Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.E. in Chemical Engineering
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.E. in Chemical Engineering at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within 1.5 to 2 years for full-time students. Unlike a thesis-based M.S. degree, the M.E. is a coursework-intensive professional master's degree, focusing on deepening technical knowledge and practical application rather than extensive original research. The program aims to prepare graduates for challenging and rewarding careers in diverse sectors, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, energy, environmental engineering, and manufacturing.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.E. in Chemical Engineering program at the University at Buffalo is STEM-designated. This classification is highly beneficial for international students, as it allows for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension of 24 months beyond the initial 12 months, totaling up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This designation underscores the program's rigorous scientific, technical, and engineering curriculum.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum for the M.E. in Chemical Engineering emphasizes advanced coursework in core chemical engineering principles and specialized areas. While specific course lists may vary, typical topics include advanced transport phenomena (momentum, heat, and mass transfer), advanced chemical reaction engineering, advanced thermodynamics, and process design and control. Students select electives that align with their career interests, which might include areas such as biochemical engineering, biomaterials, sustainable engineering, process safety, or advanced separations. The program typically culminates in a comprehensive exam or a capstone project that demonstrates the application of learned principles to a practical engineering problem, rather than a research thesis.
Research Focus: While the M.E. in Chemical Engineering is primarily a coursework-based professional degree, students benefit from the strong research environment within the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Faculty expertise spans a wide range of areas, including advanced materials, sustainable energy, biomolecular engineering, complex fluids, and process intensification. Although a thesis is not a requirement, students may have opportunities to engage in project-based learning that involves applied research or design challenges, drawing upon the department's cutting-edge research. This exposure ensures that graduates are familiar with the latest scientific and technological advancements in the field.
Industry Engagement: The M.E. in Chemical Engineering program at UB is highly focused on preparing graduates for direct impact in the chemical and process industries. The curriculum is designed to meet the demands of modern industry, providing practical skills in process design, optimization, and problem-solving. The department maintains strong connections with industry partners, which can facilitate networking opportunities and potential internships, although internships are not a mandatory part of the M.E. degree requirement. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in various sectors, from traditional petrochemicals and polymers to emerging fields like biotechnology, sustainable energy, and advanced materials manufacturing.
Global Perspective: The M.E. in Chemical Engineering at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing universal challenges and opportunities in the chemical and process industries, many of which have international implications. Topics such as sustainable manufacturing, global energy solutions, and the international supply chains for chemical products are often integrated into the curriculum. The program's focus on innovative and environmentally responsible processes also aligns with global efforts toward a more sustainable future. As a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, enriching the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to solving complex engineering problems from around the world.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
Graduates with an M.E. in Chemical Engineering from UB are highly adaptable and sought after in a wide range of industries due to their strong foundation in chemical engineering principles and specialized industrial focus.
Process Engineer: Design, optimize, and manage chemical processes in manufacturing plants for industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, or petrochemicals.
Research and Development (R&D) Engineer: Conduct research to develop new products, improve existing processes, or explore novel materials and technologies in industrial or government labs.
Bioprocess Engineer: Apply chemical engineering principles to biological systems, working in industries like biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, or biofuels to develop and optimize bioprocesses.
Materials Engineer: Specialize in the design, development, and testing of new materials (e.g., polymers, composites, nanomaterials) for various applications in industries like electronics, automotive, or aerospace.
Environmental Engineer: Focus on designing and implementing solutions to environmental problems, such as pollution control, waste treatment, and sustainable resource management, often within industrial or consulting firms.
Energy Engineer: Work on developing and implementing sustainable energy solutions, including renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency improvements, and advanced energy storage systems.
Quality Control/Assurance Engineer: Ensure that products and processes meet strict quality standards and regulatory requirements in industries like pharmaceuticals, food, or specialty chemicals.
Technical Sales/Marketing: Combine technical expertise with business acumen to promote and sell complex chemical products, equipment, or services to industrial clients.
Consultant (Chemical Engineering): Provide specialized technical advice and solutions to companies on process optimization, material selection, environmental compliance, or new product development.
Data Scientist/Process Modeler: For those with a focus on modeling, simulation, and informatics, apply advanced data analytics and computational tools to optimize chemical processes, predict material behavior, and improve efficiency.
