Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Master of Engineering (M.Eng.)

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Maryland College Park

Program Overview

The Master of Engineering in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Maryland is a professional graduate program designed for engineers and technical professionals who want to advance their careers in industry, business, and technology-driven fields. The 30-credit, non-thesis program combines advanced chemical engineering fundamentals with advisor-approved electives, allowing students to explore areas such as biological engineering, nanotechnology, and the development of innovative products and processes.

Curriculum Structure:

The program is completed through 10 courses totaling 30 credits, rather than a fixed year-by-year curriculum. Students complete four core courses and select 18 credits of electives approved by their academic advisor.

Core courses include:

CHBE 610 – Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics: Develops an advanced understanding of thermodynamic principles and their applications to chemical engineering systems.
CHBE 620 – Methods of Engineering Analysis: Builds analytical and mathematical skills for evaluating complex engineering problems.
CHBE 630 – Transport Phenomena: Explores the principles governing the transfer of momentum, heat, and mass in engineering processes.
CHBE 640 – Advanced Chemical Reaction Kinetics: Examines reaction rates and kinetic principles relevant to chemical reaction systems.

The remaining elective credits allow students to shape their studies around professional interests. Students prepare a preliminary course plan in consultation with their academic advisor.

Focus Areas:

Chemical engineering fundamentals, biological engineering, nanotechnology, chemical process development, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction kinetics, advanced engineering analysis, materials and process innovation.

Learning Outcomes:

Apply advanced chemical engineering principles to complex technical problems, analyze chemical and biological processes, evaluate engineering systems using mathematical and analytical methods, understand reaction kinetics and transport phenomena, develop specialized expertise through elective coursework, apply engineering knowledge to industrial and technological challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The program aligns with professional careers in chemical engineering, biotechnology, advanced materials, process development, and industrial innovation. Its applied, non-thesis structure is designed to help students strengthen technical expertise for professional practice. The M.Eng. program does not have a separately identified ABET accreditation; the university's undergraduate Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering program is ABET-accredited.

Reputation (Employability and Rankings):

The University of Maryland's A. James Clark School of Engineering offers students an established engineering academic environment, with opportunities to develop expertise in areas such as nanotechnology and biological engineering. The university describes this M.Eng. as a career-focused program for engineers and technical professionals working in changing industrial, business, and government environments. A specific employment rate, graduate salary figure, or program-level QS or Guardian ranking for this master's degree is not provided in the official program information.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Master of Engineering in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Maryland emphasizes applied technical knowledge through advanced coursework and advisor-approved electives. Students build practical engineering skills by studying chemical engineering thermodynamics, transport phenomena, engineering analysis, and reaction kinetics, then tailor their learning to professional interests through elective courses. The university's A. James Clark School of Engineering also provides a broader research and innovation environment, with facilities and research centers that support work in chemical, biological, and materials engineering.

Students can explore the following academic and practical resources:

Research laboratories: The department has specialized research groups and laboratories, including the Biochemical Engineering Lab, BioFluid Dynamics Laboratory, Functional Macromolecular Laboratory, and Sustainable Separation Laboratory. These facilities support work in bioprocessing, fluid mechanics, polymer materials, and energy-efficient separation technologies.
Biochemical and bioprocess research: The Biochemical Engineering Lab investigates protein and enzyme immobilization, process monitoring using near-infrared spectroscopy, fluorescence and light scattering, and biosensor design.
Materials and nanotechnology: The Functional Macromolecular Laboratory focuses on synthesizing, characterizing, and processing polymer-based materials for applications such as energy storage and medical devices. The Nanoscale Assembly and Electron Microscopy Lab explores micro- and nanoscale materials and assembly processes.
Computing and engineering analysis: The department provides a distributed computing network and a PC laboratory. These resources support computational work and advanced engineering analysis, although specific software packages for the M.Eng. curriculum are not identified.
Research opportunities: The department lists opportunities in aerosol science, biochemical engineering, fluid mechanics, molecular modeling, nanotechnology, polymer reaction engineering, protein engineering, systems biology, and thermodynamics. Participation in research is not stated as a required component of this professional M.Eng. degree.
Engineering facilities: The Clark School provides access to extensive engineering laboratories, computer labs, multimedia classrooms, and research facilities. Access to individual labs depends on course requirements, research participation, and facility policies.
Library resources: The university's STEM Library in William E. Kirwan Hall provides research resources and support for engineering and other science disciplines.
Projects, internships, and field trips: The official M.Eng. catalog does not specify mandatory group projects, internships, or field trips. Students should confirm elective-specific practical activities with the department or academic advisor.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Master of Engineering in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Maryland prepares students to apply advanced engineering knowledge to industrial challenges and pursue careers in chemical processing, biotechnology, materials development, and manufacturing. Its professional, non-thesis structure and flexible electives allow students to strengthen their technical expertise and align their studies with their career interests.

Graduates may pursue roles such as Chemical Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Biochemical Engineer, Materials Engineer.

Career development and future opportunities include:

Career services: UMD's Engineering Career Services provides access to engineering job and internship listings, resume clinics, career fairs, workshops, employer networking, and recruitment opportunities. Students can use these services to prepare for internships and full-time positions.
Employment and salary outcomes: The Clark School reports that more than 1,800 engineering students participate in co-op or internship opportunities each year. However, a specific employment rate or average salary for graduates of the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering M.Eng. program is not publicly reported in the official sources reviewed.
University–industry partnerships: The department collaborates with industry, government, and academic organizations through faculty research, sponsored lectures, conferences, career fairs, and employer engagement. The Clark School also has connections with employers such as ExxonMobil, DuPont, MedImmune, Intel, Bechtel, and Siemens. These are broader engineering-school connections rather than guaranteed placements or program-specific partnerships.
Professional recognition and accreditation: The program's advanced engineering curriculum can support long-term professional development in chemical and biomolecular engineering. The M.Eng. itself is not separately identified as ABET-accredited in the official program information, so students should not assume that accreditation of the undergraduate program extends to this master's degree.
Graduation outcomes: The department identifies career pathways across chemical process industries, biochemical and biomedical engineering, energy, advanced materials, electronics, environmental safety, and research and development. These fields offer varied directions for graduates, although program-specific graduate placement data are not available.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the M.Eng., students interested in advanced research or academic careers can consider applying to a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering or a related doctoral program. Doctoral study can provide deeper specialization in areas such as biochemical engineering, nanotechnology, materials science, reaction engineering, and sustainable processes. Since the M.Eng. is a professional, non-thesis degree, students planning to pursue research-intensive doctoral study should review individual Ph.D. admission requirements and research preparation expectations.