Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
We offer two Master’s degree options in Chemical Engineering: thesis-based, research intensive degree option, & coursework-only option. Students can apply and enter as Master’s students, and choose a track during their first semester on campus. Please note for our undergraduate majors, we have a 4+1 accelerated MS option available.
The thesis program gives students independent research experience necessary to be competitive for the best jobs in the Chemical Engineering industry. Average time to degree completion for our MS students is 1.5 years. First semester is focused on coursework that evolves into independent research guided by a faculty advisor.
While we cannot guarantee placement with a specific advisor at the time of application, all of our MS students so far have been placed in their top-choice lab, and we do our best to match student interests with available faculty.
If students choose the coursework-only track, they can finish in 2-3 semesters. There, students will focus on core and elective coursework, choosing electives that best fit their career interests, e.g. in energy, materials, and bioengineering.
Students are assigned space in the Graduate Hub in Marcus Hall.
Benefits list
Master's in Chemical Engineering Thesis Track
The thesis program gives students the independent research experience necessary to be competitive for the best jobs in the Chemical Engineering industry.
Master's in Chemical Engineering Coursework-only Track
Students in the coursework track will focus on core and elective coursework, choosing electives that best fit their career interests, for example in energy, materials, and bioengineering
Financial Info
Please note that the department does not provide tuition or stipend support for students in the Master's program. There may be some financial resources that you can find at UMass or beyond to help overcome a financial burden. Please investigate the University's Financial Aid Services website and its page for graduate students. You may also be able to search current and upcoming on-campus job opportunities via the Student Employment Office.
Featured faculty
Neil St. John Forbes
Application of chemical engineering principles to the study of tumor formation and treatment.
Application information & deadlines
The Department welcomes applications from prospective graduate students for Fall admission only. The deadline for both MS and PhD applications is January 15.
Fall Admission Deadline:
Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering students at UMass Amherst work diligently to develop new vaccines, discover alternative fuels, and create innovative materials.