MS in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

2 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Maryland Baltimore County

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, is a research-focused graduate program designed for students who want to deepen their understanding of chemical and biomolecular engineering while developing advanced research and analytical skills. It suits graduates interested in scientific research, process innovation, biotechnology, materials, and advanced chemical engineering applications, with opportunities to pursue a thesis-based course of study.

Curriculum Structure:

The M.S. program is organized around graduate-level core courses, electives, and research rather than a fixed year-by-year sequence. Students build advanced knowledge through core subjects such as CHBE 610: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, CHBE 620: Methods of Engineering Analysis, and CHBE 630: Transport Phenomena. These courses strengthen their understanding of thermodynamic systems, mathematical methods, and the transport processes central to chemical engineering.

As students progress, they can select electives that align with their research interests and complete graduate research under faculty guidance. Courses such as CHBE 640: Advanced Chemical Reaction Kinetics develop understanding of reaction mechanisms and engineering applications, while the thesis pathway allows students to investigate a specialized topic and communicate their findings through a research thesis.

Focus Areas:

Biochemical engineering, aerosol science, computational modeling, fluid mechanics and mixing, fuel cell technology, metabolic engineering, systems biology, polymer processing and characterization, polymer reaction engineering, process control, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, nanotechnology, biomolecular engineering, advanced materials, pharmaceutical and drug-delivery technologies.

Learning Outcomes:

Apply advanced chemical engineering principles to complex technical problems, develop research and analytical skills, design and evaluate chemical and biomolecular processes, conduct independent research, interpret experimental and computational results, communicate findings through research publications and conference presentations, and build expertise in specialized areas of chemical and biomolecular engineering.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The M.S. program offers advanced preparation for research and professional careers in chemical and biomolecular engineering. The department’s undergraduate B.S. in Chemical Engineering is ABET-accredited, but the M.S. degree is not separately identified as ABET-accredited. The graduate program emphasizes research contributions, technical expertise, and communication of findings, which can support career development across industry, research laboratories, and academia.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings):

The University of Maryland’s Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department reports a #19 ranking among U.S. chemical engineering departments and a #30 ranking overall among U.S. public institutions, according to U.S. News & World Report, as stated on its prospective-student page. The department also highlights its location near research institutions such as the National Institutes of Health, FDA, NIST, and NRC, where students may find internship and research opportunities. These rankings and opportunities provide context for the department, but they are not specific employment or salary statistics for M.S. graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, gives students opportunities to strengthen their practical and research skills through faculty-led research, advanced laboratory facilities, and specialized engineering projects. Students can explore areas such as biochemical engineering, biomolecular systems, polymers, transport phenomena, and advanced materials while applying scientific methods to real engineering challenges. The thesis option offers a structured opportunity to conduct independent research, analyze results, and present findings.

Students can explore the following program-related research resources and practical opportunities:

Biochemical Engineering Lab: Students interested in biotechnology and bioprocess engineering can explore research involving protein and enzyme immobilization, biochemical process monitoring, and biosensor design. The lab uses techniques such as near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, fluorescence, and light scattering.
BioFluid Dynamics Laboratory: This lab investigates fluid behavior in biological and microfluidic systems, including drops and bubbles, biological polymers, and flow in microcirculation. Research also involves developing computational methods to model these systems.
Functional Macromolecular Laboratory: Students can explore polymer synthesis, characterization, and processing for applications such as energy storage and medical devices.
Nanoscale Assembly and Electron Microscopy Lab: This research group studies the assembly of materials at micro- and nanoscales, including colloids, nanomaterials, and biomolecules.
Laboratory of Molecular and Thermodynamic Modeling: Research includes molecular simulations and thermodynamic modeling to study cellular membranes, proteins, lipids, and gas hydrates.
Metabolic Engineering Laboratory: Students interested in systems biology can explore metabolic flux analysis and gene regulatory network analysis, particularly in eukaryotic systems.
Research equipment and shared facilities: The department coordinates access to electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) facilities through its laboratories.
Computational resources: The department maintains a distributed computing network and a PC laboratory to support graduate research and engineering analysis. Specific software packages are not listed as universal requirements for M.S. students.
Research assistantships and faculty-led projects: Graduate students can pursue research opportunities in areas such as aerosol science, biochemical engineering, fluid mechanics, molecular modeling, nanotechnology, polymer reaction engineering, protein engineering, and systems research. Fellowships and research assistantships may provide additional support.
Research and internship connections: The department’s location near Washington, D.C., provides proximity to government research institutions, including NIH, FDA, USDA, and NRC. The department reports that many students undertake internships at these institutions, although internships are not stated as a compulsory part of the M.S. degree.

Facilities and research resources: The program draws on the department’s specialized research laboratories, shared characterization equipment, computational network, and interdisciplinary facilities across the University of Maryland. Access to specific labs and projects depends on research interests, faculty supervision, and availability.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Science in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, helps students develop advanced technical, analytical, and research skills for careers in chemical processing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, materials, and related industries. Its research-focused structure and specialized coursework can prepare graduates for technical roles in industry as well as further study or research careers.

Potential career paths include: Chemical Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Research and Development Engineer, Biochemical Engineer.

Graduates can build on their degree through opportunities such as:

Career services: The University of Maryland’s University Career Center provides career advising, resume and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, job-search support, career fairs, employer events, and access to Handshake for exploring internships and job openings.
Employment and salary information: The university does not publish verified employment rates or average salaries specifically for graduates of this M.S. program. Compensation and career outcomes depend on the graduate’s specialization, experience, employer, and location.
University–industry and research connections: The department’s research activities connect students with applied work in areas such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, polymers, and advanced materials. Its proximity to institutions including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and National Research Council (NRC) can provide exposure to research and internship opportunities. These connections do not guarantee placement or employment.
Accreditation value: The university’s undergraduate B.S. in Chemical Engineering is ABET-accredited. The M.S. degree is not separately identified as ABET-accredited; its professional value comes from advanced engineering knowledge, research training, and specialized technical skills.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates may pursue roles in chemical and biomolecular engineering, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, manufacturing, research laboratories, and academic institutions. The department does not provide a program-specific public breakdown of graduate employment or salary outcomes.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the M.S., students interested in advanced research, teaching, or specialized technical careers can pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering or a related doctoral program. Other possible directions include doctoral study in biotechnology, materials science and engineering, biomedical engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, or chemical engineering, depending on the student’s research interests and academic preparation.