Chemical engineering
Master of Science
Where chemistry meets change
Chemical engineers help solve many of today’s biggest challenges — from cutting pollution and saving energy to creating cleaner technologies and managing harmful waste. Their work plays a big part in protecting the environment and developing new sources of energy.
In this program, you’ll explore how chemical processes work and gain the skills needed for research or industrial careers. You’ll team up with experienced faculty members to study topics like reaction systems, paper production methods, nanotechnology, and ways to clean up hazardous materials.
Hands-on experience is a key part of your learning. You’ll use cutting-edge lab equipment like atomic microscopes, gas analysis tools and laser-based instruments to explore real-world problems and develop smart solutions.
Overview
Related Topics
Chemistry powers progress
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Hold an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering
- Have a solid background in chemistry, biology, physics, mathematics and the fundamentals of engineering
- Want to engage in leading research
- Want to enhance your career opportunities
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,385 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary Engineering Teachers
$48,689 - Architectural and Engineering Managers
$122,156 - Nanosystems Engineers
$67,828 - Nanotechnology Engineering Technicians
$51,260 - Biomedical Engineers
$68,523
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
For information on FAFSA deadlines, financial aid types and eligibility requirements, visit the University of Idaho Financial Aid Office website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Graduate funding opportunities
University of Idaho is awarded more than $100 million in annual grants, contracts and research appropriations.
- Idaho National Laboratory Graduate Fellowship Program — Recipients of this competitive fellowship receive full tuition and fees by U of I during their first three years of graduate school. INL covers tuition, fees, and a $60,000 annual salary during the final two years of their doctoral research, to be conducted at INL.
- National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) Graduate Fellowship Program — These year-long salaried assignments offer hands-on experience in nuclear security and nonproliferation. Administered by Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and open to all engineering disciplines.
- NASA Idaho Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) — $25,000 fellowship programs that contribute to NASA’s mission of exploration and discovery. Open to full-time graduate and doctoral students.
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) — For outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees.
- National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship — Three-year fellowship with full coverage of tuition and all mandatory fees, including a monthly stipend and up to $1,000 a year in medical insurance.
- DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE Professional) Programs — RISE Professional offers summer research internships in Germany to Master’s and Ph.D. students at companies and non-university research institutions with strong relations to industry.
- Faculty provide funding through a variety of external agencies and industry partners. Contact our faculty to learn more about these funding opportunities.
For more funding options, visit the College of Graduate Studies’ funding website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.
Learn about clubs related to your major:
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers (ASABE)
- Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA)
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- Material Advantage (MatAdv)
- National Organization for Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCCHE)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Vandal Clean Energy Club
Application information
Applicants for the M.S. in chemical engineering must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Number of references: 3
- Other requirements: No
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.