Master of Business Administration (or Master of Science in Management) and Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Program Overview

MIT's Leaders for Global Operations programme combines advanced chemical engineering education with business management, operations, and leadership training. Students develop the technical and managerial expertise needed to address complex industrial challenges in areas such as biotechnology, energy, materials, environmental sustainability, and manufacturing.

Curriculum

The programme follows a two-year integrated structure that combines management coursework, engineering subjects, industry experience, and research. Students complete the LGO management curriculum alongside specialised chemical engineering subjects and undertake an industry-based internship that forms the foundation of their dual-degree thesis.

Management and Business Coursework

Students complete the MBA or Master of Science in Management requirements, developing a foundation in business strategy, accounting, leadership, and operations. Core subjects include Economic Analysis for Business Decisions, Communication for Leaders, Organizational Processes, Financial Accounting, Engineering Probability, Building and Leading Effective Teams, Leadership and Organizational Change, Introduction to Operations Management, and Operations Strategy.

Additional LGO coursework includes Global Operations Leadership Seminar, Research Project in Operations, a lean operations subject, a plant tour and partner integration subject, and graduate-level electives.

Chemical Engineering Coursework

The engineering component includes specialised graduate-level chemical engineering subjects and the LGO required engineering coursework. Students select two subjects from the following options:

Numerical Methods Applied to Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
Analysis of Transport Phenomena
Chemical Reactor Engineering

Students also complete graduate-level engineering electives selected in consultation with their faculty advisor. The curriculum develops their understanding of chemical processes, engineering systems, computational methods, and industrial applications.

Industry Research and Thesis

Students undertake an industry-based internship where they work on a substantial research project addressing an operational or engineering challenge. The project integrates chemical engineering and management concepts, and the resulting thesis fulfils the thesis requirements for both degrees.

Focus Areas

Chemical engineering and process design
Chemical engineering thermodynamics
Transport phenomena
Chemical reactor engineering
Numerical methods and computational modelling
Biomedical and biotechnology
Catalysis and reaction engineering
Energy systems
Environmental engineering and sustainability
Materials science
Mathematical and computational systems
Operations management and business strategy
Industrial process optimisation
Leadership and organisational change

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyse and solve complex chemical engineering problems using advanced technical knowledge, quantitative methods, and business principles. They learn to evaluate industrial processes, improve operational efficiency, manage engineering projects, and lead multidisciplinary teams. The programme also strengthens their ability to connect technical innovation with business strategy and organisational objectives.

Experiential Learning

Experiential learning is a central part of the LGO programme. Students complete an industry-based internship involving a substantial research project with an LGO partner company. The project allows them to apply chemical engineering and management knowledge to practical challenges in areas such as manufacturing, energy, biotechnology, materials, and industrial operations.

Students also participate in industry engagement activities, including plant tours, partner integration experiences, research presentations, and leadership seminars. Faculty advisors guide their research and help connect the engineering and management components of the programme.

Accreditation and Professional Alignment

The programme is delivered through a partnership between MIT Sloan School of Management and MIT's School of Engineering. It combines graduate-level management education with specialised chemical engineering study and industry-based research. The dual-degree thesis incorporates both engineering and management content and fulfils the thesis requirements for the two qualifications.

Employability and Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for technical and leadership roles across chemical manufacturing, biotechnology, energy, materials, environmental services, consulting, and industrial operations.

Potential career paths include:

Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Chemical Project Manager, Engineering Manager, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Energy Systems Engineer, Biotechnology Engineer, Sustainability Manager, Process Development Engineer, Supply Chain Manager, Technical Program Manager.

Further Academic Progression

Graduates may pursue doctoral research in Chemical Engineering or related fields, depending on their research interests and the admission requirements of the institution. The management qualification also provides a foundation for further professional development in operations leadership, technology management, industrial strategy, and business administration.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), experiential learning is at the heart of both the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering programs. Students engage in hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice, allowing them to develop practical skills that are essential in today’s competitive job market. With access to cutting-edge facilities and resources, students can immerse themselves in real-world challenges and innovative projects.

Here’s how you can expect to gain practical skills through these programs:

- Sloan School of Management Resources: The MBA program at MIT Sloan offers access to the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship, where students can work on startup ideas and gain mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.

- Action Learning Labs: Both MBA and MS in Management students participate in Action Learning Labs, where they collaborate with companies on real business challenges, applying classroom knowledge to solve complex problems.

- Chemical Engineering Laboratories: The MS in Chemical Engineering program provides access to state-of-the-art laboratories, including the MIT Chemical Engineering Research Laboratory, where students can conduct cutting-edge research in areas like nanotechnology and biotechnology.

- Internship Opportunities: Students in both programs benefit from extensive internship opportunities, allowing them to gain industry experience and network with professionals in their fields.

- Digital Tools and Software: Students utilize advanced software tools such as MATLAB, Aspen Plus, and Python for data analysis and modeling, which are essential for both business and engineering applications.

- Field Trips and Industry Visits: The programs often include field trips to leading companies and research institutions, providing students with insights into industry practices and innovations.

- Libraries and Research Institutes: MIT boasts numerous libraries, including the MIT Libraries system, which offers vast resources for research and study. Additionally, students can collaborate with various research institutes, such as the MIT Energy Initiative, to work on impactful projects.

- Collaborative Projects: Group projects are a significant component of both programs, fostering teamwork and communication skills as students work together to tackle real-world issues.

By choosing to pursue your MBA or MS in Chemical Engineering at MIT, you will not only gain theoretical knowledge but also practical experience that will set you apart in your career.

Embarking on this journey at MIT means you’ll be equipped with the skills and experiences necessary to thrive in your future endeavors.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science in Management at MIT, as well as a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, opens up a world of opportunities for graduates. Alumni from these programs often find themselves in influential roles such as Management Consultant, Product Manager, Operations Manager, or Chemical Engineer. The skills and knowledge gained at MIT equip students to excel in diverse industries, making them highly sought after by employers.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of progression and future opportunities:

- University Services: MIT offers robust career services, including personalized career coaching, resume workshops, and networking events that connect students with industry leaders.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Graduates from the MBA program report an impressive employment rate of over 90% within three months of graduation, with average starting salaries exceeding $150,000. Similarly, graduates from the Chemical Engineering program enjoy high demand, with starting salaries around $100,000.
- University–Industry Partnerships: MIT has strong ties with leading companies such as Google, Johnson & Johnson, and ExxonMobil, providing students with unique internship and job placement opportunities.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: Both programs are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), ensuring that your degree holds significant value in the job market.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni from these programs often go on to hold leadership positions in top-tier companies, with many also pursuing entrepreneurial ventures or further academic research.

Further Academic Progression: After completing your MBA or Master of Science in Management, you may choose to pursue a Ph.D. in Management or related fields, which can lead to academic positions or advanced research roles. For those completing the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, options include pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or related disciplines, allowing for deeper specialization and research opportunities. Both paths can significantly enhance your career prospects and open doors to advanced positions in academia or industry.

Choosing to study at MIT is not just about earning a degree; it’s about joining a community that fosters innovation, leadership, and lifelong success.