Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

For the latest requirements, course descriptions and more please consult the UMass Lowell online Graduate Catalog.

Degree Requirements

The master of science degree in chemical engineering requires the successful completion of 24 credit hours of course work, excluding a seminar, plus at least six hours in preparation of an acceptable thesis, or 27 credit hours of class work, excluding a seminar, plus three hours in preparation of a special project. Students who have received a research assistantship will be required to submit an acceptable thesis. A thesis must be defended in an oral examination conducted by the student’s thesis committee. Students also must enroll in at least two semesters of a graduate seminar.

Thesis or Project

The research work for the thesis or project shall be conducted under the supervision of a department faculty advisor and a committee of two others for the thesis. Students must prepare and submit an acceptable proposal for the thesis or project prior to beginning the work.

Core Requirements

Core requirements consist of one course each in advanced mathematics, thermal/fluid processes and solid mechanics. A minimum of four total courses must be taken from the following core areas.

The Chemical Engineering Department considers students for enrollment in the graduate program who have a bachelor of science degree in chemical engineering. Those with degrees in different areas, such as biology, chemistry and other sciences, also are admissible, but they will be required to take the undergraduate courses in which they are deficient. It is highly recommended that these students complete four years of mathematics through differential equations, one year of organic chemistry, and one semester of physical chemistry prior to enrolling in the graduate program. Generally, such students require two to three years to complete the program's requirements. Visit Graduate Admissions for information about the application process and requirements. 

To encourage outstanding undergraduate students to continue their studies toward an advanced degree, the College of Engineering and Graduate Admissions offer a program of accelerated study leading to the dual degrees of a bachelor of science in engineering and a master of science in engineering. Students taking full advantage of the combined program ordinarily finish the master of science in engineering degree at the end of the fifth year of study. Undergraduates may take up to two courses (6 credits) during the senior year that may be used to satisfy both the undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.

Admission Requirements for B.S./M.S.

To be eligible to enter this course of study, students must file a formal Graduate Admissions application in the junior or senior year. Applicants for this program are not required to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or pay an application fee. Upon the recommendation of their advisor and with the approval of the Department of Chemical Engineering Graduate Admissions Committee and Graduate Admissions, students may be admitted as provisional graduate students during the second semester of the senior year.

Students in this program may be eligible for financial assistance, i.e. fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, during the fifth year of study. Acceptance of this assistance and the attendant responsibilities may delay the completion of the program beyond the five years.

For the latest requirements, course descriptions and more please consult the UMass Lowell online Graduate Catalog.