Master of Science Chemical Engineering

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of North Dakota

Program Overview

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering at the University of North Dakota (UND) is a research-centered graduate program designed for students who want advanced technical expertise and the ability to tackle complex challenges across chemical processes, sustainable energy, materials, and environmental applications. Students can choose a thesis or non-thesis research pathway, combining advanced Chemical Engineering coursework with independent research, experimentation, and specialized study.

Curriculum Structure:

Year 1:

Students establish an advanced foundation through courses such as CHE 501 Advanced Transport Phenomena, CHE 509 Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, and CHE 511 Advanced Chemical Engineering Kinetics, developing the mathematical and engineering knowledge needed to analyze complex chemical systems. Students also complete CHE 562 Seminar in Chemical Engineering and begin developing their research direction.

Year 2:

Students deepen their specialization through graduate electives and research while progressing toward their chosen M.S. pathway. Thesis students complete CHE 591 Research and CHE 998 Thesis, while non-thesis students complete CHE 591 Research and CHE 997 Independent Study, allowing them to apply advanced Chemical Engineering concepts to an individual research or engineering problem.

Focus Areas:

Sustainable energy, materials science, coal and bio-based fuels and chemicals, energy technologies and processes, heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalytic oxidation, polymer reaction engineering, polymer synthesis and rheology, air pollution control, biochemical engineering, combustion, rocket propulsion, corrosion, environmental engineering, chemical process development and advanced materials.

Learning Outcomes:

Students develop advanced chemical engineering problem-solving skills, research and experimental capabilities, the ability to formulate and communicate technical hypotheses, expertise in chemical processes and materials, independent research skills, and the ability to apply engineering knowledge to real-world technical challenges.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering is not separately listed as ABET-accredited. UND's B.S. in Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, with the department stating that its graduate program is research-centered and designed to develop students' research and professional capabilities.

Reputation (Employability):

UND identifies Chemical Engineering graduates as progressing into roles such as chemical process engineer, process manager, processing engineering manager, project manager, and senior chemical engineer. The university also reports a $125,000 median annual salary for chemical engineers in 2025 and a 5% projected job outlook through 2035, citing the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics; these figures describe the chemical engineering occupation rather than being M.S.-specific outcomes.

UND's Chemical Engineering master's page also highlights graduates working at organizations including Cargill, Dakota Gasification Company, Dow Chemical, Energizer Battery, Intel, Marathon Oil, Northrop Grumman, Oracle, Schlumberger, and U.S. Steel.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering at the University of North Dakota (UND) is strongly research-oriented, with thesis students beginning research activity early in the program and working with faculty on projects connected to energy, sustainable processing, materials, environmental engineering, biochemical engineering, and process development. Students gain practical experience through laboratory research, experimental design, process-scale testing, computational work, and independent research rather than relying only on classroom-based learning. UND's Chemical Engineering department also connects graduate research with the university's broader energy and process-engineering research infrastructure.

Specific opportunities and resources include:

Faculty-guided research: Graduate students are expected to meet with Chemical Engineering faculty to discuss available research projects and select a research adviser, allowing them to become involved in research during their first semester.
Research and thesis work: The thesis pathway includes CHE 591 Research and CHE 998 Thesis, giving students substantial experience conducting and documenting research related to Chemical Engineering.
Design of Engineering Experiments: CHE 515 Design of Engineering Experiments develops practical research-design skills that can be applied directly to graduate research projects. Professor Yun Ji's current research and teaching profile also lists this course.
Process Engineering Research: UND's Center for Process Engineering Research (CPER) supports research and development around process engineering, including carbon management and other industrially relevant technologies.
Institute for Energy Studies: Graduate research can connect with UND's Institute for Energy Studies, where researchers work on areas such as hydrogen production, carbon-dioxide capture through mineralization, waste-coal remediation, and sustainable processing technologies.
Pilot- and laboratory-scale testing: UND Chemical Engineering research includes laboratory- and pilot-scale testing for process development. Current faculty research includes hydrogen production, CO₂ capture and waste-coal remediation.
Renewable fuels research: UND has led Department of Energy-funded research investigating conversion of corn stover into jet fuel, involving catalyst development and the design, construction and operation of bench-scale and engineering-scale reaction systems.
Biomass and renewable chemicals: Research opportunities include biomass pretreatment, enzymatic hydrolysis, forestry biorefineries, renewable chemicals and fuels, green composites and materials, as well as process and environmental engineering applications.
Chemical Engineering computer facilities: UND has dedicated Chemical Engineering computing resources, including a computer laboratory for Chemical Engineering students.
Computational and modeling work: Graduate research can involve modeling and simulation in areas such as chemical processes, pipeline detection, thermodynamics, combustion, environmental systems and renewable-energy processes.
Materials and corrosion research: UND's Chemical Engineering curriculum and faculty research include materials and corrosion, providing opportunities to investigate materials performance and engineering applications.
Laboratory safety and research training: Graduate students must complete laboratory safety training before beginning experimental laboratory work, providing preparation for working safely with chemicals, equipment and research facilities.
Independent-study pathway: Students choosing the non-thesis option complete CHE 997 Independent Study and a written independent-study report approved by a faculty adviser, providing an alternative project-based experience.
Center for Process Engineering Research facilities: The current research environment includes work connected to critical-materials and process engineering projects, including a rare-earth-elements pilot plant highlighted by UND in 2026.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The M.S. in Chemical Engineering at the University of North Dakota (UND) prepares graduates for advanced technical and leadership roles across chemical processing, energy, manufacturing, research, and engineering management. The program's research focus also creates a strong pathway for students who want to move into industry R&D, government research, or doctoral-level study.

Typical career options: Chemical Process Engineer, Process Manager, Project Manager, Senior Chemical Engineer

Career Services: UND Career Services supports students with CV/resume development, cover letters, interview preparation, personal statements, networking, and job, internship and co-op searches. Students can also use Handshake to find jobs and internships, connect with employers, and receive alerts about career events and application deadlines.
Employment and salary: UND reports a $125,000 median annual salary for chemical engineers in 2025 and a 5% projected job growth through 2035, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. These figures describe the chemical engineering occupation rather than M.S.-specific graduate salaries.
Industry connections: UND's College of Engineering & Mines regularly hosts companies for recruitment, internships and employment through career expos and Lunch & Learn events. The university also highlights graduates and industry connections involving companies such as 3M, Archer Daniels Midland Company and Boston Scientific Corporation.
Research–industry collaboration: Chemical Engineering graduate students can participate in projects conducted in collaboration with the Energy & Environmental Research Center (EERC), particularly in areas such as sustainable energy, fuels, materials and environmental technologies.
Professional development: UND's School of Graduate Studies provides 60+ free workshops designed to strengthen professional skills and job-search strategies, adding career preparation alongside the technical M.S. curriculum.
Graduation outcomes: UND's university-wide 2024–25 outcomes survey found that 85% of responding graduates were employed, serving in the military, or pursuing additional education, while 88% of employed respondents reported occupations related to their field of study. These figures cover UND undergraduate respondents and are therefore not M.S.-specific.
Long-term accreditation value: UND's B.S. in Chemical Engineering is ABET-accredited, while the M.S. is a research-centered graduate program and is not separately identified as ABET-accredited. The graduate degree adds advanced research and technical preparation beyond the undergraduate engineering qualification.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the M.S., students can progress to the Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at UND. The doctoral program accepts applicants with an M.S. in Chemical Engineering with a minimum 3.0 GPA and provides advanced research preparation through substantial research and dissertation work; Ph.D. graduates can pursue research careers in industry, government and academia.