At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    On Campus
  • Degree
    MSE

Make an impact in research, development and leadership with our Master’s in Chemical Engineering.

Master's in Chemical Engineering

The Master’s in Chemical Engineering will give you advanced knowledge and cutting-edge skills, preparing you for leadership roles across diverse industries, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and materials science. 

Our comprehensive curriculum merges theory with practical application, ensuring you’re ready to solve complex engineering challenges. With options for both thesis and non-thesis tracks, you can customize your learning experience to align with your career aspirations, whether pursuing advanced industry roles or preparing for further academic research.

Program Quick Facts

  • Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) Not Required
  • STEM-Designated Degree Program
  • Scholarships and Financial Aid Available
  • F1 Visa Eligible

Master's in Chemical Engineering Curriculum

The Master of Science in Engineering in Chemical Engineering is a 30-credit master's degree. Graduate students can choose to complete a thesis or non-thesis option.

For a complete list of courses and academic requirements, please visit the Academic Catalog.

The program is 30 credits consisting of 4 core courses and 6 electives (4 for thesis option). 
Core Requirements
Course #Course NameCr.
Total12
CHEN.5200Advanced Thermodynamics3
CHEN.5260Advanced Kinetics and Reactor Design3
CHEN.5280Advanced Transport Phenomena3
CHEN.5390Mathematical Methods for Engineers3
Students must obtain a grade point average of 3.250 or better in the core courses, with no more than one course with a passing grade below B (3.000) in order to continue in the program.
Electives
A minimum of 18 credits of elective courses (or 12 for Thesis Option) must be taken from the Processing, Materials or Biotechnology/Bioprocessing areas. The specific courses in those areas follow:

Processing Electives, Choose 6 
(4 for Thesis option)
Course #Course NameCr.
CHEN.5060Collodial, Interfacial and Nanomaterials Science and Engineering3
CHEN.5300Advanced Control Strategies3
CHEN.5330Macromolecular Collodial Science and Engineering3
CHEN.5340Industrial Bioprocessing3
CHEN.5350Cell and Microbe Cultivation3
CHEN.5450Isolation and Purification3
CHEN.5480Engineering Process Analytics3
MECH.5XXX
Any Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering graduate level
processing course approved by the student's advisor and
the Chemical Engineering Graduate Coordinator
3
Total18

Materials Electives, Choose 6 
(4 for Thesis Option)
Course #Course NameCr.
CHEN.5060Collodial, Interfacial and Nanomaterials Science and Engineering3
CHEN.5080Material Science and Engineering3
CHEN.5230Nanodevices and Electronic Materials3
CHEN.5240Self Assembly and Nanotechnology3
CHEN.5290Advances in Nanotechnology and Green Chemistry3
CHEN.5330Macromolecular Collodial Science and Engineering3
CHEN.5370Nanomaterial Characterization I3
CHEN.5410Nanomaterial Characterization II3
CHEN.5460Biomaterials Science and Engineering3
MECH.5XXX
Any Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering graduate level
processing course approved by the student's advisor and
the Chemical Engineering Graduate Coordinator
3
PLAS.5XXX
Any Department of Plastics Engineering graduate level
materials course approved by the student's advisor and
the Chemical Engineering Coordinator
3
Total18

Biotechnology/Bioprocessing Electives, Choose 6
(4 for Thesis Option)
Course #Course NameCr.
CHEN.5340Industrial Bioprocessing3
CHEN.5350Cell and Microbe Cultivation3
CHEN.5450Isolation and Purification3
CHEN.5460Biomaterials Science and Engineering3
CHEN.5480Engineering Process Analytics3
CHEN.5550Biopharmaceutical Regulatory Compliance3
BIOL.5XXX
Any Department of Biological Sciences graduate level
processing course approved by the student's advisor and
the Chemical Engineering Graduate Coordinator
3

Total18
Thesis Option Only (6 credits)
Course #Course NameCr.
XXXX.XXXX3
XXXX.XXXX3
Total6
Total credits = 30

Last updated 11/19/20

  • Construct and solve equations expressing transient and steady state fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and mass transfer phenomena for simple geometries in chemical engineering relevant problems.
  • Use commercially available software packages to obtain numerical solutions for ordinary and partial different equation systems in chemical engineering applications.
  • Analyze fundamental thermodynamics equations to determine phase and chemical equilibria in modern chemical engineering systems.
  • Design batch and flow reactors for carrying out homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions.
  • Communicate technical knowledge via written documents and presentations.

Why Study Chemical Engineering at UMass Lowell?

Chemical Engineering student working in lab.

Hands-On Learning

Benefit from UMass Lowell’s partnerships with industry leaders, gaining practical, hands-on experience that gives you a competitive edge. You’ll have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and research facilities where you can apply the principles of chemical engineering to real-world problems.

Hsi-Wu Wong

World Class Faculty

Learn from faculty who are leaders in their fields. With decades of experience in both academia and industry, they provide personalized guidance, helping you navigate your academic journey and advance your professional goals.

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STEM-Designated Program

As a STEM-designated program, additional benefits include extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students and a strong foundation for pursuing high-demand roles in growing sectors.

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A High-Return Investment

Graduating with a master’s in chemical engineering from UMass Lowell sets you apart in a competitive job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, chemical engineers earn a median annual salary of over $117,000, with growth projected in green technology, pharmaceuticals and energy solutions. UMass Lowell’s program equips you with the skills that employers are looking for today and in the future.

Chemical Engineering Career Outlook

  • +10%

    Projected job growth for chemical engineers

    (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)

  • $117,910

    Mean annual wage for chemical engineers in MA

    (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)

Where Our Graduates Work

  • Pfizer
  • Bristol Myers Squibb
  • MilliporeSigma
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific
  • Dow
  • DuPont
  • Takeda
  • Cabot Corporation
  • Moderna
  • Entegris
  • Sarepta Therapeutics
  • The Haartz Corporation
  • Trexel
  • Sanofi

Tuition and Admissions

Eligible students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial assistance.

Complete the FAFSA

View Estimated Annual Tuition and Fees for the 2025 - 2026 Academic Year

As a graduate student, you may qualify for federal student aid and other need-based scholarships. To be considered for financial assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more at UMass Lowell Graduate Aid.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain eligible non-citizens. Please visit Financial Aid if you have questions about your eligibility.

  • Application:
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Statement of Purpose: Outline goals, experience and achievements (max 2 pages)
  • Letters of Recommendation: Two (2) for master's, three (3) for doctoral applicants.
  • Transcripts: You may apply with unofficial transcripts, but if accepted, official transcripts are required.
  • Test Scores: Please send test scores to EngineeringCAS using school code 4530. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required for all Doctor of Philosophy programs and for the Master of Science in Engineering in Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering. It is accepted but not required for other master's applicants.

All materials must be received before your application is reviewed. To add documents before review, log in and select “Program Materials.”

International Applicants

English proficiency is required. If English is not your country’s national language, please submit one of the following scores:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): 79+
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 6.5+
  • Duolingo: 115+
  • ASC English: Level 6+
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE): 53+

For the TOEFL, please send your scores to EngineeringCAS using the school code B887.

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Questions? Contact Us!

Phone:
800-656-4723 (U.S. Students)
978-934-2390 (International Students)

Email: 
Graduate_Admissions@uml.edu