Master of science in chemical engineering

2 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Wayne State University

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Chemical Engineering at Wayne State University is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or another mathematics-based science who want to deepen their expertise in advanced chemical engineering theory, analysis, and design. Students can choose a thesis-based Plan A or coursework-focused Plan C, developing advanced knowledge in transport phenomena, thermodynamics, engineering mathematics, and reaction engineering.

Curriculum Structure:

The program is structured around 30 graduate credits. Both plans require CHE 7100 Advanced Engineering Mathematics, CHE 7200 Advanced Transport Phenomena, CHE 7300 Advanced Thermodynamics, and CHE 7400 Advanced Kinetics and Reactor Design, giving students a strong foundation in mathematical analysis, transport processes, thermodynamic systems, and chemical reaction design.

Rather than following a traditional fixed Year 1/Year 2 sequence, students complete the degree according to their selected plan. Plan A includes 30 credits with a six-credit thesis, allowing students to undertake substantial research, while Plan C consists of 30 credits of coursework and provides a more coursework-focused route; students may also take up to nine approved credits from other engineering, chemistry, physics, mathematics, or biology departments.

Focus Areas:

Advanced transport phenomena, thermodynamics, kinetics and reactor design, engineering mathematics, chemical process analysis, chemical process safety, statistics and design of experiments, chemical engineering research, interdisciplinary engineering.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop advanced skills in mathematical analysis, transport phenomena, thermodynamic modeling, chemical reaction and reactor design, experimental and research methods, process engineering, and solving complex chemical engineering problems.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering is a graduate program offered through Wayne State University’s James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering. Wayne State's Chemical Engineering department provides graduate preparation for advanced technical and research careers, with the program offering both thesis and coursework pathways.

Reputation (Employability):

Wayne State's Chemical Engineering program sits within the university's James and Patricia Anderson College of Engineering, giving graduate students access to an engineering environment in Detroit, a major center for manufacturing, mobility, technology, and industry. The university specifically notes that the MS is designed to accommodate both full-time students and individuals employed in local industries, with a majority of courses offered in the evening.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MS in Chemical Engineering at Wayne State University gives students opportunities to develop practical expertise through advanced coursework and, for students choosing Plan A, a research thesis. The program is supported by the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science’s research environment, where graduate research covers areas including advanced materials, energy, environmental engineering, biotechnology, and chemical processing. Wayne State’s location in Detroit also provides access to a major industrial and manufacturing environment.

Students can build practical and research skills through the following program-specific opportunities:

Graduate research and thesis: Plan A students complete a six-credit master’s thesis, providing an opportunity to conduct original chemical engineering research under faculty supervision.
Chemical Engineering and Materials Science research: Department research includes biomedical engineering, energy and sustainability, environmental engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, and process systems.
Advanced research facilities: Department facilities support research in materials characterization, nanomaterials, chemical processing, energy research, and environmental engineering, helping students develop experimental and research skills.
Interdisciplinary research: Students can work across engineering and scientific disciplines, connecting chemical engineering with materials science, biomedical engineering, environmental research, and energy technologies.
Industry-connected learning: The graduate program accommodates students working in local industries, with many courses offered in the evening. Its Detroit location places students within a major regional manufacturing and technology ecosystem.
Thesis-based practical experience: Through Plan A, students can apply advanced concepts from areas such as transport phenomena, thermodynamics, kinetics and reactor design, and engineering mathematics to independent research.

Facilities and research: Wayne State’s Chemical Engineering and Materials Science department provides research laboratories and facilities supporting graduate work in chemical engineering and materials science.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MS in Chemical Engineering at Wayne State University prepares graduates for advanced technical and research-oriented careers by building expertise in areas such as chemical processing, materials, energy, environmental engineering, and biotechnology. The program’s thesis option can also provide valuable research experience for students interested in laboratory, R&D, or doctoral-level careers, while the coursework option offers a focused route for advancing professional expertise.

Typical career directions include: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Research & Development Engineer, Materials Engineer

Career development and longer-term opportunities include:

Career services: Wayne State’s Career Planning and Placement resources provide students with career counseling, job-search assistance, employer events, career fairs, résumé support, interview preparation, and access to employment opportunities.
Industry connections: The university’s Detroit location provides proximity to major industries, while the Chemical Engineering and Materials Science department has research connections spanning energy, materials, environmental engineering, biotechnology, and chemical processing.
Employment opportunities: Wayne State's engineering programs are positioned within Detroit's broad engineering and manufacturing ecosystem, providing opportunities to connect graduate-level engineering skills with regional employers.
Salary outlook: Wayne State's chemical engineering career information identifies chemical engineering as a high-value technical profession; salary figures vary according to occupation, industry, location, and experience, so university-wide figures should not be treated as an MS-specific salary guarantee.
Research and graduation outcomes: Students completing Plan A graduate with a master's thesis and substantial research experience, while Plan C students complete a coursework-focused master's degree. Both pathways can support progression into professional engineering roles or further graduate study.
Professional value: The MS provides advanced graduate-level preparation in chemical engineering. Wayne State's undergraduate engineering programs include ABET-accredited programs, but the MS in Chemical Engineering itself should not be described as separately ABET-accredited.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the MS, students interested in advanced research can pursue a PhD in Chemical Engineering or a closely related engineering/materials discipline. The thesis-based Plan A can be particularly relevant preparation for doctoral research, while graduates of either plan can also pursue specialized graduate study in areas such as materials science, energy, environmental engineering, or biotechnology.