Program Overview
The masters in chemical engineering at the University of Kansas (KU) is a research-focused graduate degree designed to prepare engineers for advanced professional practice and doctoral study. Offered through the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, this program provides in-depth technical knowledge, rigorous analytical training, and opportunities to conduct original research in areas such as thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction engineering, and materials processing.
As a chemical engineering masters, the Master of Science (MS) program includes both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to tailor their experience to career goals. Students pursuing the thesis track complete independent research under faculty supervision and defend a written thesis, while non-thesis students complete advanced coursework and a comprehensive examination. Both pathways strengthen expertise in core chemical engineering principles while emphasizing innovation, data-driven problem solving, and systems-level thinking.
Through this masters degree in chemical engineering, students build advanced competencies in modeling, simulation, process analysis, and experimental design. Faculty research spans areas such as energy systems, sustainable processes, catalysis, materials science, and biochemical engineering. These research strengths shape the curriculum and give students opportunities to contribute to meaningful technological solutions.
Students enrolled in one of KU’s chemical engineering masters programs benefit from:
- Close mentorship from research-active faculty
- Access to advanced laboratory and analytical instrumentation
- Opportunities to collaborate across engineering disciplines
- Preparation for careers in industry, government, or doctoral study
- Flexible options designed to accommodate full-time graduate study
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For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Chemical Engineering, MSKU School of Engineering
The Master of Chemical Engineering is part of the School of Engineering, where new technologies are developed to solve the problems facing the world.Master’s in Chemical Engineering Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the masters in chemical engineering program will demonstrate advanced mastery of chemical engineering theory and research methodology. Upon completion of the degree, students will be able to:
- Apply advanced mathematics, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and reaction engineering principles to complex systems
- Design, analyze, and optimize chemical processes using modern engineering tools
- Conduct independent research and interpret experimental or computational results
- Integrate knowledge across subdisciplines to solve open-ended engineering challenges
- Communicate technical findings effectively through written reports, presentations, and formal defenses (for thesis students)
What Careers Are Possible with a Master’s in Chemical Engineering?
Graduates of the masters in chemical engineering program are prepared for advanced roles in industry, research, and government laboratories. Many positions align with jobs that require chemical engineering expertise in process development, materials innovation, energy systems, and manufacturing optimization.
Career paths may include:
- Process Engineer
- Research and Development Engineer
- Materials Scientist
- Energy Systems Engineer
- Environmental Process Engineer
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Engineer
Professionals with a graduate credential often pursue leadership, research, or highly technical roles. Data from Lightcast indicate strong national demand for chemical engineers, with competitive earnings. The typical masters in chemical engineering salary reflects advanced technical specialization, with national median compensation for chemical engineers around $134,000 annually and projected employment growth over the coming decade.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Pursuing a master’s degree in chemical engineering from KU is an excellent investment in your future. KU offers a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships to help make your education more affordable.
For detailed information on tuition rates, financial aid opportunities, and how to apply for assistance, please visit KU Financial Aid & Scholarships.
Admission Requirements
To apply for the master’s in chemical engineering program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a closely related field
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale) for undergraduate coursework
- GRE scores (optional but encouraged for certain applicants)
- Three letters of recommendation from academic or professional references
- A personal statement outlining academic goals and research interests
- Official transcripts from all previous institutions
For more information on the application process and deadlines, visit KU Chemical Engineering.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
The masters in chemical engineering emphasizes immersive research and advanced technical training. Graduate students work closely with faculty advisors to define research objectives, conduct experiments or simulations, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications or conference presentations.
Laboratory and computational research environments support work in areas such as reaction engineering, materials science, energy systems, separations, and process modeling. Through these experiences, students in this masters degree in chemical engineering develop the independence, analytical thinking, and technical communication skills expected of advanced engineers.
Beyond the laboratory, KU offers a collaborative graduate community. Students participate in seminars, professional development workshops, and engineering organizations that expand networks and support career preparation. The academic culture encourages intellectual curiosity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership development.
Master’s in Chemical Engineering Sample Courses
Coursework in the masters in chemical engineering reinforces advanced theoretical foundations and research competencies. Depending on degree path and specialization, students may complete courses such as:
- Chemical Engineering Design
- Process Safety & Sustainability
- Chemical Principals of Environmental Engineering Processes
For a complete list of courses, please refer to the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Chemical Engineering Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
- Fall semester admission priority deadline is January 5, final deadline of March 1.
- Spring semester admission deadline is October 1.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in two years.