Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

2 Years Online Masters Program

University of Connecticut

Program Overview

The Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Chemical Engineering at the University of Connecticut is a 30-credit online graduate program designed for engineers who want to strengthen their technical expertise while focusing on industrial practice and design. Students develop advanced skills in chemical engineering fundamentals, process engineering, data science and machine learning, engineering mathematics, and areas such as energy, biotechnology, polymers, and bioseparations.

Curriculum Structure:

Program Structure: Rather than following a fixed year-by-year sequence, the M.Eng. is structured around 30 credits that students complete through core engineering courses, a required Chemical Engineering course, and five concentration electives. The core includes ENGR 5311 – Professional Communication and Information Management, ENGR 5312 – Engineering Project Planning and Management, ENGR 5314 – Advanced Engineering Mathematics, and the ENGR 5315 – M.Eng. Capstone Project.

Students then build their Chemical Engineering specialization through courses such as CHEG 5301 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, CHEG 5321 – Reaction Kinetics I, CHEG 5330 – Applied Machine Learning in Chemical Engineering, CHEG 5333 – Computer Simulation in Chemical Engineering, CHEG 5341 – Fuel Processing, CHEG 5373 – Biochemical Engineering, and CHEG 5376 – Bioseparations. The flexible structure allows students to select five of the listed concentration electives according to their professional interests.

Focus Areas:

Chemical engineering fundamentals, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction kinetics, process engineering, machine learning and data science, computer simulation, fuel processing, polymer properties, biochemical engineering, bioseparations, energy, biotechnology, petrochemical processing, materials manufacturing, microelectronics, and sustainability.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop advanced chemical engineering knowledge, engineering mathematics and problem-solving skills, professional communication, project planning and management, process modeling and simulation, machine-learning applications, and the ability to apply engineering concepts to industrial problems.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The M.Eng. in Chemical Engineering is a graduate professional program focused on advanced technical and industrial skills. UConn's undergraduate Chemical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET; the university does not list this online M.Eng. concentration as separately ABET-accredited.

Reputation (Employability/Rankings):

UConn reports that its graduate engineering programs were ranked No. 59 nationally in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report rankings. UConn also highlights its status as an R1 research university and its industry collaboration across technology and manufacturing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The M.Eng. in Chemical Engineering at the University of Connecticut is designed around practical engineering and industrial applications, even though the program is delivered online. Students work with process modeling, computer simulation, machine learning, optimization, and industry-oriented projects, allowing them to apply chemical engineering concepts to realistic engineering problems. The program’s M.Eng. Capstone Project also encourages students to work on a company-sponsored project, providing an opportunity to connect graduate study with professional practice.

Students gain practical experience through:

Company-sponsored Capstone: ENGR 5315 – M.Eng. Capstone Project encourages students to undertake a company-sponsored project and apply their engineering knowledge to a practical problem.
Process Simulation: CHEG 5333 – Computer Simulation in Chemical Engineering provides interactive computer labs using Aspen Plus, MATLAB, and COMSOL to model and analyze chemical engineering processes.
Machine Learning & Data Science: CHEG 5330 – Applied Machine Learning in Chemical Engineering uses real-world chemical engineering case studies and develops skills in machine learning, data science, analytics, and big-data applications.
Industry-focused Projects: CHEG 5341 – Fuel Processing includes practical projects designed around industry needs, with students developing a project proposal with faculty feedback.
Computer Laboratories: UConn's Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering computer facilities include dedicated computer labs with 10, 16, and 29 computers, supporting engineering coursework and computational activities.
Research & Modeling: UConn's Hybrid Modeling & Systems Engineering Laboratory works on process systems engineering, mathematical optimization, life-cycle assessment, and AI/machine learning for energy, environmental, and biological systems.
Digital Modeling Tools: UConn provides access to engineering software such as COMSOL through School of Engineering computer labs and SKYBOX, supporting computational modeling activities.
Sustainability & Energy Research: Research activities include sustainable energy generation, water treatment, critical-mineral recovery, heat integration, and resource reuse, giving students exposure to current chemical engineering challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The M.Eng. in Chemical Engineering at UConn is designed to strengthen industry-ready technical skills and prepare graduates for advanced positions across chemical processing, energy, materials manufacturing, microelectronics, and biotechnology. UConn specifically highlights opportunities in product development, project management, R&D, technical consulting, and specialized engineering roles.

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

Students can build their professional progression through:

Career development: UConn’s M.Eng. career resources highlight advanced engineering pathways including project management, technical consulting, R&D, product development, and specialized engineering positions.
Salary potential: UConn cites BLS data showing Chemical Engineers with a master’s degree earning an average annual salary of $127,744, compared with $108,416 for those with a bachelor’s degree. These figures are BLS-based and are not UConn-specific graduate salary outcomes.
Industry-connected capstone: Students are encouraged to complete the ENGR 5315 M.Eng. Capstone Project as a company-sponsored project, providing a direct opportunity to apply graduate-level engineering skills to an industry problem.
Industry-relevant preparation: The Chemical Engineering curriculum emphasizes industrial practice and design and prepares graduates for sectors including petrochemical processing, materials manufacturing, energy distribution, microelectronics, and biotechnology.
Graduation outcomes: UConn's M.Eng. career information identifies pathways into engineering management, project engineering, product development, process improvement, R&D, technical consulting, manufacturing, and sustainability engineering.
Accreditation value: UConn's undergraduate Chemical Engineering program is ABET-accredited; the online M.Eng. itself is not listed by UConn as separately ABET-accredited.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the M.Eng., students interested in research-oriented or academic careers can explore doctoral-level study, including UConn's graduate opportunities in Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. The M.Eng.'s advanced coursework in chemical engineering, machine learning, simulation, biochemical engineering, and bioseparations can provide relevant preparation for further specialization.