Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering combines chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology and economics principles, aiming to efficiently use, produce, design, transport, and transform energy and materials. The Master of Science in Chemical Engineering degree program at Cleveland State University (CSU) equips students with advanced skills in these areas to apply engineering analysis and design to tackle ongoing challenges in the industry.

The program provides a foundation in thermodynamics and transport phenomena fundamentals, ensuring students form a solid understanding of concepts they build upon in advanced and elective courses. Students benefit from resources available through the Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Department, which offers a vibrant research environment, including top-notch facilities, core technical support, regular seminars and social programs.

Why Choose the MS in Chemical Engineering at CSU?

As the demand for chemical engineers grows and technological advancements present opportunities for innovation, a master's in chemical engineering from Cleveland State University positions you to thrive in this rapidly transforming field. Our program includes the following advantages:

• Inspiring collaborations: In the MS in chemical engineering program, you can collaborate with corporations and institutions within the region, including NASA-Glenn, PPG, Invacare, Parker Hannifin, Lubrizol, Cleveland Clinic and many others.
• Manageable schedule: You can pursue your degree full or part time, and we offer most courses during the evening, seamlessly fitting your graduate education into your busy schedule. If you choose to study full time, you can complete the program in just two years.
• Ideal location: Located in the heart of a metropolitan center with a population of two million, Cleveland is the perfect place to learn more about manufacturing, the primary economic sector in the region. The city is home to the headquarters of 11 companies on the Fortune 500 list, which means you can find ample networking opportunities with businesses that employ chemical engineers.
• Top-notch facilities: CSU completed a $40 million expansion of the engineering building at CSU in 2019, greatly enhancing research, design and computation labs.
• Expert faculty: Educators from the Chemical and Biomedical Engineering Department inspire and motivate you to explore subjects that interest you. Faculty research areas include material structure-property relationships, human-machine systems, biomechanics and mechanobiology, neuroengineering and more. Meet our faculty.

Program Curriculum

The Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program requires 12 credits of core courses that provide a foundation of thermodynamics and transport phenomena. These classes include:

• Advanced reactor design or advanced separation processes
• Advanced thermodynamics
• Advanced transport phenomena

Subject to advisor approval, students must select at least nine credits of graduate elective courses, one of which may be in a technical discipline outside of chemical or biomedical engineering.

Students can choose between three unique tracks of study: the thesis track, design track or course track.

Explore the catalog for a detailed overview of the chemical engineering master's program.

Course Track

Full-time working students benefit from the course track option, which allows them to complete all course requirements without the demands of a thesis or design project. Those interested in earning their master's in chemical engineering en route to their doctorate also excel in this track.

Thesis Track

Working alongside a faculty mentor, students in this track explore a specific research topic and conduct in-depth studies. This track provides excellent preparation for students seeking a future doctoral degree or those interested in a research-focused career.

Design Track

In this track, students tackle a research project under the direction of a faculty advisor and experience a broader education in chemical engineering. Those in the design track gain exposure to modern research techniques, and their work culminates in a public presentation.

Accelerated 4+1 Program

Current undergraduate students can take advantage of our accelerated 4+1 BS and MS in chemical engineering option, which allows them to earn a bachelor's and master's degree in only five years.

Careers In Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers play an important role in equipment design and processes for large-scale chemical manufacturing companies. They plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts and often supervise production.

They can work in various other manufacturing industries, such as those producing energy, electronics, food, clothing and paper. Chemical engineers may also find employment in health care, biotechnology and business services.

Upon completing the MS in Chemical Engineering degree program, students graduate well-prepared to achieve success in any of these fields or continue their education at the doctoral level.

Job titles graduates may attain include:

• Chemical engineer
• Energy engineer
• Environmental engineer
• Food and beverage engineer
• Materials engineer
• Pharmaceutical engineer
• Professor at a college or university
• Research scientist

Admissions Requirements 

Financial Aid and Funding

Qualified students may seek graduate teaching and research assistantships offered by CSU. We require those who receive assistantships to complete a master's thesis. International students may be considered for these funding opportunities. All interested students should check the appropriate box in their application.

In addition to these funding options, CSU connects students with traditional forms of financial aid, such as scholarships and student loans. Review our roadmap to financial aid to learn more about how to apply for assistance.

Learn More About CSU's Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

In Cleveland State's MS in chemical engineering degree program, you experience a supportive and well-rounded education in foundational concepts while enhancing your skills by exploring cutting-edge technologies. Equipped with the knowledge and abilities to excel in the field, you graduate prepared to drive innovation and progress in your career.

Learn more about the program by requesting information or contacting a program staff member directly.