Creating a better future
The Department of Chemical Engineering’s (ChemE) graduate programs leverage Carnegie Mellon’s advanced research and technology, incorporating project work and graduate-level courses. The curricula are designed to equip students with skills and technical depth applicable to a wide range of diverse career paths.
Graduates of the department’s master’s programs excel in numerical methods, computational fluid mechanics, process simulation, and optimization. Ph.D. students become independent researchers, skilled in applying chemical engineering principles and advanced techniques to solve complex problems.
Application deadlines
- Fall
- Ph.D. - December 15th
- Master’s - January 31st
- Spring
- Ph.D. and Master’s - September 1st
Doctor of philosophy degree program
- Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering
Students pursuing a Ph.D. in chemical engineering become independent researchers proficient in applying chemical engineering principles as well as advanced analytical and experimental techniques to address complex, open-ended research challenges. This program prepares students for careers in academia, industry, and government research.
Master’s degree programs
- Master of Science - Applied Study (MS-ChE-A)
- The MS - Applied Study program equips students with practical skills for pathways in research and across industries. With both an independent project and a summer internship, the two-year program provides robust preparation for students interested in an industrial career.
- Master of Science (MS)
- With an emphasis on collaborative research, the MS program prepares students for research roles in industry or independent research through a Ph.D. The program typically takes a year and a half, with the required summer session focused on an independent project.
- Master of Chemical Engineering (MChE)
- The MChE program is for students interested in a fast track to new technical skills. The one-year program is coursework-based, with an emphasis on building computational expertise.
- Master's in Artificial Intelligence Engineering-Chemical Engineering (MS in AIE-ChE)
- The MS in AIE-ChE offers the opportunity to learn state-of-the-art knowledge in artificial intelligence, bridging the gap between AI and chemical engineering processes. Graduates have the unique capability to use AI to solve challenging chemical engineering problems. The program typically takes a year and a half. It includes a mini research project and the option to pursue a summer internship.
- Master of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering (MS-BTPE)
- The MS-BTPE program combines the strengths of our Biological Sciences and Chemical Engineering departments to offer advanced training appropriate for biotechnology and pharmaceutical engineering careers in academia, government, or industry. The program typically takes a year and a half.
Student experience
Chemical Engineering graduate students join a global community of scholars and researchers, fostering diversity and collaboration. Students are encouraged to enhance their professional and technical skills through active participation in Carnegie Mellon's student organizations.
Related organizations
- Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Association (ChEGSA)
- Chemical Engineering Master’s Student Association (ChEMSA)
- Graduate Student Assembly