Edited By Barani Krishnan
Review & Contribution By Dr. Michael Roberts
Explore the Online Master’s in Chemical Engineering degree program—flexible, accredited, and designed for career growth. Dive deep into research and innovation. Take your expertise to the next level.
Chemical Engineering is a broad discipline that employs techniques and tools from physics, math, biology, chemistry, and other basic science areas. An online chemical engineering master’s is designed to provide unique opportunities for those who seek employment in this industry and want to prepare for further doctoral education. The program is available in thesis and non-thesis options and takes 30 to 45 credit hours. It helps enhance knowledge and skill sets in fundamental and specific chemical engineering areas. The job outlook between 2022 and 2032 for chemical engineers is 8%, much faster than the average for other professions1.
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Find the Best Online Master’s in Chemical Engineering Programs
Finding the best programs among all the chemical engineering master’s degrees provided by different schools in the U.S. can be challenging. Prospective students must evaluate various factors like the quality of the faculty, research and laboratory facilities, courses and specializations, student resources, and more. A well-rounded college education can improve academic and personal growth. The teams at FBD have evaluated colleges from all over the U.S. and, using their unique ranking methodology, prepared a list of colleges that offer the best online chemical engineering master’s degrees:
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| Columbia University in the City of New York | West 116 St and Broadway, New York, New York 10027 | $53,576 | 95% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Online Master’s in Chemical Engineering Program
An online master’s in chemical engineering is a comprehensive interdisciplinary degree designed for those interested in processes to design and create, product development, and maintaining chemical plants. The program can be fully completed online, with no residency requirements. It would require an average of 30 credit hours with the non-thesis option and more than 32 with the thesis option. The curriculum for the program includes courses like Multivariate Calculus, Heat and Mass Transport, Principles of Chemical Engineering, Engineering Thermodynamics, and more. Students must take elective classes like bioseparations, polymer science and technology, and processing materials for solid-state devices. Those who graduate with a master’s degree in chemical engineering can find careers in energy, agriculture, biotechnology, microelectronics, manufacturing, etc.
Curriculum and Coursework
This program’s curriculum is geared toward preparing graduates for academic and professional advancement. Chemical engineers are often required to work with various dangerous and volatile materials as part of their job; therefore, through coursework, students will be taught ideas from chemical engineering principles, optimization of systems and operation, management and leadership, applied mathematics, energy, and more.
Most chemical engineering master’s programs have similar curricula, as they follow guidelines established by their accreditation agencies, which are generally ABET. Students will typically find advanced courses in chemistry or related science disciplines, like biology and physics. The coursework includes design processes, engineering management, engineering methods, and much more. Students sometimes must write a thesis; however, some non-thesis options are also available.
The curriculum of a master’s program in chemical engineering may vary from school to school; however, some standard core courses are often common, including:
Chemical Reaction Engineering
This course deals with reactions that occur in chemical reactors. It also includes researching the rates and mechanisms of chemical reactions and designing the reactors in which they occur. Students also learn about chemical equations that symbolically present end products, starting materials, and other intermediate products.
Thermodynamics
In this course, students study work temperature and heat-related to entropy, energy, and other physical properties. They also learn about energy transfer from one form to another or from one place to another. They get an overview of the laws of thermodynamics, along with topics like kinetic theory, ideal gas law, specific heat and heat transfer, and more.
Transport Processes
In this course, students learn about transport phenomena concerned with the exchange of energy, charge, momentum, mass, and angular momentum between studied or observed systems. They also study topics like heat and mass transfer principles, radiative heat transfer, transient and steady diffusion, and conduction.
Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
This course teaches the nuances of thermodynamics, emphasizing its application to chemical systems. Students learn to formulate and solve engineering challenges, including phase or reaction equilibrium and energy flow.
Mathematics Methods in Chemical Engineering
This course studies process dynamics, design and control, chemical reaction processes, and thermodynamics. It helps students understand how to develop chemical processes and products, gather data, monitor quality, and test processing instruments and equipment.
Some of the other common courses that master’s in chemical engineering students can expect are:
- Air Pollution Controls
- Design of Engineering Experiments
- Combustion Theory and Modeling
- Explosives: Theory and Modeling
- Advanced Transport Phenomena
- Control Design Techniques
- Energy Materials, Fuel Cells, and Solar Cells
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Thermodynamics
- Chemical Kinetics
The guide to master’s programs provides a comprehensive understanding of a master’s degree.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
Students of the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program take many basic and advanced courses in key areas like thermodynamics, applied mathematics, kinetics, reaction engineering, and more. Chemical engineering is a discipline that extensively studies chemical reactions and transformations, along with physical transformations like machining and molding, adding value to students’ understanding. The skills learned from this program can be used to carve out careers in industries dealing with materials, energy, pharmaceutical products, microelectronics, food, etc. A student gains several skills from a master’s degree in chemical engineering, including the ability to:
- evaluate, convey, and create a hypothesis that will reverberate with both technical and non-technical audiences;
- demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills needed to become a proficient engineer and troubleshoot complex challenges;
- demonstrate advanced research skills through experimentation and real-world practical applications;
- gain broad knowledge in chemical engineering that can be applied to processes, materials, and applications;
- enhance skill sets and knowledge in fundamental and core subject areas in specific chemical engineering;
- participate in real-work projects that can be directed through collaboration with other professionals in chemical engineering or related fields;
- demonstrate innovative research skills and come up with solutions to the challenges in the field of chemical engineering; and
- advance research in production processes, environmental impacts, material reactions, fuels, sustainable energy technologies, and more.
Types of Master’s Degrees Students Can Obtain
Online chemical engineering master’s programs are interdisciplinary, helping develop products and processes needed to operate, maintain, and design chemical plants. There are two types of programs in chemical engineering – the Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering and the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering.
Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
The Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering or M.Eng. Chemical Engineering helps students further their existing engineering skills through process development and technical management analysis. The degree provides a comprehensive understanding of modern chemical engineering and innovative research efforts in areas like transport phenomena, reaction engineering, etc. It suits those who want to take up technical roles in chemical engineering and related fields.
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
A Master of Science in Chemical Engineering or MS in Chemical Engineering online focuses on theory and research. It helps students prepare for a career in the field of engineering or related fields. The degree adds to individuals’ specialist knowledge and can be the foundation for doctoral studies, especially for those aspiring to become engineering professors or researchers.
Areas of Specialization for Chemical Engineering Master’s Students
Specializations dive deeper into a specific area with a subject. Specializing allows students to study sub-fields and become employable in niche industries. Here are some concentrations that students in chemical engineering master’s programs online could consider:
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Synthesis | This specialization introduces graduates to historical examples of synthetic discoveries and prospects. Students review kinetics in synthesis and thermodynamics principles and learn how to design materials that target crucial properties by processes that form and break chemical bonds. | Technical Sales Engineer, Quality Manager, Materials Engineer, Product Development Scientist, Research Scientist in Physical Sciences |
| Bioengineering | This specialization involves understanding biological processes to enhance or create existing products for consumer use and finding solutions to multidisciplinary challenges. Students also learn about sustainable and innovative solutions to global challenges faced by the industry. | Work as Chemical and Biomolecular Engineers in Specialty and Bulk Chemicals, Electronics, Petroleum Refining, Polymer Manufacturing, Biotechnology, Personal Care Products, Cosmetics, and Petroleum Refining |
| Data and Computational Science | This concentration provides an understanding of data science computational modeling methods and tools relevant to modern chemical engineering practices. These tools include statistical data analysis, experimental design, predictive modeling, and more. | Various roles as a Chemical Engineer in Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Computational Fluid Dynamics, Atomistic Simulations |
| Electrochemical Energy | This specialization focuses on fuel cells and batteries’ fundamental and technological problems. Students study various electrochemical processes, which continue to rise in significance as sustainable routes to renewable energy for producing fuels, materials, and chemicals. | Process Engineer, Senior Electrochemical Engineer, Electrochemical Operating Engineer, Energy Management Engineer |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
As with most master’s degrees, the time required to obtain a master’s in chemical engineering would depend on how dense the coursework is. On average, it takes about two years to finish a master’s degree when completed full-time. A part-time degree in chemical engineering would take three to four years. Here is a quick summary of the timeline to complete the chemical engineering master’s online:
- Full-time master’s in chemical engineering: approximately two years
- Part-time master’s in chemical engineering: about three to four years
Accelerated Chemical Engineering Programs
An accelerated master’s degree in chemical engineering helps students graduate in less time than required through a regular program. This can often be done by fast-tracking their degrees and transferring their credits. Students must complete more courses quickly and usually forgo holidays and breaks. Here are a few universities that offer accelerated online master’s chemical engineering programs:
Requirements for Getting into an Online Master’s in Chemical Engineering Program
To enroll in a master’s program in chemical engineering, most colleges generally require an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering or related fields. It is worth noting that ABET-accredited master’s programs typically require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree that is also ABET-accredited. Some of the standard admission requirements for online chemical engineering master’s programs are:
- Application form and requisite fee
- Undergraduate degree that is ABET-accredited
- Admissions Essay that describes professional and educational aspirations
- Test scores from the Graduate Record Examination or GRE (waived off by some schools)
- Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose
- Graduate Resume highlighting any experience in engineering or related fields
- At least two Letters of Recommendation.
No GRE Online Chemical Engineering Master’s Programs
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test that is a necessary admissions requirement for many master’s schools in the United States. Increasingly, many colleges have waived the requirement for the GRE completely. Due to the recent pandemic, some schools have made the GRE requirement optional. Lehigh University4 and Purdue University5 are examples of universities offering online chemical engineering master’s no GRE programs.
How to Ensure an Online Master’s in Chemical Engineering Program Is Accredited
Accreditation acquired by institutions ensures that their program(s) meets the quality standards expected by the industry. Accreditation requires periodic evaluations and demonstrates the school’s commitment to providing quality programs. For an online chemical engineering degree master’s, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology6 or ABET is the specific accrediting body. In addition, most universities are regionally accredited by one of six accrediting agencies, which are:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)7 is a nationally recognized body that helps students check the accreditation status of a university. Similarly, the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs8 is regulated by the U.S. Department of Education and provides details on an institution’s accreditation. The American Institute of Chemical Engineers9 lists accredited chemical engineering programs.
Read the guide to college accreditation to know more about accreditation and its importance.
Where to Find Free Online Courses for Chemical Engineering Master’s Students
Free courses can provide additional insights into several aspects of chemical engineering. Although not accredited and usually not recognized by schools and employers, they are often helpful in acquiring further knowledge. Here are a few free chemical engineering courses that students can explore:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Chemistry10 | This course teaches advanced topics related to those prescribed by the American Chemical Society. Learners will study chemical kinetics, chemical equilibrium, acid-base equilibria, etc. | Coursera |
| Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry11 | This course teaches about chemical principles by examining materials with various examples, from energy storage and generation to emerging technologies. It helps in developing students’ chemical intuition and understanding of chemical principles. | edX |
| Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics12 | This course covers the basic principles of classical thermodynamics and its application to transient closed and open systems, criteria of equilibria and stability, and mixtures that emphasize molecular-level effects using statistical mechanics. | MIT OpenCourseWare |
Ways to Pay for an Online Master’s in Chemical Engineering Program
The cost of an online master’s in chemical engineering program could average around $45,200 in the United States. The cost of these master’s programs may depend on factors such as geographic location, thesis and non-thesis-based programs, travel, and other necessary resources for students to pay. Due to these expenses, some may be hesitant to pursue these programs. However, in addition to working full-time, there are other funding options to consider, including:
Scholarship
Scholarships are monetary awards given to academically gifted students. They may also be given to those who excel in music, sports, or other areas. Scholarships are popular because they are relatively easy to obtain and do not require repayment.
Grants
Grants are monetary awards given to students demonstrating financial needs or for specific projects/purposes. Grant money can be used for tuition or for other educational expenses.
Graduate Assistantships
Graduate students can opt to assist professors in academic work as graduate assistants or assist with research as research assistants. In both cases, they are paid a stipend or a fee rebate for their work.
Student Loans
Those who may not be eligible for federal aid can approach banks and financial institutions to apply for educational loans. Loans are expensive because of interest and have to be repaid. Defaulting on loans can lead to mounting debt.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is an application form students can fill out to determine if they are eligible for federal financial aid and qualify for other forms of funding. To learn more about FAFSA, read the FAFSA guide.
Scholarships for Chemical Engineering Master’s Students
Scholarships are given to deserving applicants enrolled in chemical engineering master’s degrees. They help students in reducing their financial burden considerably. Here are a few examples of chemical engineering master’s degree scholarships:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASF Foundation Scholarships13 | NASF gives scholarships to those majoring in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and metallurgy. To be eligible, the applicant must have maintained a GPA of 3.3. | Varies | February annually |
| AAUW Return to Learning Scholarships14 | Students with good academic merit, strong interest in science and related disciplines, and financial need are considered for this scholarship. It is typically provided to female applicants with degrees in STEM or related fields. | Varies | November annually |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating with an Online Master’s in Chemical Engineering
The online master’s in chemical engineering is designed to educate students to become top-notch professionals in chemical engineering and related fields. Graduate-level education can help students gain knowledge and expertise that prepare them for various engineering disciplines. Some of the potential career options for graduates from this degree include:
- Health and Safety Engineer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Chemical Engineer-Research And Development
- Environmental Engineer
- Chemical Engineers-Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing
- Chemist and Materials Scientist
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has projected most chemical engineering-related professions to grow exponentially at 8% from 2022 to 2032[1]. Here are examples of some careers that chemical engineers pursue, listed with their median annual salary and job growth:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineers1 | Analytical skills, interpersonal skills, math skills, problem-solving skills, creativity skills, ingenuity | $106,260 | 8% ( faster than average) | Chemical engineers design and develop chemical manufacturing processes. They devise strategies for separating components of gases and liquids and generating electric currents using controlled chemical processes. |
| Chemists and Materials Scientists15 | Analytical skills, problem-solving skills, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, time management skills | $81,810 | 6% (faster than average) | Chemists and material scientists prepare compounds, reagents, and solutions used for laboratory procedures. Their duties also include writing technical reports and detailed findings and methods, along with presenting research findings to engineers, scientists, and other colleagues. |
| Manufacturing and Industrial Engineers16 | Creativity, critical thinking skills, listening skills, problem-solving skills, speaking skills, writing skills, math skills | $96,350 | 12% (much faster than average) | Manufacturing and industrial engineers develop management control systems to improve the efficiency of cost analysis and financial planning. They also enact quality control procedures to resolve production problems and minimize costs, which helps them optimize the use of robots, computer networks, and materials. |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers17 | Analytical skills, communication skills, math skills, organizational skills, detail-oriented | $159,920 | 4% (as fast as average) | Architectural and engineering managers lead research and development projects for production processes, designs, and products. They are entrusted with checking the technical accuracy of staff’s work and coordinating work with staff and managers. |
| Natural Science Managers18 | Communication skills, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, time-management skills, critical-thinking skills | $144,440 | 5% (faster than average) | Natural science managers work with top executives to develop strategies and goals for developers and researchers. They also plan budget resources for programs and projects by determining training, equipment, and staffing needs. |
| Health and Safety Engineers19 | Communication skills, observational skills, problem-solving skills, creativity | $99,040 | 4% (as fast as average) | Health and safety engineers design systems and develop safety procedures to protect people from injury, illness, or property damage. They maintain and apply their knowledge of all current safety and health policies, industrial processes, and regulations. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Master’s in Chemical Engineering Graduates
Professional certifications can help individuals earn competency in a particular skill and ability. They ensure employers and the public that the candidate has the necessary education, training, and preparation to carry out duties professionally and safely. Here are a few certifications that graduates of online master’s in chemical engineering can pursue:
Safety and Chemical Engineering Education (SAChE) Certificate Program20
This certification provides individuals with a technical foundation and examines various safety regulations that can be applied to real-world situations. It helps them understand the problems specific industries face and how they can solve them.
Professional Engineering Licensure21
The Professional Engineers Licensing Certification demonstrates an individual’s minimum competency in engineering. It meets criteria such as passing the state’s exam and acquiring relevant education and experience.
Reliability Engineer Certification22
The Certified Reliability Engineer is a professional who knows about applied technologies, including design control and review, estimation, prediction, and failure mode effects and analysis. They can also understand human factors in reliability and develop and administer reliability systems to analyze failure.
This certification proves that a candidate is well versed in fundamental advanced elements of Lean Six Sigma Methodology and can lead projects for improvement. It helps candidates establish themselves as leaders of complex improvement projects.
To obtain a professional engineer license, individuals must hold at least a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited institution, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, and fulfill other specified requirements. The Principles and Practice of Engineering24 exam is a specific credentialing exam that chemical engineers take for licensure. While some careers may not mandate licensure, such credentials can potentially enhance job prospects and salaries.
Additional Resources for Online Master’s in Chemical Engineering Graduates
To stay updated with the latest developments in chemical engineering and to network with professionals and engineers from around the world, it is always advisable to utilize the many resources available to students. After completing their chemical engineering master’s online programs, graduates can access these resources by joining various professional organizations, such as:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| American Institute of Chemical Engineering | This organization provides resources to help its members stay abreast of new developments in the field of chemical engineering through their eLibrary, electronic newsletters, publications, and more. Members can submit technical papers, search for jobs by posting their résumés, and access content for professional development. |
| ABET or Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology | ABET is a globally recognized U.S. accreditor for colleges providing natural and applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology programs. They provide leadership globally through their seminars, workshops, and memoranda of mutual recognition. |
| Association of Energy Engineers | This organization helps members network and connect with industry experts who can professionally and personally guide them. It also allows members to gain continuing education credits to help them renew their certifications and improve their credibility with employers. |
| National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers | This organization focuses on building diverse global leaders in STEM fields from minority communities. They partner with many businesses, universities, municipalities, and districts to provide local, national, regional, and global support. |
| American Chemical Society | This organization supports its members by providing educational and career services to help them grow professionally. It aids the learning of students of all ages through scholarships and grants and invests in research and innovation in STEM disciplines. |
FAQs About Online Master’s in Chemical Engineering Programs
What is a master’s degree in chemical engineering?
A master’s degree in chemical engineering is a graduate-level program exploring advanced concepts and research methodologies. It typically requires coursework, research, and a thesis or project, providing students with specialized knowledge and skills to pursue advanced careers or further academic pursuits in chemical engineering.
Why should you do an online chemical engineering master’s degree?
Is a master’s in chemical engineering worth it?
What is the duration of a chemical engineering master’s?
Is taking up a thesis necessary in chemical engineering?
Is it necessary to have a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering to pursue a master’s?
Citations:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Chemical Engineers
Case Western Reserve University
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
American Institute of Chemical Engineers
Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry- edX
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics- MIT OpenCourseWare
AAUW Return to Learning Scholarships
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Chemists and Materials Scientists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Manufacturing and Industrial Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Architectural and Engineering Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Natural Science Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Health and Safety Engineers
Safety and Chemical Engineering Education (SAChE) Certificate Program
Professional Engineering Licensure
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.