Potential Careers
- Biofuels
- Chemicals
- Environmental
- Research
- Petroleum and petrochemicals
- Pharmaceutical
Master's of Science in Engineering
Master's in Chemical Engineering (MSE)
Here, you'll meet your career goals through a balance of traditional courses that explore advanced techniques of chemical engineering within a flexible schedule.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Mater's
Format
Hybrid (Online & On Campus)
Credits
30
Avg. Time to Completion
2 years
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Chemical Engineering (MSE) Program
Customize your master of science in engineering program with a specialization in chemical engineering to meet your career goals with core courses in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction kinetics, mass transfer and applied mathematics, along with a wide range of technical electives.
At Widener, you will:
- Benefit from a supportive environment and a flexible curriculum.
- Have the opportunity to get more involved with research or teaching, graduate assistantships are available.
- Graduate ready to be a leader in a number of industries ranging from career fields such as power generation and process industries, pharmaceuticals, or agrochemicals.
Master's in Chemical Engineering Program Options
You can earn your master of science in engineering degree with or without a thesis. The classroom study includes core engineering courses as well as advanced technical electives in chemical processing, biotechnology, environmental engineering, and engineering management. Students following the thesis option will take 24 credits of classroom study and complete a 6-credit thesis. Those not pursuing thesis will replace the 6-credit thesis with two technical electives.
For curriculum and coursework requirements, view our Loading....
The online catalog also features School of Engineering educational objectives, academic policies, and more which can be accessed by clicking Academic Schools & Departments and selecting the School of Engineering.
You can build additional knowledge in a second area of engineering and advance your graduate-level work by pursuing a dual specialization. Dual specialization is available within all engineering tracks and is often paired with engineering and technology management.
Jointly offered by the School of Engineering and School of Business Administration, this dual degree program gives you the inside track to emerging engineering leadership by offering technical training paired with advanced study in business and management.
In order to pursue this dual degree, you must apply and be admitted to both degree programs.
Learn more about the dual MSE/MBA program.
Outlook & Outcomes
Why Study Chemical Engineering (MSE) at Widener?
Create a Flexible Schedule That Works for You
Graduate classes meet one night per week and are streamed over the Internet live and archived for later viewing. This gives you a direct connection to faculty, and allows you to stay up-to-date with coursework while traveling or when unexpected work conflicts arise.
Participate in Innovative Faculty Research
Work with faculty on investigative research for major grants such as creating advanced materials, novel drug discovery, discovering antibodies to support immune cells to fight cancer, and developing novel materials to recover to rare-earth elements. These research areas are supported by National Science Foundation (NSF), American Chemical Society Sponsored Petroleum Research Fund (ACS-PRF), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Alzheimer’s Association, W.W. Smith Charitable Trust, Clinton Global Initiative and Ivanhoe Foundation.
Experience Personal Classroom & Learn in State-of-the-Art Facilities
With small class sizes, you receive direct interaction with experienced faculty. You will learn from industry experts in the classroom and have the opportunity to work closely with classmates. In addition, the Graduate Program Office is always open in the evenings prior to class.
Two state-of-the-art instructional laboratories are equipped with modern equipment that supports assignments, as well as chemical engineering processes for unit operations.
Chemical Engineering Master's Program Highlights
Our Faculty
"The multi-disciplinary field of chemical engineering utilizes knowledge of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, and economics to design, operate and control large-scale industrial physico-chemical processes converting raw materials to useful chemical and pharmaceutical products and nanomaterials that improve the quality of our lives and protect the environment"
"At Widener, we are at the forefront of combining rigorous academics with experiential learning, and accordingly we train you in applying the unique chemical engineering knowledge to a wide variety of fields, ranging from chemicals and petrochemicals to more modern applications in bioengineering, nanotechnology, and pharmaceuticals."
"In dealing with the most complex and critical areas of the subjects, I always like to ask the students to adopt the process of independent thinking and analytical reasoning rather than just memorizing things, which, I believe, is the key approach to generating expertise within the students."
Recent News
Getting to the Heart of Some of the World’s Leading Illnesses
In the NanoBio Lab, Professor Sachin Patil and his team of student-researchers are producing findings that advance treatments against some of the most devastating illnesses, from Alzheimer’s disease to cancer.
Engineering Faculty Receives Funding for Cancer Research
Sachin Patil, chemical engineering professor, was awarded a grant from the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust to investigate novel cancer therapeutics.
Chemical Engineering Faculty Awarded National Science Foundation Grant
Dipendu Saha, an assistant professor of chemical engineering, receives a two-year $100,000 Early-Concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) grant.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Requirements
- Candidates should hold a bachelor of science degree in engineering. Candidates who hold undergraduate degrees in closely related areas are also considered.
- Candidates should hold a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.8 (based on a 4.0 system) from an undergraduate program and scores from the GRE. The GRE requirement is optional for applicants with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and above from an EAC/ABET accredited undergraduate program, applicants interested in pursuing the MSE part-time, and current Widener students applying to the 4+1 accelerated program.
Deadlines
The School of Engineering graduate program reviews applications on a rolling admission basis.
What You'll Need to Apply
- Online Application
- Resume
- Personal Statement (see details below)
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Transcripts
- GRE scores
Personal Statement
Please explain why you wish to do graduate work in the field you have selected with particular emphasis on your proposed area of specialization. Please limit this essay to no more than one typewritten page.
Widener transfer applicants follow the same application process as general applicants. After you apply, our admissions team will work with you to determine whether completed undergraduate and graduate coursework will count towards foundation/core courses that can be waived or substituted.
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process. This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
How to Apply as a Graduate International Student
- Complete your online application
- Submit your official transcripts from all college/university post-secondary institutions. A course-by-course credential evaluation completed by a NACES certified organization will be accepted if the transcript is not in the English language.
- Fulfill the English Proficiency requirements
- If you require an F-1 visa, you must provide written proof you have adequate funding available to meet the expenses incurred while studying in the United States
Financial Aid
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it.
You might be surprised how much we are able to offer.
Getting started is easy. Simply apply to Widener and submit your FAFSA to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources. Our school code is 003313.
In order to receive a financial aid offer, students must meet certain eligibility requirements. Here are the general eligibility requirements for most financial aid programs:
- Must demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Be enrolled or admitted for enrollment as a regular student in an eligible degree or certificate program
Learn more about applying for financial aid as a graduate student
85% of Full-Time Grad Students Receive Aid
Simply apply to Widener and complete the financial aid process to be automatically considered for scholarships and grants. Because Widener is a private institution, we are able to offer financial assistance that brings our education within reach for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford it. You might be surprised at how much we are able to offer in assistance.
Applying For Financial Aid as a Graduate Student
In order to receive your part of the financial aid pie, all you have to do is submit your FAFSA. "FAFSA" stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and helps identify whether you are eligible for aid awarded by Widener, the government, and other sources.
Graduate Assistantships
Widener offers a limited number of graduate assistantships to enrolled students. GAs receive tuition assistance for their work. Once you're a student, contact your program director for more information.
Employer Discounts & Tuition Reimbursement
Widener University also partners with many local organizations and corporations to offer discounted tuition and other incentives to their employees. Don't see your company on the list? Ask them to become a partner. In addition, employers often offer educational reimbursement benefits. We encourage you to explore these opportunities and will be glad to provide any necessary documentation.
20% Discount for Widener Alumni
(some restrictions apply)
If you graduated with a degree from Widener, you may qualify for a 20% tuition discount. The first step to see what you qualify for is to submit your application. Widener offers students many paths to savings, and while we don't offer "double discounts", we'll make sure you'll get the biggest financial benefit you're eligible for. Only students who have completed an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree are eligible. Students who have pursued a 4+1, 4+2, or 3+3 pathway, graduate assistantship, Widener-funded scholarship, or other tuition discount may not be eligible if the financial discount granted surpasses 20%.
