Report an accessibility problem

Chemical Engineering, MS

Explore the potential of molecular transformation and contribute to meaningful scientific progress. With the advanced expertise gained in this program, you can help address complex global challenges through research and innovation. Enter a field where chemistry, physics and mathematics intersect to shape the technologies of the future.

Apply now
A researcher in goggles and a lab coat adjusts equipment amid green laser lights in ASU's Chemical Engineering program.

Quick facts

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

The Master of Science program in chemical engineering offers you several areas of research emphasis, including atmospheric aerosols, biomolecular engineering, biosensors, chemical therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, electrochemistry, electronic materials processing, engineering education, flexible display technology, fuel cells, inorganic membranes, process design and operations, protein synthesis, transport phenomena in living systems, and water purification.

A graduate handbook detailing information on graduate studies in chemical engineering is available on the school's website. For additional details, you should contact the graduate advising office in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy.

Curriculum

This graduate degree includes courses focused on a specialized topic, so you can advance your skills for further professional opportunities. Explore all courses below.

30 credit hours and a portfolio, or
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (CHE 593)

Required Core (9 credit hours)
CHE 533 Transport Processes I (3)
CHE 543 Thermodynamics of Chemical Systems (3)
CHE 544 Chemical Reactor Engineering (3)

Technical Electives (12-18 credit hours)

Other Requirement (3 credit hours)
CHE 591 Seminar (3)

Culminating Experience (0-6 credit hours)
CHE 593 Applied Project (3)
CHE 599 Thesis (6)
portfolio (0)

Additional Curriculum Information
All students are admitted to the nonthesis option unless a faculty thesis advisor is secured, at which time the student can initiate a change to the thesis option.

The plan of study must be in accordance with university and program requirements. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") is required throughout the program. Candidates for the program must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of courses at the 500 level and above, with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above.

Students who complete a portfolio for the culminating experience must complete at least 18 credit hours of graduate CHE coursework (500 level and above) for the major area of emphasis requirement. An additional three credit hours of elective coursework, for a total of nine credit hours, is also required.

Coursework for the major area of emphasis is restricted to CHE coursework.


What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts of thermodynamics in the field and how to apply those concepts in their culmination event (Applied project or M.S. thesis).
  • Communicate the results of research performed related to chemical engineering concepts through written and oral presentations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts of kinetics in the field and how to apply those concepts in their culmination event (e.g., Thesis).

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

U.S. applicants (opens in new window) | International applicants (opens in new window) | English proficiency (opens in new window)

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

  1. graduate admission application and application fee
  2. official transcripts
  3. personal statement
  4. resume or curriculum vitae
  5. three letters of recommendation
  6. proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026, in a testing center, 6.5 on the IELTS or 105 on the Duolingo English test.

Admission to the accelerated master's degree program requires a 3.50 ASU GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in degree-applicable courses. All applications are subject to review, and admission is not guaranteed.

Application deadlines

Fall
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person 12/31 Priority*
Spring
Session Modality Deadline Type
Session A/C In Person 08/01 Priority*

*A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed and on a space-available basis. An application is complete after all materials are received by Admission Services.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:


Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Career opportunities

Professionals with an MS in chemical engineering have strong opportunities at all levels in research, design and manufacturing at companies; at national laboratories (e.g., Department of Energy, Department of Defense, NASA); and in academia. Analytical skills learned in chemical engineering are also valued in other nonengineering positions.

Career examples include:

  • engineer
  • engineering manager or director
  • engineering professor
  • lecturer
  • process engineer
  • research engineer

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

Chemical Engineering Program | USE 138
semtegrad@asu.edu
480-965-2335

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.

click back to top