Sample Curriculum for MS in Chemical Engineering (Coursework-only Track)

Master's Degree Coursework-only track Sample Curriculum

Students are required to satisfactorily complete 32 credits of coursework. 

Coursework will consist of four, 3-credit core courses, and six, 3-credit electives for a total of 30 credits.  Attendance at the ChE research seminar series will be mandatory for earning two credits (one credit per semester of residence), for a total of 32 required credits.

At least 21 of these must be Chemical Engineering (others can be courses in other departments). 

At least 13 of these must be 600-level or higher. 

Two of the six electives should be chosen to attain further specialization in a sub-field of ChE (e.g., materials science, energy and reactor design, applied life sciences, etc.); of the four remaining electives, students may take up to two practicum courses (ChE-related industry internship or an independent study with ChE-affiliated faculty) for three credits each. 

A  maximum of six credits for graduate courses with grade B or higher may be transferred from other institutions and counted toward their degree at UMass, pending approval by the Graduate Program Committee. Students must achieve a B or better for any of these courses to count.

Major Required (Core) Courses

(Total courses required = 4, 12 Credit Hours)

  
Course NumberCourse TitleCredit Hours
ChE 621Thermodynamics3
ChE 625Chemical Reactor Design3
ChE 633Transport Processes3
ChE 661Analysis3

A typical sequence of courses for a coursework-based M.S. student would be as follows:


Fall (1st year): 3 Core Courses, 2 ChE Electives, and 1 Departmental Seminar = 16 credits

  • ChE 621 Thermodynamics I (3 credits)

  • ChE 625 Chemical Reactor Design (3 credits)

  • ChE 661 Advanced Analysis I (3 credits)

  • Two ChE Electives (6 credits)

  • ChE 691 Departmental Seminar (invited speakers) - 1 credit, pass/fail

  • A one-time (ENV HL) Laboratory Safety Course and continuous compliance with hazardous waste and safety certifications

Spring  (1st year): 1 Core Course, 4 ChE Electives, and 1 Departmental Seminar = 16 credits

  • ChE 633 Transport Processes (3 credits)

  • Four ChE Electives (12 credits)

  • ChE 691 Departmental Seminar (invited speakers) - 1 credit, pass/fail

Summer (if necessary to complete 32 credits): 3-6 Practicum Credits


Totals for 2 semesters:

  • 12 Core Course Credits
  • 18 credits from elective courses
  • 2 Departmental Seminars credits

= 32 Credits Total

Students in the coursework-based M.S. program will take four core courses—ChE 621, 625, 633, and 661—that are required of all graduate students (M.S. and Ph.D.) in the ChE program. These core courses teach students the critical, foundational subject matter consistent across all Chemical Engineering programs in the country. Electives will build upon this foundation and allow students the ability to learn more specialized material critical for success in industry.