Chemical Engineering, MS

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Alabama

Program Overview

The Master of Science in Chemical Engineering at The University of Alabama gives students advanced training in core chemical engineering principles while allowing them to tailor their studies through specialized electives and research. It suits students from Chemical Engineering and related STEM backgrounds who want to strengthen their expertise in areas ranging from thermodynamics and reaction engineering to computation, polymers, biotechnology, and advanced materials.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students build a strong graduate-level foundation through required courses including CHE 551 Advanced Thermodynamics I, CHE 552 Transport Phenomena, CHE 553 Computation in Chemical Engineering, and CHE 554 Chemical Reaction Engineering. Alongside these core subjects, students can begin developing a specialization through electives such as CHE 512 Polymer Materials Engineering, CHE 514 Computer Methods in Chemical Engineering, or CHE 545 Intro to Biochemical Engineering.

Year 2:

Students move toward advanced specialization and independent work. Those following the thesis option complete CHE 599 Thesis Research and defend their research, while non-thesis students complete CHE 595 Seminar and CHE 591 Special Problems as part of their capstone experience, which can include a research presentation based on literature or hands-on research.

Focus Areas:

Thermodynamics, transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering, computational chemical engineering, polymer materials, computer methods, biochemical engineering, tissue engineering, process safety, catalysis and electrocatalysis, biomaterials and biotechnology, energy and environmental engineering, water, membranes and polymers, electronic materials and devices.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop advanced chemical engineering knowledge, computational and analytical skills, research experience, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to apply engineering principles to practical and emerging challenges. The thesis route emphasizes original research, while the non-thesis route develops specialized coursework alongside presentation and mentored professional experience.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering is a graduate program and is not separately identified as ABET-accredited on the University's official program page. The program instead emphasizes advanced technical preparation, research, and practical applications, with both thesis and non-thesis pathways available.

Reputation & Employability:

The University of Alabama's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering was ranked No. 35 among public chemical engineering programs in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report graduate engineering rankings, according to the University's College of Engineering. The University also reports that the department has improved 39 positions over the past four years, providing a current indicator of its growing national standing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering at The University of Alabama gives students direct exposure to laboratory research, pilot-scale equipment, and research projects addressing areas such as clean energy, advanced materials, biotechnology, water treatment, and medical applications. Students can work with specialized equipment including a 25-foot-tall distillation column, gas chromatograph, reaction vessels, computer-controlled batch still, and data-acquisition and control systems, while graduate research can also involve computational modeling, nanomaterials, polymers, catalysis, and biotechnology.

Students can develop practical and research skills through:

Pilot-scale chemical engineering equipment: The department's high-bay facility houses a 25-foot-tall distillation column where students gain first-hand experience with its controls, design, and operation.
Process-control and analytical equipment: Students can work with a gas chromatograph, reaction vessels, computer-controlled batch still, Camile data-acquisition and control system, and steady-state glass still as part of chemical engineering laboratory work.
Computational tools: Chemical engineering research includes molecular simulations and electronic-structure calculations for studying thermodynamics, molecular properties, fuel cells, carbon nanotubes, and chemical reactions.
Engineering software: The College of Engineering provides students with software including ChemCAD, MATLAB, ANSYS, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and ArcGIS, with many packages licensed for student use.
Research laboratories: Graduate students can engage with research groups including the Electrochemical Engineering for Materials Lab, Nano-Bio Interface Group, Kim Laboratory, Koh Laboratory, Bara Research Group, and Turner Research Group.
Polymers and Soft Materials Research Center: The Poly-SM Research Center operates a shared experimental laboratory for soft-material synthesis and characterization, supporting research in polymers, biomaterials, and industrially relevant technologies.
Alabama Materials Institute: Students working in materials-related research can benefit from interdisciplinary facilities supporting polymers, ceramics, composites, bio-inspired materials, and advanced materials, including core analytical and powder-processing facilities.
Research projects: Department research covers 3-D printing, advanced polymers, CO₂ capture, catalysis, drug delivery, electrochemical engineering, water treatment, tissue engineering, and sustainable chemical processes, allowing students to connect graduate study with current research challenges.
Science and Engineering Complex: The SEC houses Chemical and Biological Engineering faculty and students and includes research laboratories; university development plans specifically identify expanded wet and dry laboratory space for Chemical and Biological Engineering research and student opportunities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering at The University of Alabama can prepare graduates for technical, research, and process-focused careers across chemical manufacturing, energy, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, materials, and environmental engineering. The department emphasizes real-world experience through laboratory work, pilot-scale equipment, and research projects addressing areas such as clean energy and medical applications.

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

Students can strengthen their transition from graduate study to professional opportunities through:

Engineering Career Development Center: The ECDC provides engineering-specific career support, including career advising, co-op opportunities, employer connections, career fairs, and professional development.
Job and internship access: Handshake gives students 24/7 access to job opportunities and on-campus interviews, while UA's career fairs connect students with employers recruiting for full-time and internship positions.
Industry engagement: The Engineering Career Development Center works directly with employers to recruit students for full-time positions, co-ops, and internships, with employer career fairs and Co-op Interview Days providing opportunities to connect with industry.
Professional preparation: Students can receive support with résumé reviews, cover letters, interviews, networking skills, and career planning through the engineering career-development resources.
Industry relevance: The Chemical and Biological Engineering department states that its mission includes providing the technical workforce and expertise required by chemical and related industries, while its graduate research addresses practical areas such as clean energy and medical applications.
Career outcomes: The university provides career-outcomes resources through the Career Center; however, I did not find a current M.S.-specific Chemical Engineering employment rate or salary figure on the official sources reviewed, so I would not attribute a specific salary or placement percentage to this program.
Accreditation value: The department identifies its undergraduate Chemical Engineering program as nationally accredited; the M.S. itself is not separately identified as ABET-accredited. The graduate degree therefore adds advanced specialization and research preparation rather than a separate ABET accreditation claim.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the M.S., students can continue into the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at The University of Alabama, which provides a pathway toward advanced research and doctoral-level academic or industry careers. The department officially offers both the M.S. and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, allowing students to continue developing expertise through doctoral research.