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

MS in Chemical Engineering Overview

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.

Master's in Chemical Engineering Curriculum

The MS 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.

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

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.

All applications are submitted through EngineeringCAS.

  1. An application
  2. An application fee
  3. A statement of purpose
  4. Letters of recommendation
  5. Official transcripts
  6. Official test score report  - GRE required for:
    1. Computer Engineering, MSE
    2. Electrical Engineering, MSE
    3. All Ph.D. Programs

Note: All required materials must be received before the application package can be evaluated. If you need to introduce new references or add other supporting documents, log on to your application, click on “Program Materials” to update your application. Please note the new documents and references will be considered only if your application has not been reviewed for admission.  

International Students: please see the additional application requirements.

Bachelor's to Master's Students: You will not need to apply via the application portal. Visit Bachelor's to Master's page to learn about the process to transition to your desired master's program.

1. Online Application application

Applications will only be accepted through EngineeringCAS, an application service for graduate engineering programs. All application documents and test scores need to be submitted through EnginneringCAS.

Apply for Spring 2025

Apply for Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026

app-fee 2. Application Fee

The application fee is $75.

3. Statement of Purpose statement

In a separate document, submit a brief statement indicating your immediate and long-range goals, relevant work history, academic honors/awards received, any teaching experience and/or research conducted/published that may be pertinent to your graduate program. Two page recommended maximum.

Note: If you are applying to more than one program, you will need to submit a program-specific statement of purpose with each application package.

4. LOR Letters of Recommendation

Master's applicants need to submit two (2) letters of recommendation. Doctoral applicants will be asked to provide three (3). Recommendations should be from instructors who have taught you, ideally in the field to which you are applying. They may also be from employers or supervisors who are in a position to compare your performance to that of your peers. You will be asked via EngineeringCAS to provide (names and email addresses) referees during the application process and that an automated request will be sent out to your recommenders. You will be able to track the status of your recommendations and send reminders by logging back into your application.

5. TransTranscripts

Provide a complete transcript from the institution that awarded or will award you a bachelor’s degree. You may also include transcripts from other institutions at which you have taken relevant coursework. Please note that waiting for additional transcripts may delay review of your application.

You have two options for submitting transcripts:

  1. Self Report your transcript to EngineeringCAS. This will expedite your application review. Self-reported transcripts must correspond to the official transcript. The University reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if false credentials are provided at the point of application.
  2. Send official transcripts directly to UMass Lowell, either through a secure submission or via mail to:

    University of Massachusetts - Lowell
    Graduate Admissions - GPS Center
    839 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
    Lowell, MA 01854-3941

If you received your degree from UMass Lowell, it is not necessary for you to request a transcript, we are able to provide one for you.

International transcripts must clearly indicate that you have received (or will soon receive) a four-year bachelor's degree, the equivalent of an American bachelor's degree. Please note, the Office of Graduate Admissions reserves the right to have any application credential evaluated. Additional information about international transcripts is available on the EngineeringCAS website. *You will need to provide an official copy prior to your first semester on campus. Self-reported transcripts must correspond to the official transcript.* The University reserves the right to revoke an offer of admission if false credentials are provided at the point of application.

*UMass Lowell will require You to provide a copy of your Official Transcripts & Scores prior to your first semester.

6. OTSROfficial Test Score Report(s)

The following programs require the GRE for admission consideration:

  • Computer Engineering, MSE
  • Electrical Engineering, MSE
  • All Ph.D. Programs

Please have ETS send your GRE scores directly to EngineeringCAS using school code 4530.

A GRE waiver may be available to qualified master’s degree candidates. Further information can be found at GRE/GMAT/MAT Waiver Forms. You may also self-report your GRE scores.*

International Students:

English Proficiency Tests: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores are required. If you have taken the TOEFL, have ETS send your scores to EngineeringCAS (school code: B887). You may also self-report your scores. If you have taken the IELTS you may self-report your scores on the application.*

The requirements for the tests are as follows:

  • TOEFL => 79
  • IELTS => 6.5

*UMass Lowell will require you to provide a copy of your Official Transcripts & Scores prior to your first semester.

Get more information about standardized tests.

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