Master of Social Work - Traditional
The traditional Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University at Buffalo is des...
M.S. in Chemical Engineering
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.S. in Chemical Engineering at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within two years of full-time study. It primarily emphasizes a research-intensive experience, culminating in a thesis. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced chemical engineering concepts and methodologies, preparing them to contribute to scientific discovery and technological innovation. While primarily thesis-based, some departments may offer a non-thesis option, often involving additional coursework and a comprehensive exam.
STEM Designated: Yes, the M.S. in Chemical Engineering program at the University at Buffalo is STEM-designated. This is a significant advantage 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.S. in Chemical Engineering typically includes a combination of advanced coursework and significant research credits. Students are required to take core graduate-level courses in areas such as advanced transport phenomena (momentum, heat, and mass transfer), advanced chemical reaction engineering, and advanced thermodynamics. Elective courses allow for specialization in areas like biochemical engineering, sustainable engineering, materials science, nanotechnology, or process systems engineering. A substantial portion of the credits is dedicated to thesis research, which culminates in a written thesis and an oral defense, demonstrating the student's ability to conduct independent scientific inquiry.
Research Focus: The M.S. in Chemical Engineering at UB boasts a strong and diverse research focus, with faculty engaged in cutting-edge investigations across various frontiers of the discipline. Key research areas within the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering include advanced materials (e.g., polymers, composites, nanomaterials), sustainable energy (e.g., fuel cells, biofuels, carbon capture), biomolecular engineering (e.g., drug delivery, tissue engineering, synthetic biology), complex fluids, process intensification, and reaction engineering. Students work closely with faculty mentors on original research projects, contributing to advancements in areas such as targeted drug delivery, renewable energy technologies, and the design of novel materials.
Industry Engagement: The M.S. in Chemical Engineering program at UB prepares graduates for impactful roles in industry research and development. The rigorous research training, coupled with exposure to cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, makes graduates highly attractive to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, energy, materials, and chemical manufacturing companies. Many faculty members have extensive industry experience or collaborate with industrial partners, providing students with valuable insights into real-world applications and potential networking opportunities. While not typically featuring mandated internships as a core requirement for this research-focused M.S., the strong emphasis on practical laboratory skills and the development of research projects directly prepares students for industry R&D positions.
Global Perspective: The M.S. in Chemical Engineering at UB inherently fosters a global perspective by addressing universal scientific and engineering challenges that transcend national boundaries. Research areas such as sustainable energy, environmental protection, and pharmaceutical development have profound global implications. The program's faculty often collaborate with international researchers and institutions, and the university's diverse international student body enriches the learning environment with varied cultural viewpoints and different approaches to scientific problem-solving from around the world. This exposure prepares graduates to contribute to a global scientific community and address complex challenges with an international mindset.
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.S. in Chemical Engineering from UB, especially with its strong research emphasis, are well-prepared for technical and R&D-focused roles across a wide range of industries.
Research & Development (R&D) Engineer/Scientist: Conduct original research and development for new products, processes, or technologies in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, advanced materials, and energy.
Process Development Engineer: Design, develop, and optimize new chemical processes from the lab scale to pilot and production scale, focusing on efficiency, yield, and safety.
Materials Scientist/Engineer: Research and develop new materials with specific properties for various applications (e.g., polymers, nanomaterials, composites) in manufacturing, aerospace, or biomedical fields.
Biochemical Engineer: Specialize in the design and optimization of processes involving biological systems, working in pharmaceuticals, biofuels, or food processing on fermentation, cell culture, or bioseparation.
Data Scientist/Process Modeler: Utilize advanced computational and statistical skills to model and simulate chemical processes, analyze experimental data, and optimize system performance.
Sustainable Technology Engineer: Develop and implement environmentally friendly processes, renewable energy technologies, or waste reduction strategies in industry or consulting.
Product Development Engineer: Focus on the creation of new products from concept to commercialization, often involving interdisciplinary teams and knowledge of chemical properties and manufacturing processes.
Technical Consultant: Provide specialized technical expertise in chemical engineering principles, process optimization, or new technology assessment to various industries.
Patent Engineer/Analyst: Assist with the patenting of new chemical processes, materials, or biotechnological inventions, requiring a strong understanding of both science and intellectual property.
Further Doctoral Studies: The M.S. program provides an excellent foundation and direct pathway for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering or a related scientific/engineering discipline, leading to careers in academia or advanced research.
