technology in full-scale production."

Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that applies the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve different problems involving fuel, drugs, food, and other products. Chemical engineering started with the fermentation and evaporation processes that were operated by early civilizations. Modern chemical engineering emerged with the development of chemical manufacturing operations in the 2nd half of the 19th century.

While you can find a decent job with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, going on to get your master’s degree in chemical engineering can open more doors and expand your career choices. Having a master’s degree in chemical engineering will also allow you to pursue more advanced or managerial vocations.

Those with a master’s degree in chemical engineering are employed in many different industries, not just chemical manufacturing. Some are employed in biotechnology, business services, health care, food manufacturing, electronics, and energy manufacturing.

Chemical engineers conduct tests and research, troubleshoot problems, and work in the production of energy, food, clothing, paper, life sciences, biotechnology, business, and more.

According to BLS, employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. According to the New York Fed, on a “Labor Market Outcomes of College Graduates by Major” chart, the chemical engineering major has an unemployment rate of 3.8%. They also have the early-career median wage listed as $68,000, and a mid-career wage as $110,000. 48.4% of those with that major have a graduate degree.

Online vs In-person

Many schools have both online and in-person options to get your master’s degree. Some people want to go to an in-person classroom, while others prefer the flexibility of online school. There are also hybrid programs that might be a good option.

A Master’s of Chemical Engineering Program

A master’s in chemical engineering should take between 1-2 years, depending on the program. It could take longer if a student goes part-time vs full-time.

Concentrations

When you are pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering you will need to have a concentration. Here are a few examples:

• Climate- where students would learn the fundamentals and technological challenges associated with the climate.
• Biotech- where students study technology based on biology, involving the use of living systems, and organizations to develop or make products.
• Chemical and Life Science- where students would learn about the principles of mass and energy balances, stem cells, cellular engineering, and more.
• Biomolecular- where students study biochemical and biology for those who want to go into consumer products, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
• Energy- where students would learn about chemical thermodynamics, full cell technology, fire modeling, and more.

Common Classes

While many of your classes would depend on your concentration, here are a few of the more common classes you might need to take for your program:

• Chemical engineering
• Kinetics
• Analysis of chemical engineering and thermodynamics
• Materials engineering
• Control Management

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements differ based on the school and program, however, most will require students to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited school, to complete an application essay, and submit letters of recommendation.

Some schools might also require professional experience, but even if the school doesn’t, it can help to have that work experience to put on the application. Schools usually also want students to have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Students usually do not have to have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, but would be helpful to have one. Other majors such as chemistry, physics, and microbiology would also be a good fit.

How to Choose a Program

When choosing a chemical engineering master’s program, students should consider many factors. They should look at the length of each one, the course format, available concentrations, and final project requirements. Students should also consider the curriculum and the cost.

Accreditation status for each program can also make a difference and can affect future career opportunities. Departments often receive programmatic accreditation from field-specific accrediting bodies. Accreditation will indicate that the program meets set standards of quality for the electrical engineering profession.

Students should look for a program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Degrees from an ABET-accredited program are required for licensure examinations. Show