Chemical engineering
Master of Engineering
Overview
Related Topics
Discover the versatility of chemical engineering
Chemical engineers play a critical role in addressing some of the world’s most complex challenges, including reducing industrial pollution, improving energy efficiency, managing hazardous waste and developing renewable energy solutions. Your graduate study in chemical engineering prepares you to apply engineering principles to create innovative solutions for industry, research and society.
In this program, you’ll develop advanced research skills, experimental methods and analytical techniques needed for careers in industrial research, academia and technology development. You will collaborate with faculty experts in areas such as chemical reaction engineering, process design, pulp and paper technologies, hazardous waste management, bioremediation, nanoscience and mass transfer.
The program provides access to state-of-the-art research facilities and advanced laboratory equipment, including atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography systems. These resources support your hands-on research experiences and the development of cutting-edge engineering solutions.
Accelerated 4+1 Master of Engineering
The accelerated 4+1 Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) program allows University of Idaho undergraduate students to earn both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in an accelerated timeframe. Eligible students can complete the M.Eng. degree in one additional year while paying in-state undergraduate tuition rates.
Interested students must apply to the accelerated program during the last semester of their undergraduate degree and meet application deadlines established by the College of Graduate Studies. Students who have completed credits beyond undergraduate degree requirements may be eligible to apply approved credits toward their graduate degree requirements. The 4+1 pathway provides a streamlined opportunity for students to advance their expertise and prepare for professional career opportunities.
This program may be a good fit if you:
- Interested in advancing expertise in chemical processes, energy, biotechnology, materials, or environmental engineering
- Enjoy solving complex problems using science and engineering principles
- Want to design, optimize, and improve industrial processes and technologies
- Seek to develop advanced technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Want to collaborate on innovative engineering projects
- Are pursuing career advancement or leadership opportunities in engineering and technology
View the online chemical engineering graduate handbook
Engineer a cleaner tomorrow
Curriculum
The M.Engr. in chemical engineering is a 30-credit program for students preparing for industry roles. The program focuses on engineering practice, design and professional application through advanced coursework and project-based experiences.
Current U of I undergraduate students in related disciplines can earn an M.Engr. degree in one additional year and pay in-state tuition rates by applying before completing their undergraduate study.
A Master of Science in chemical engineering is available, emphasizing research, technical specialization and developing new knowledge through advanced coursework and a thesis requirement. The program is well suited for students pursuing research careers, technical leadership or doctoral study.
Learning outcomes
Through the Master of Engineering program in chemical engineering, you’ll develop the ability to lead engineering projects from concept through design, development and production using applied research and technical knowledge. You will gain advanced expertise in chemical engineering principles and related sciences while strengthening your ability to communicate technical information through professional presentations and written work. This preparation supports career advancement in high-demand fields such as energy, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, manufacturing and environmental engineering.
Program format
The Master of Engineering in chemical engineering program is a coursework-based degree designed to provide advanced technical knowledge and critical thinking skills without a thesis requirement. You’ll complete a minimum of 30 credits, including graduate coursework, seminars and a non-thesis research experience. The program culminates in a final examination involving a written technical review and oral presentation evaluated by faculty. This format prepares you to apply advanced chemical engineering concepts in professional and industry settings.
Faculty expertise
You’ll engage with faculty through coursework and professional mentorship. Faculty areas of expertise include:
- Chemical processes and reaction engineering
- Energy systems and sustainable technologies
- Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing
- Environmental engineering and pollution prevention
- Process design, modeling and optimization
- Advanced materials and nanotechnology
- Industrial processes and engineering applications
Professional licensing
Completion of the program will count towards eligibility for the Professional Engineer's License (PE) to practice engineering, which requires a four-year degree from an ABET-accredited school, four years of experience under a PE, and passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Principles of Practice in Engineering (PE) Exams.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,383 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and mid-career salaries
- Architectural and Engineering Managers
$177,591 - Chemical Engineers
$124,948 - Marine Engineers and Naval Architects
$114,784 - Postsecondary Engineering Teachers
$87,482 - Biomedical Engineers
$124,454
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Costs and funding
Additional funding opportunities
University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.
Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:
- Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.
- Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.
- View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
- Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.
Connect with your program: Funding for Master of Engineering (M.Engr.) students is generally not available in the form of teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships. This degree is designed as a professionally oriented, coursework-based program rather than a research-funded graduate track.
If you are interested in conducting research and developing advanced research and analytical skills may wish to consider the Master of Science (M.S.) option for this program, which may offer opportunities for funding through assistantships or fellowships depending on availability and departmental support.
If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.
Recognized STEM Program
This program is recognized as a STEM program by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and may be eligible for the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension for international students.
Contact information
Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities.
Program contact:
Dev Shrestha
devs@uidaho.edu
For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:
Graduate Admissions:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu
208-885-4001
Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.
Application information
Applicants for the M.Engr. in chemical engineering must meet the following admission requirements:
Program availability
- Concentration: Non-thesis
- Semester intake: Fall, Spring
- Eligible for expedited admission for U of I undergraduates
- Eligible for 4+1 admission for U of I undergraduates
- Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 or J-1 visa status.
- Deadlines: General application deadlines
- Start dates:
University requirements
- Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar field
- Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent directly by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.
- GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
- GRE: Not required
- Letters of recommendation: Three
- Resume
- Statement of Purpose
- Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
- English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).
- Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.
- Application Fee: $50
Application and admission process:
Applications are submitted online and are specific to the program and term selected. Applicants seeking admission to multiple programs must submit a separate application for each program.
Before submitting an application, applicants must provide personal and academic information from all post-secondary institutions attended, recommender information, required program-specific materials, and their intended program and start term.
Applications are reviewed for admission by the academic program. Only complete applications, including required letters of recommendation and payment of the application fee, will be forwarded for evaluation and admission decision. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications early to allow sufficient time for a thorough review.
International students seeking F-1 or J-1 visas must provide financial documentation demonstrating their ability to cover the cost of attendance. This documentation is required only after admission.
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
Have questions?
Have questions about the program? Connect with our program director or request more information to learn about curriculum, faculty advisors, research opportunities, graduate funding and career outcomes.
Dev Shrestha
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