MS in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Rutgers The State University of New Jersey New Brunswick

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Rutgers University offers advanced training for students who want to deepen their technical expertise and explore career opportunities in chemical engineering, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical industries. With thesis and non-thesis options, the program combines advanced engineering coursework with opportunities for research, practical training, and industry-focused electives, allowing students to tailor their studies to their professional goals.

Curriculum Structure:

The program requires 30 credits and offers two pathways: a thesis option for students interested in research and a non-thesis option for those seeking advanced coursework and professional preparation. Rather than following a fixed year-by-year sequence, students complete core courses and electives according to their selected pathway and academic plan.

Year 1:

Students build a strong foundation in advanced chemical and biochemical engineering through courses such as 155:501 – Advanced Fluid Mechanics, which explores fluid behavior in engineering systems, and 155:502 – Advanced Heat and Mass Transport, which develops an understanding of heat and mass transfer processes. They also study 155:507 – Analytical Methods in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, gaining analytical and data-driven skills for modeling and solving complex engineering problems.

Year 2:

Students deepen their technical knowledge through 155:511 – Advanced Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics and 155:514 – Advanced Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Engineering, exploring thermodynamic systems, reaction behavior, and engineering applications. Students in the thesis pathway complete research credits and a thesis, while non-thesis students can specialize through electives in chemical and biochemical engineering or pharmaceutical engineering, including 155:544 – Drug Delivery Fundamentals and Applications and 155:546 – Pharmaceutical Unit Operations. The exact course sequence depends on the student's selected pathway and approved study plan.

Focus Areas:

Chemical and biochemical engineering, advanced fluid mechanics, heat and mass transport, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, analytical modeling, pharmaceutical engineering, drug delivery, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biochemical processes, materials engineering.

Learning Outcomes:

Apply advanced chemical and biochemical engineering principles, analyze fluid flow and heat and mass transfer systems, use analytical methods to model engineering processes, evaluate thermodynamic and reaction engineering systems, develop expertise in pharmaceutical and biochemical applications, conduct independent research and communicate technical findings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The program supports professional development in chemical engineering, pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, process engineering, and research. Its flexible thesis and non-thesis options allow students to develop skills relevant to both industry and research careers. The M.S. program is not separately identified as ABET-accredited in the department's official degree information.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings):

Rutgers' Chemical and Biochemical Engineering department benefits from its location in New Jersey's pharmaceutical corridor, providing an academic environment connected to pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The program offers practical training courses, including industrial internships, and access to research centers such as the Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems (C-SOPS) and the Catalyst Manufacturing Center. These resources support exposure to pharmaceutical manufacturing, process innovation, and advanced engineering research. A specific employment rate, average salary, or program-level QS or Guardian ranking for M.S. graduates is not stated in the official program information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The M.S. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Rutgers University combines advanced engineering coursework with opportunities for research, laboratory work, and practical industry training. Students can develop hands-on and analytical skills through faculty-guided research, specialized equipment, computational tools, and elective courses in areas such as pharmaceutical engineering, drug delivery, and process manufacturing. The thesis option provides six credits of research, while the department also offers practical training courses, including industrial internships.

Key experiential learning opportunities and facilities include:

Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems (C-SOPS): This interdisciplinary research center focuses on improving pharmaceutical and other product manufacturing. Students may explore research related to continuous manufacturing, pharmaceutical processing, and advanced particulate systems.
Catalyst Manufacturing Center: Supports research and development in catalyst manufacturing and chemical process technologies, providing opportunities to connect engineering principles with industrial applications.
Advanced laboratory equipment: The department identifies specialized equipment such as Raman spectrometers with confocal microscopy, gas-phase kinetic reactors, high-performance imaging systems, and thermogravimetric analyzers. These tools support research in chemical reactions, materials characterization, and process analysis.
Computational resources and software: Students have access to advanced computational resources and software systems for simulations, modeling, and interpreting complex engineering data. Specific software packages are not listed as mandatory for all M.S. students.
Industrial internships and co-ops: The department offers practical training courses, including industrial internships. Master's students have obtained summer internships and co-op positions in chemical and pharmaceutical industries. International students may be eligible to use Curricular Practical Training (CPT), subject to university and immigration requirements.
Thesis research: Students choosing the thesis pathway complete six credits of research and submit a thesis based on their work. Research opportunities span areas such as nanotechnology, reaction engineering, molecular simulations, separations, biotechnology, and materials engineering.
Pharmaceutical engineering coursework: Students following the pharmaceutical engineering elective pathway can study Pharmaceutical Materials Engineering, Drug Delivery Fundamentals and Applications, Pharmaceutical Unit Operations, and Statistical Analysis and Design of Pharmaceutical Operations, connecting classroom learning with pharmaceutical product design and manufacturing.
Industry-linked research training: The department offers experiential learning programs, including a research traineeship with Colgate-Palmolive, giving students opportunities to engage with applied research and industry-related challenges.
Graduate seminars and academic collaboration: Thesis students participate in departmental seminars each semester, providing opportunities to engage with research presentations and developments across chemical and biochemical engineering.

Facilities and research resources: Rutgers' Chemical and Biochemical Engineering department provides specialized laboratories, research centers, advanced equipment, and computational resources. Access to individual facilities and participation in internships or research projects depend on the student's course choices, faculty supervision, and available opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Science in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Rutgers University prepares graduates to apply advanced engineering knowledge to challenges in chemical processing, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, materials, and manufacturing. Through specialized coursework, research, and potential industry experience, students can build the technical and problem-solving skills needed for research-oriented roles or careers in industrial settings.

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: Rutgers Career Exploration and Success offers career counseling, resume and cover letter support, interview preparation, job-search guidance, career fairs, employer events, and access to Handshake for exploring job and internship opportunities.
Employment and salary information: Rutgers does not publish a verified employment rate or average salary specifically for graduates of this M.S. program. Salary and employment outcomes vary by role, industry, experience, and location.
University–industry connections: Rutgers’ Center for Structured Organic Particulate Systems (C-SOPS) works with industry and academic partners on pharmaceutical manufacturing research. The department’s Catalyst Manufacturing Center also supports research connected to industrial chemical processes. These resources can expose students to industry-relevant research, although participation and access depend on the project and available opportunities.
Accreditation value: ABET accreditation is generally associated with qualifying undergraduate engineering programs. This M.S. program is not separately identified as ABET-accredited. Its value comes from advanced graduate-level study, research experience, and the technical expertise developed through the curriculum.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates may pursue roles in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, process engineering, research, and product development. The department does not provide a specific, publicly verified breakdown of employment outcomes for this M.S. program.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the M.S., students interested in advanced research or academic careers can pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering or a related field, such as pharmaceutical engineering, materials science, biotechnology, or chemical process engineering. The thesis pathway can provide relevant research experience for students considering doctoral study.