Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

New Mexico State University

Program Overview

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is a 32-credit, research-driven program designed for students who want to deepen their chemical engineering fundamentals while developing expertise in a specialized area through advanced coursework and independent research. The program combines graduate core courses, specialized electives, professional communication, and a master’s thesis, making it particularly suitable for students interested in research, innovation, advanced engineering practice, or future doctoral study.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students establish their advanced chemical engineering foundation through CHME 501 Graduate Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers, CHME 516 Graduate Numerical Methods in Chemical Engineering, and a CHME elective during the first semester. In the spring, they progress to CHME 506 Graduate Transport Phenomena(s) and CHME 542 Graduate Reactor Analysis and Design, alongside CHME 594 Professional Communication in Chemical Engineering and the beginning of their master's thesis research.

Year 2:

The second year shifts more strongly toward research and specialization, with students completing additional graduate electives chosen to complement their research interests and continuing CHME 599 Master's Thesis. By the end of the program, students complete the required six thesis credits and defend their research, bringing together the advanced engineering knowledge and independent research skills developed throughout the degree.

Focus Areas:

Advanced chemical engineering fundamentals, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, numerical methods, reactor analysis and design, polymers and composites, nanoscience and nanotechnology, electrochemistry, nuclear energy, biomedical engineering, biofuels, industrial safety, chemical process design, process industries, materials, environmental engineering, sustainable technologies, catalysis, batteries, photovoltaics, hydrogen production, CO₂ reduction, fuel cells and solar cells.

Learning Outcomes:

Advanced understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals, specialized knowledge within a chosen area of chemical engineering, broader knowledge of science and engineering, independent research capability, technical problem-solving, numerical and computational analysis, professional communication, and the ability to conduct and defend thesis-based research.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

New Mexico State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). NMSU's official program information does not identify the M.S. in Chemical Engineering as separately ABET-accredited; the program instead emphasizes graduate-level specialization, independent research, and thesis preparation.

Reputation & Employability:

NMSU describes the Chemical Engineering master's program as preparing graduates with advanced skills for high-demand roles in chemical processes, materials science, and process optimization. The university's official career pathways for graduates include Chemical Process Engineer, Senior Chemical Process Engineer, Research Fellow, Director of Process Chemistry Manufacturing, and Aerospace Materials Chemical Process Technician.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is research-focused, so students gain practical experience through graduate research, thesis work, computational analysis, and access to dedicated Chemical & Materials Engineering facilities. The department provides graduate laboratories and computer labs, while its research strengths include biomaterials and bioprocessing, energy materials such as catalysis, batteries and fuel cells, computer modeling and simulation, and nuclear materials.

Students can develop hands-on and research skills through:

Master’s thesis research: The M.S. is a research-driven degree, with students completing CHME 599 Master's Thesis as part of the 32-credit curriculum. This provides an opportunity to conduct independent research under faculty guidance.
Graduate research laboratories: CHME provides dedicated graduate labs and research facilities where students can conduct work related to chemical and materials engineering.
Energy materials research: Students can work in research areas involving catalysis, batteries and fuel cells, connecting chemical engineering principles with energy technologies.
Computer modeling and simulation: Computational research is a specific CHME research strength, supported by departmental coursework and research computer clusters. The department provides separate computing resources for instructional and research activities.
Chemical Analysis and Instrumentation Laboratory (CAIL): This university research core provides access to advanced analytical instrumentation, including liquid and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, optical and thermal measurements, and elemental analysis. CAIL also trains students and supports data analysis and method development.
Materials and characterization research: NMSU's wider research infrastructure includes facilities such as the X-Ray Diffraction Laboratory and other university research cores that can support engineering research involving materials and chemical analysis.
Hands-on laboratory and instrumentation experience: NMSU's Chemical & Materials Engineering facilities include laboratory work involving instrumentation, transport phenomena, control systems, data collection and analysis, process safety, and unit operations.
Computer-based process experimentation: NMSU's chemical engineering laboratory facilities use computer data acquisition, control-system instrumentation, and empirical modeling from process data, providing practical exposure to digital approaches used in chemical engineering.
Collaborative research environment: CHME highlights research opportunities in biomaterials/bioprocessing, energy materials, computer modeling and simulation, and nuclear materials, allowing M.S. students to align thesis research with faculty expertise.
Research-intensive setting: NMSU is classified as an R1 doctoral university, and its research infrastructure includes multiple interdisciplinary facilities and centers that graduate engineering students can access depending on their research needs.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU) combines advanced chemical engineering knowledge with thesis-based research, giving graduates a pathway into technical roles across chemical processing, materials, energy, environmental engineering, and research. The program can also provide a strong foundation for students who want to continue into doctoral research or move into specialized engineering positions after graduation.

Typical career roles: Chemical Process Engineer, Process Optimization Engineer, Materials Engineer, R&D Engineer.

Students can strengthen their career prospects through:

Career services: NMSU Career Services supports students with career advising, résumé and cover-letter assistance, interview preparation, career fairs, employer events, and job and internship opportunities through Handshake.
Engineering career support: The College of Engineering provides career resources connecting engineering students and graduates with employers and professional opportunities.
Employment pathways: NMSU identifies career opportunities for Chemical Engineering graduates including Chemical Process Engineer, Senior Chemical Process Engineer, Research Fellow, Director of Process Chemistry Manufacturing, and Aerospace Materials Chemical Process Technician.
Industry-connected research: Chemical & Materials Engineering research spans energy materials, catalysis, batteries and fuel cells, biomaterials and bioprocessing, nuclear materials, and computational modeling, giving students expertise aligned with industry and research needs.
Research infrastructure: NMSU is an R1 research university, providing graduate students with access to extensive research infrastructure and interdisciplinary research opportunities.
Salary information: NMSU's official program information does not publish an M.S.-specific starting salary or employment percentage for Chemical Engineering graduates, so a general engineering or national salary figure should not be presented as an M.S.-specific outcome.
Accreditation value: NMSU's Chemical Engineering B.S. program is ABET-accredited, while the M.S. is not separately identified as ABET-accredited. The M.S. adds graduate-level specialization and research experience rather than a separate graduate ABET credential.
Graduation outcomes: The research-oriented M.S. can lead to advanced engineering and research positions, while the thesis structure also supports graduates seeking further doctoral-level study.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the M.S., students can pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at NMSU or apply to doctoral programs at other universities. The thesis and independent research experience can be particularly valuable for students targeting research careers in energy materials, catalysis, biomaterials, computational modeling, nuclear materials, and sustainable chemical engineering.