MS in Chemical Engineering

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Michigan State University

Program Overview

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University combines advanced chemical engineering fundamentals with flexible technical training designed to prepare students for careers in industry or research. Students can tailor their studies through courses across engineering and other colleges, while choosing either a research-focused Plan A thesis option or a traditional Plan B non-thesis option, with opportunities spanning areas such as biotechnology, energy, materials, nanotechnology, and advanced chemical processes.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students build an advanced foundation through core courses such as CHE 801: Advanced Chemical Engineering Calculations, which develops mathematical modeling and analytical and numerical solution skills, alongside CHE 821: Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics and CHE 822: Advanced Transport Phenomena. The curriculum also introduces advanced reaction engineering through CHE 831: Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering, giving students a strong foundation in thermodynamics, transport, reaction systems, and chemical engineering analysis.

Final Stage:

Students then use supporting and elective coursework to shape their studies around their academic or professional goals. In Plan A, students complete CHE 899: Master’s Thesis Research and additional approved electives, while Plan B students complete a coordinated technical minor and finish with a final oral or written examination; both pathways also include CHE 892: Seminar.

Focus Areas:

Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Biomedical Engineering, Bioprocessing, Metabolic Engineering, Process Analysis, Thermodynamics, Chemical Reaction Engineering, Composite Materials, Polymers, Heat Transfer, Mass Transfer, Distillation, Absorption, Extraction, Transport Phenomena, Diffusion, Sustainable Energy and Renewable Materials, Energy Storage, Catalysis, Chemical Modeling, Simulation and Machine Learning.

Learning Outcomes:

Advanced chemical engineering analysis and mathematical modeling, advanced understanding of thermodynamics and transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering and process analysis, research and technical problem-solving skills, interdisciplinary engineering knowledge, ability to conduct independent research, technical communication, and preparation for industrial or research careers.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering is not separately listed as an ABET-accredited program. Michigan State University’s B.S. in Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the criteria for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular and Similarly Named Engineering Programs; the M.S. instead emphasizes advanced coursework, technical specialization, and research or industry preparation.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

Michigan State University reports its Chemical Engineering graduate program at #53 nationally in the 2026 U.S. News Best Engineering Schools rankings. MSU also highlights that its College of Engineering students have opportunities to enter the workplace early and obtain competitive placements after graduation.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

M.S. in Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University, experiential learning is especially strong for students choosing the Plan A thesis option, where students conduct substantial research under faculty guidance. The department has numerous research laboratories and supports work across areas including nanotechnology, biotechnology, bioprocessing, polymers, energy, reaction engineering, transport phenomena, and advanced materials; students can also combine Chemical Engineering coursework with opportunities elsewhere in MSU’s College of Engineering and other colleges.

Students can also develop industry-oriented skills through MSU College of Engineering experiential programs, while specialized Chemical Engineering coursework provides access to process-design and simulation tools such as Aspen and Control Station. The department’s facilities include dedicated teaching laboratories as well as numerous research laboratories, giving students opportunities to work with experimental systems and advanced research equipment.

Key experiential-learning opportunities include:

Plan A thesis research: Students choosing the research-based M.S. complete a substantial research project, working on chemical engineering systems in areas such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, bioprocessing, polymers, energy storage, catalysis, thermodynamics, transport, and reaction engineering.
Chemical Engineering research laboratories: The department has numerous research laboratories in addition to its teaching laboratories, supporting graduate research and specialized experimental work.
Process simulation software: Chemical Engineering coursework provides access to Aspen process-design software, Control Station, and Excel. Aspen can be used for material and energy balances, process-flow diagrams, process equipment sizing, and chemical/biological process optimization.
Unit Operations Laboratory: MSU's Chemical Engineering facilities include a dedicated Unit Operations Laboratory where students work with chemical engineering principles involving material and energy balances, momentum transfer, heat transfer, and mass transfer through hands-on experiments.
Polymer/Composites Laboratory: The department maintains a dedicated Polymer/Composites Laboratory, supporting practical work connected to polymers and composite materials.
Biochemical Engineering Laboratory: The Biochemical Engineering Laboratory provides a dedicated space for work related to biochemical engineering and complements MSU's graduate research strengths in biotechnology and bioprocessing.
STEM Teaching and Learning Facility: The ChEMS space brings chemical engineering and materials science together with hands-on facilities for investigating materials, including polymers, metals, and ceramics, using equipment such as high-powered microscopes, rolling mills, impact testers, mounting presses, grinders, and polishers.
Industry exposure and internships: MSU College of Engineering supports experiential opportunities including internships/co-ops, employer experiences, and “Intern for a Day,” where students can shadow engineers, tour facilities, participate in meetings, learn about projects, and observe testing or hands-on activities.
Self-directed technical projects: Engineering students have access to skill-building resources involving MATLAB and Simulink, CAD, Autodesk, C++, data-science projects, GitHub, SQL, and other technical platforms, along with micro-internships and project opportunities.
Research-to-industry connections: MSU faculty researchers work with organizations on sponsored research, testing, equipment services, projects, case studies, and internship support, creating opportunities to connect engineering research with industry applications

Progression & Future Opportunities

M.S. in Chemical Engineering at Michigan State University, graduates can position themselves for advanced technical and research-oriented roles across chemical processing, energy, biotechnology, materials, and related engineering industries. The program’s Plan A thesis route is particularly suited to students targeting research careers or further doctoral study, while the Plan B option provides a non-thesis pathway with advanced technical coursework.

Typical career roles: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer, Research & Development Engineer, Process Development Engineer.

Key career and progression opportunities include:

Career services: MSU’s College of Engineering Career Services provides engineering students with career advising, résumé and cover-letter assistance, interview preparation, career fairs, employer events, and access to job and internship opportunities.
Employment and salary information: MSU publishes College of Engineering career outcomes through its First Destination Survey resources, covering employment, continuing education, and other post-graduation outcomes. Program-specific M.S. Chemical Engineering salary figures are not separately reported on the official program page, so no M.S.-specific salary figure should be assumed. (careersuccess.msu.edu)
Industry connections: MSU Engineering maintains relationships with corporate and industry partners through sponsored research, career events, internships, co-ops, and other employer engagement activities, allowing engineering students to connect their technical preparation with real industry applications.
Research and industry preparation: Chemical Engineering students can work in research areas such as biotechnology, nanotechnology, energy, sustainable materials, polymers, catalysis, and process systems, providing technical preparation applicable to multiple industrial sectors.
Accreditation value: The M.S. itself is not separately listed as ABET-accredited. However, MSU's Chemical Engineering B.S. is ABET-accredited, while the M.S. provides advanced graduate-level specialization and research preparation rather than a separate professional accreditation.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates can move directly into engineering and research positions or continue into doctoral-level study. The Plan A thesis pathway can provide particularly relevant preparation for students planning research-intensive careers or Ph.D. study.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the M.S., students interested in advanced research can pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related engineering/scientific discipline. MSU's Chemical Engineering graduate program supports doctoral-level research across areas including biotechnology, energy, materials, nanotechnology, catalysis, and advanced chemical engineering processes.