Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

The objective of the M.S. Course-Based Option program is to provide an opportunity for students wishing to pursue advanced training in Chemical Engineering. It is designed to provide a broad base in advanced course work in Chemical Engineering. While most students will select this option upon applying to the program, the M.S. Option can be changed at any time by changing your Program of Study in Workday.

The Graduate Advisor for students in the M.S. Course-Based Option program is the Graduate Program Director.

For the course-based M.S., not less than 30 credit hours must be taken in graduate level courses, in advanced undergraduate level courses, or independent study, which are approved by the Graduate Advisor and the Graduate Program Committee. All full-time M.S. students must complete one year of CHE 502 Professional Development for Chemical Engineering Master's Students (one fall semester and one spring semester). Part-time M.S. students must either complete one year of CHE 502 Professional Development for Chemical Engineering Master's Students in-person or develop an individual plan for achieving equivalent professional development training that is approved and assessed by the CHE 502 Professional Development for Chemical Engineering Master's Students instructor. All graduate students must enroll in CHE 503 Colloquium while in residence at WPI.

The thesis option is designed for students to gain specialized expertise in research. Achievement is assessed through completion of CHE 599: M.S. Thesis and Thesis Defense. Graduates of the program should be equally capable of performing research and development in a laboratory or joining a Ph.D. program. The M.S. Option can be changed at any time by changing your Program of Study in Workday.

The Graduate Advisor for students in the M.S. Thesis Option program is a Chemical Engineering Faculty or Affiliate who is the Principal Investigator directing the thesis research.

Not less than 30 credit hours must be taken in graduate level courses, in advanced undergraduate level courses, independent study, or research, which are approved by the Graduate Advisor and the Graduate Program Committee. All full-time M.S. students must complete one year of CHE 502 Professional Development for Chemical Engineering Master's Students (one fall semester and one spring semester). Part-time M.S. students must either complete one year of CHE 502 Professional Development for Chemical Engineering Master's Students in-person or develop an individual plan for achieving equivalent professional development training that is approved and assessed by the CHE 502 Professional Development for Chemical Engineering Master's Students instructor. All graduate students must enroll in CHE 503 Colloquium while in residence at WPI.

This option is designed for students to gain specialized research and industry experience through completion of a Graduate Qualifying Project (GQP). Students also select a concentration in either Bioengineering or Advanced Process Engineering. Bioengineering prepares students for the biotech, pharma and medical device industries, while Advanced Process Engineering focuses on advanced topics in design, control and optimization that are applicable to a wide range of chemical processing. The M.S. Option can be changed at any time by changing your Program of Study in Workday.

The Graduate Advisor for students in the M.S. Professional Engineering Option program is the Professional Engineering Master’s Program Director.

Not less than 30 credit hours must be taken in graduate level courses, in advanced undergraduate level courses, independent study, or GQP, which are approved by the Graduate Advisor and the Graduate Program Committee. The Professional Engineering Option has defined electives based on the Bioengineering or Advanced Process Engineering track. Please consult the Department Graduate Handbook for a list of these courses. Students may also petition the Graduate Program Committee to count other elective courses. All full-time M.S. students must complete one year of CHE 502 Professional Development for Chemical Engineering Master's Students (one fall semester and one spring semester). Part-time M.S. students must either complete one year of CHE 502 Professional Development for Chemical Engineering Master's Students in-person or develop an individual plan for achieving equivalent professional development training that is approved and assessed by the CHE 502 Professional Development for Chemical Engineering Master's Students instructor. All graduate students must enroll in CHE 503 Colloquium while in residence at WPI.