Masters In Chemical Engineering

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Delaware

Program Overview

The Master of Chemical Engineering (MChE) at the University of Delaware is designed for engineers who want to deepen their expertise in chemical engineering through advanced coursework, with a thesis option for full-time students in residence and a coursework option suited to engineers studying part-time. Students build advanced knowledge in chemical engineering fundamentals while developing specialized expertise through modules and electives in areas such as biomolecular engineering, catalysis and energy, data and systems, and soft matter.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students begin with core graduate-level chemical engineering fundamentals covering Modeling, Analysis, and Acquisition of Data (CHEG 807), Molecular Thermodynamics (CHEG 810), and Kinetic Processes (CHEG 820). They also study Diffusive Transport Processes (CHEG 821) and choose either Introduction to Data and Systems Analysis (CHEG 802) or Chemical Interfaces and Surfaces (CHEG 811), alongside Advanced Scientific Communication (CHEG 803).

Year 2:

Students can tailor their studies through advanced modules such as Electrochemical Processes (CHEG 850), Applied Thermodynamics (CHEG 851), Process Systems Engineering: Mathematical Modeling and Optimization Principles (CHEG 860), or Data Science for Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (CHEG 861). Students interested in biomolecular or soft-matter applications can also select Rate Processes & Dynamics for Microbial Systems (CHEG 840), Rate Processes & Dynamics for Mammalian Cellular Systems (CHEG 843), or Soft Materials, Colloids, and Polymers (CHEG 832); thesis-track students complete CHEG 869 Master's Dissertation.

Focus Areas:

Biomolecular Engineering, Catalysis and Energy, Data and Systems, Soft Matter, Molecular Thermodynamics, Kinetic Processes, Transport Processes, Process Systems Engineering, Data Science, Electrochemical Processes, Applied Thermodynamics, Soft Materials, Colloids and Polymers.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop advanced skills in chemical engineering modeling and data analysis, molecular thermodynamics, kinetics, transport phenomena, scientific communication, process systems engineering, optimization, data science, electrochemical processes and specialized chemical/biomolecular engineering applications. The flexible module structure also allows students to build expertise aligned with their chosen technical concentration.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The MChE is a graduate professional degree rather than a separately ABET-accredited undergraduate engineering program. The University of Delaware's Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering department has a strong engineering education and research environment, while ABET accreditation applies to the department's eligible undergraduate engineering program rather than being presented as accreditation of the MChE itself.

Reputation (Employability/Rankings):

The University of Delaware's graduate Chemical Engineering program was ranked No. 7 nationally out of 136 programs in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings. UD also reports more than $249 million in sponsored research and 14 graduate programs ranked among the national top 50, supporting the university's strong research environment.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MChE at the University of Delaware provides opportunities to connect advanced chemical engineering coursework with research, computational analysis, and industry-focused applications. Students benefit from the department’s world-class facilities in Colburn Laboratory, the Interdisciplinary Science & Engineering Laboratory, and the Ammon Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center, supported by university resources such as the Delaware Biotechnology Institute and W. M. Keck Electron Microscopy Facility. The department also maintains strong links with local industry and conducts research across areas including systems biology, microfluidics, nanotechnology, high-throughput experimentation, and fuel-cell energy systems.

Students can strengthen their practical and research capabilities through:

Thesis research: Students choosing the thesis option complete 6 credits of thesis work, working with a faculty member who serves as their research advisor.
Computational tools: Chemical engineering students have access to Aspen through UD's computing infrastructure, supporting process modeling and analysis.
Research laboratories: Colburn Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Science & Engineering Laboratory (ISE Lab), and the Ammon Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center provide major research and teaching facilities for chemical and biomolecular engineering.
Advanced research facilities: Students can benefit from university resources including the Delaware Biotechnology Institute and W. M. Keck Electron Microscopy Facility, providing access to specialized biotechnology and microscopy capabilities.
Energy and sustainability research: The Delaware Energy Institute (DEI) supports research and opportunities involving experimental catalysis, reaction engineering, computational catalysis, biomass conversion, renewable energy, plastics, process intensification, and green engineering.
Interdisciplinary institutes and centers: Graduate students can engage with programs such as the Delaware Energy Institute, Center for Neutron Science, Chemistry-Biology Interface Program, and Center for Bioinformatics & Computational Biology, which combine chemical engineering with life sciences, physical sciences, and computational research.
Industry-connected research: The department conducts both fundamental and applied research and maintains connections with local industry, giving graduate students exposure to research relevant to industrial applications.
Internship opportunities: UD's Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering department maintains career and internship resources, while the university's location in Delaware provides access to employment, internships, independent research, and career connections.
Research presentation experience: Graduate students can gain experience communicating research through departmental research activities and thesis defenses, particularly through the thesis pathway.
Career resources: The department provides access to Career Services, while the College and university offer resources such as internship opportunities and career connections for engineering students.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MChE at the University of Delaware prepares graduates for careers across chemical engineering, advanced manufacturing, energy, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, materials and process development. UD’s Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering department reports that its graduates pursue both industrial and academic careers, supported by a strong research environment and connections with local industry.

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

Students can strengthen their transition into professional and advanced research careers through:

Career development: UD’s Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering department provides a student-centered career-development environment, while its industry-facing activities connect students with employers and applied research opportunities.
Industry partnerships: UD has an active partnership with Waters Corporation, including the Immerse Delaware research and innovation lab at the Ammon Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center. Waters scientists work with UD students and faculty on challenges in biopharmaceutical manufacturing, analytical methods and process optimization.
Broader industry network: Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering maintains collaborations with local industry, while the university's research ecosystem includes organizations and companies working in biotechnology, energy, materials and advanced manufacturing.
Research-to-industry opportunities: UD's department conducts applied research in systems biology, microfluidics, nanotechnology, high-throughput experimentation and fuel-cell energy production, creating opportunities to develop expertise relevant to modern industrial problems.
Employment and salary figures: The university does not currently publish a program-specific MChE employment rate or graduate salary figure on the official MChE page. Therefore, an MChE-specific salary or employment percentage should not be inferred from broader university or occupation-level statistics.
Graduation outcomes: The department states that its graduates move into industrial and academic careers, reflecting the MChE's preparation for both professional engineering and further research pathways.
Long-term professional value: The MChE is a graduate professional degree; ABET accreditation should not be presented as accreditation of the MChE itself. Its long-term value instead comes from advanced chemical engineering preparation, specialized technical coursework, research exposure and UD's established engineering and industry connections.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MChE, students interested in research or academic careers can pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a closely related field. UD's Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering department offers a research-intensive graduate environment spanning areas such as systems biology, microfluidics, nanotechnology, energy and advanced chemical engineering, providing a strong foundation for doctoral-level study.