About Chemical Engineering in University of Utah

Degrees Offered

PHD IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

MS IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The Master of Science degree allows students an opportunity to earn an advanced degree in chemical engineering in less time and with lower research intensity than the PhD degree. Students will develop a deeper understanding of core principles of chemical engineering and will learn the art of independent research. The Master of Science in Chemical Engineering degree can be a good springboard for a PhD, since the course requirements for the two degrees are similar.

The University of Utah Department of Chemical Engineering offers several options for students to earn a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering degree:

• Coursework-Based track*: This self-funded option provides an opportunity for students to deepen their knowledge of chemical engineering subjects through coursework. Students must complete 30 credit hours of core and elective engineering courses with an average GPA of 3.3 to receive their degree. This track can usually be completed in 16 to 24 months. Students on this track are responsible for covering all costs for the degree.
• Project-Based track*: Under this self-funded track, students perform an independent, self-directed project chosen either through consultation with their supervisory committee or through their employer. The project is worth six credit hours and students take 24 addition­al core and elective credit hours. Completing the degree involves an oral defense of the project before the supervisory committee. This track can usually be completed in 16 to 24 months. Students on this track are responsible for covering all costs for the degree.
• Thesis-Based track: The thesis based track is for existing University of Utah students and is coordinated through special arrangement with a supporting faculty member; it is not available for outside applicants. For the thesis-based Master of Science degree, students must complete 30 credit hours of core and elective courses and perform independent research under the direction of a faculty advisor. It is expected that at least one peer-reviewed article related to the research project will be published. Students must write and successfully orally defend a Masters thesis in order to receive the degree. This track typically takes 24 to 36 months to complete.

  * Students can switch between the coursework- and project-based non-thesis tracks at any time during their degree.

In addition to these standalone Masters programs, the Department of Chemical Engineering, in collaboration with the David Eccles School of Business, offers a dual MBA and MS in Chemical Engineering program. Moreover, current University of Utah chemical engineering undergraduates (freshmen-juniors) are encouraged to consider the department’s dual BS/MS in Chemical Engineering program.

Academic qualification equivalents

• Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree 

English language requirements 

• IELTS : 6.5
• TOEFL IBT: 80

University of Utah Highlights

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