Master's in Chemical Engineering overview
Lehigh University's graduate programs in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE) prepare students to be a driving force behind advances in energy and sustainability, trailblazers in bioscience and health, and innovators in simulation and machine learning techniques. Our programs offer specialized technical knowledge and an interdisciplinary outlook that opens doors and overcomes obstacles, setting you up to make a lasting impact.
Master's in Chemical Engineering highlights
- 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
- 20% of faculty are in National Academies.
- 40% of faculty hold prestigious NSF CAREER awards.
Chemical Engineering salary and career outlook
Graduates of Lehigh's ChBE master's programs are well-prepared for leadership roles across various industries and earn average starting professional salaries of $106,000. Recent graduate placements include top companies and institutions such as:
- Air Products
- Cummins
- Evonik
- ExxonMobil
- Honeywell
- Mayo Clinic
- Merck
- Harvard
- MIT
Chemical Engineering program format
The department offers a Master of Science (MS) and Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Chemical Engineering, with both on-campus and online options available. The 30-credit degrees include a subset of advanced chemical engineering coursework, but ample flexibility is afforded for students to customize their coursework to support their career goals. That flexibility also ensures a smooth transition for those with technical backgrounds outside of the core discipline, including biologists, bioengineers, chemists, environmental engineers, material scientists, polymer scientists, and physicists, among others. Thesis, research project, and coursework-only options are available.
Chemical Engineering collaborations
Students study and work under the guidance of world-renowned faculty, gaining specialized technical knowledge. From day one, you join a welcoming, close-knit, and dynamic intellectual community that elevates your trajectory and sets you up to make a lasting impact. Students have access to an incredible variety of advanced spectroscopic techniques, a state-of-the-art electron microscopy facility, a wide range of advanced laboratory facilities, and an institutional culture of collaboration that is facilitated by the university's Interdisciplinary Research Institutes. Students benefit from a supportive environment with amazing advisor resources and truly personalized mentorship.
Chemical Engineering external funding
The department's research is sponsored by a variety of sources, including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, NASA, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Petroleum Research Fund. Both merit-based and alumni tuition scholarships are available.
Master's in Chemical Engineering admissions requirements
To be considered for admission to the master's program, candidates must hold at least a Bachelor of Science (or equivalent) degree in a related field. A complete application must include:
- A candidate's personal statement detailing motivation for graduate study, relevant background, and research experience.
- The candidate's resume summarizing background relevant to graduate study.
- Complete transcripts from each college and university attended. Unofficial copies may be uploaded initially, but official transcripts are required upon accepting an offer of admission.
- At least two (2) letters of recommendation from qualified individuals. Preference is given to letters from research advisors and professors, but letters from technical/industrial employers are also accepted.
- For international students whose first language is not English who have not studied in the US or countries where English is an official and widely spoken language, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or Cambridge English Qualification test scores are required.
- A non-refundable application fee of $50.
- GRE test scores are not required.
Frequently asked questions about a graduate degree in Chemical Engineering
Q: What is the funding situation for master's students?
A: Merit-based and alumni tuition scholarships are available.
Q: What is the difference between the MS and M.Eng. degrees?
A: The Master of Science (MS) is a research-focused degree, while the Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) is a professional, coursework-only degree designed to advance your skills for a career in industry.
Q: Are online options available for the master's programs?
A: Yes, both the MS and M.Eng. in Chemical Engineering, as well as the M.Eng. in Biological Chemical Engineering, are available with fully online options.