Master of Engineering (MEng) in Chemical Engineering

The MEng in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati is designed around the practice of engineering, so students develop skills intended for direct application in technical workplaces rather than completing a traditional research thesis. The program combines advanced chemical engineering training with practical areas such as project management, innovation, leadership, and interdisciplinary engineering, while the department provides access to specialized research and laboratory environments.

Students can benefit from the following program-related practical and research resources:

• MEng Capstone Project: Students complete a capstone experience that allows them to apply their graduate-level engineering knowledge to a practical project.
• Advanced Chemical Engineering Research: Department research covers biochemical engineering, electrocatalysis, polymers, membranes, water quality, wastewater treatment, bioenergy, and related areas, providing opportunities to engage with current engineering research.
• Nanoworld Laboratory: This interdisciplinary teaching and research facility involves Chemical Engineering faculty and supports work in nanomaterials, sensors, devices, CNT and graphene synthesis, nanostructured materials processing, electrochemistry, and composites.
• Air Quality and Waste Upcycle Research Lab: The laboratory includes air-sampling equipment, wet-chemistry benches, high- and low-temperature furnaces, and biochar-processing capabilities and is available for approved student research projects.
• Environmental Analysis Service Center: Students working in relevant chemical/environmental areas can benefit from facilities for separation, identification, and quantification of trace organic and inorganic contaminants, as well as DNA-based microbial analysis.
• Engineering Project Management: The MEng curriculum includes professional coursework such as Engineering Project Management, helping students develop practical project-planning and management skills.
• Innovation and Design Thinking: Students can develop structured approaches to engineering problem-solving through Innovation and Design Thinking coursework.
• Modern Engineering Facilities: UC's Mantei Center houses state-of-the-art research laboratories and graduate student facilities, while the renovated Old Chemistry Building provides additional modern laboratory space for engineering research and hands-on learning. 

The MEng in Chemical Engineering at the University of Cincinnati is designed to strengthen advanced technical knowledge while developing the project-management, leadership, and professional skills needed for engineering careers. Its practical orientation and connection to UC’s established cooperative-education and employer network can help students build industry experience and professional connections alongside their graduate education.

Typical career options: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Process Design Engineer, Chemical Process/Production Engineer.

Key career-development opportunities include:

• Career and employment support: UC’s Bearcat Promise Career Studio provides career coaching, job-search support, and connections with employers. UC reported that 14,138 students received career coaching, job-search support and employer connections in 2025–26.
• Employment outcomes: UC reports that 98% of students are employed or continuing their education at graduation across its co-op model.
• Co-op earnings: In 2025–26, UC students earned $99.5 million through co-op experiences, with average reported earnings of $13,130 per student per semester and average hourly earnings of $21.89. These figures are university-wide co-op figures rather than MEng Chemical Engineering-specific salary outcomes.
• University–industry partnerships: UC's co-op network included 1,798 employer partners in 2025–26. Industry connections include organizations such as Procter & Gamble, GE Aerospace, Boeing, Honda, Tesla, Baxter International, and Valvoline Global through UC's Industry Advisory Cabinet and employer network.
• Chemical engineering industry exposure: UC has documented Chemical Engineering students completing industry placements, including a chemical engineering co-op project with American Rheinmetall involving sustainable rubber-compound development.
• Reputation for career preparation: UC was ranked No. 3 nationally and No. 1 among public universities for co-ops and internships in the 2027 U.S. News rankings, and the university reports that this was its eighth consecutive year in the Top 5.
• Long-term accreditation value: The University of Cincinnati is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), providing recognized institutional accreditation for the university and its graduate education.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MEng, students can pursue further graduate study in areas such as Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Environmental Engineering, Energy Engineering, Biotechnology, or related engineering disciplines, including doctoral-level study where they meet the relevant program's admission requirements. The MEng can also serve as a professional foundation for engineers who choose to progress directly into industry rather than pursuing another degree.