Chemical Engineering, MS
approved for STEM-OPT extension, engineeringgrad, materials, operations, process
Explore the potential of molecular transformation and contribute to meaningful scientific progress. With the advanced expertise gained in this program, you can help address complex global challenges through research and innovation. Enter a field where chemistry, physics and mathematics intersect to shape the technologies of the future.
The Master of Science program in chemical engineering offers several areas of research emphasis, including atmospheric aerosols, biomolecular engineering, biosensors, chemical therapies for neurodegenerative diseases, electrochemistry, electronic materials processing, engineering education, flexible display technology, fuel cells, inorganic membranes, process design and operations, protein synthesis, transport phenomena in living systems, and water purification.
A graduate handbook detailing information on graduate studies in chemical engineering is available on the school's website. For additional details, students should contact the graduate advising office in the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
30 credit hours and a portfolio, or
30 credit hours and a thesis, or
30 credit hours including the required applied project course (CHE 593)
Required Core (9 credit hours) Technical Electives (12-18 credit hours) Other Requirement (3 credit hours) Culminating Experience (0-6 credit hours) Additional Curriculum Information The plan of study must be in accordance with university and program requirements. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") is required throughout the program. Candidates for the program must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of courses at the 500 level and above, with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 or above. Students who complete a portfolio for the culminating experience must complete at least 18 credit hours of graduate CHE coursework (500 level and above) for the major area of emphasis requirement. An additional three credit hours of elective coursework, for a total of nine credit hours, is also required. Coursework for the major area of emphasis is restricted to CHE coursework.
CHE 533 Transport Processes I (3)
CHE 543 Thermodynamics of Chemical Systems (3)
CHE 544 Chemical Reactor Engineering (3)
CHE 591 Seminar (3)
CHE 593 Applied Project (3)
CHE 599 Thesis (6)
portfolio (0)
All students are admitted to the nonthesis option unless a faculty thesis advisor is secured, at which time the student can initiate a change to the thesis option.
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Applicants must have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- personal statement
- resume or curriculum vitae
- three letters of recommendation
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency by scoring at least 4 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) or a score of 80 if taken before January 21, 2026, in a testing center, 6.5 on the IELTS or 105 on the Duolingo English test.
Admission to the accelerated master's degree program requires a 3.50 ASU GPA (scale is 4.00 = "A") in degree-applicable courses. All applications are subject to review, and admission is not guaranteed.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 12/31 | Priority |
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 08/01 | Priority |
Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program’s learning outcomes include the following:
- Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts of thermodynamics in the field and how to apply those concepts in their culmination event (Applied project or M.S. thesis).
- Communicate the results of research performed related to chemical engineering concepts through written and oral presentations.
- Demonstrate an understanding of key concepts of kinetics in the field and how to apply those concepts in their culmination event (e.g., Thesis).
Professionals with an MS in chemical engineering have strong opportunities at all levels in research, design and manufacturing at companies; at national laboratories (e.g., Department of Energy, Department of Defense, NASA); and in academia. Analytical skills learned in chemical engineering are also valued in other nonengineering positions.
Career examples include:
- engineer
- engineering manager or director
- engineering professor
- lecturer
- process engineer
- research engineer
Chemical Engineering Program
|
USE 138
semtegrad@asu.edu
480-965-2335
Program term definitions
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
The Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) provides a reduced tuition rate to non-resident graduate students who qualify. Visit the WRGP/WICHE webpage for more information: https://graduate.asu.edu/wiche.
