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The University of Rochester's Chemical Engineering Department pioneers advancements in clean energy, sustainable processes, nanotechnology, and healthcare through innovative technologies and materials. Founded in 1915 among the nation's earliest chemical engineering programs, our department boasts a rich legacy of globally influential work by faculty, students, and alumni. We uniquely combine chemical engineering with materials science and AI to address 21st-century challenges.
Our exceptional engineering curriculum teaches students to implement core scientific principles for designing energy, chemical, and material production systems. By integrating emerging technologies and programming skills, we prepare future chemical engineering leaders to solve critical global issues while fostering industry and academic partnerships for workforce development.
Graduate students pursue PhD or MS degrees while engaging in transformative, interdisciplinary research within our well-supported laboratories. They work alongside renowned faculty through innovative coursework and pioneering projects, benefiting from our department's collaborative culture.
Emphasizing cross-disciplinary approaches, we encourage partnerships with chemistry, optics, biomedical engineering, and materials science departments. Students access cutting-edge research facilities and computational resources to conduct impactful studies.
Earning an MS in Chemical Engineering from Rochester creates pathways to advanced careers or doctoral studies. This flexible program typically takes 1-2 years, offering both research and coursework options with contemporary chemical engineering foundations and specialized electives.
Coursework-focused MS candidates complete 32 graduate credits, with up to 6 optional research credits. These students must pass a final oral examination, with most completing the program within eighteen months through our Plan B track.