Chemical Engineering - Thesis Option, MS

Program Description

The Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering offers programs leading to Master of Science degrees. Graduate programs at Clemson prepare students to apply science and engineering principles to complex problems associated with the chemical, biomolecular and associated industries. Students develop an advanced understanding of science and engineering principles. Graduates can become involved in the research, manufacture and use of chemicals, polymers, pharmaceuticals, electronics, consumer products and petroleum products, to name a few. The department has strong research programs in advanced materials, biotechnology, energy, and chemical and biochemical processing.

Students with BS degrees in chemistry, physics, or other related branches of science and engineering are encouraged to apply and are considered fully for admission. To facilitate a transition from BS degrees other than Chemical Engineering, special programs are available.

Combined BS in Chemical Engineering/MS in Chemical Engineering and Science

Clemson Undergraduate Chemical Engineering majors who have earned a grade-point average of 3.4 or above and completed 90 credit hours can begin work toward a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering while completing a Bachelor of Science degree. The undergraduate curriculum allows up to nine credits of mutually acceptable graduate course credits to satisfy requirements of both degrees. Details are available in the ChBE Undergraduate Handbook, which can be found at www.clemson.edu/ces/chbe.

Students interested in the combined BS/MS degrees are advised to follow the standard Chemical Engineering Curriculum for their BS degree. The nine credit hours of coursework required for the emphasis area of Applied Engineering, Mathematics, and Science for the BS degree should be taken for courses numbered 6000 and above. These credits are applied to the 15 credit hours (Thesis Option) or 18 credit hours (Non-Thesis, Online Options) of Approved Technical Electives required for the MS degree.

Summary of Degree Requirements

The MS thesis option requires 24 credit hours in courses numbered 6000 or above and six credit hours of research.

Coursework

• CHE 8030 - Advanced Transport Phenomena 3 Credits  
• CHE 8040 - Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics 3 Credits  
• CHE 8050 - Chemical Engineering Kinetics 3 Credits  
• 15 credit hours of Approved Technical Electives that satisfy the following:
  • Minimum of six credit hours in CHE/BMOL courses
  • Minimum of six credit hours non-CHE/BMOL courses
  • Minimum of six credit hours in courses numbered 8000 or above
• 6 credit hours of masters level research (CHE 8910 )

For students entering the MS program with non-chemical engineering BS degrees, the following courses are also required (some requirements may be waived based on BS degree; additional requirements may apply):

• 3 credit hours in Mass and Energy Balances (CHE 2110)
• 3 credit hours in Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I (CHE 2200)
• 3 credit hours in Fluids/Heat Transfer (CHE 2300)
• 3 credit hours in Unit Operations Lab I or II (CHE 3070 or CHE 4070)
• 3 credit hours in Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics II (CHE 3210)
• 3 credit hours in Mass Transfer/Separations (CHE 3300)
• 3 credit hours in Chemical Reaction Engineering (CHE 4500)

Outcomes, Learning Objectives, and Graduation Requirements

The MS in Chemical Engineering is awarded based on completion of coursework, passing a final examination, and approval of a final masters dissertation. The basis for granting this degree is the student’s expertise of the subject matter, competence in planning and conducting research and ability to communicate professionally both orally and in writing. Ultimately, only the student’s advisory committee can certify that the student has earned this degree.