An MS in chemical engineering prepares the student for a wide variety of employment experiences in the industry ranging from plant operation to plant design. Employment opportunities in research may also be available to qualified MS graduates. Typically starting salaries are slightly higher than those for BS graduates. The MS degree is designed to give the student a solid foundation in chemical engineering principles and a strong research experience. For students desiring design experience rather than research experience, an MS degree with design emphasis is available. The department also cooperates with the Marriott School of Management to provide a joint MS-MBA degree. See the Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Handbook for details: https://chemicalengineering.byu.edu/grad-handbook

Requirements for Degree

• Credit hours: minimum 30 hours including 6 thesis hours (Ch En 699R). No more than 9 hours of 300–499 level coursework will apply toward the master’s degree.  All courses taken to satisfy degree requirements must be approved by the student's advisory committee.
• Required courses: Ch En 531, 533, 535, 601, 691R (every semester) and electives (12 or more hours). For requirements of special programs, see the Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Handbook (see web address above).
• English proficiency:  international students whose English language skills are judged by the department to be inadequate for completion of the degree may be required to take one or two ESL courses as specified in the admission letter.
• Residency requirement: residency is required for the major part of the work toward the master of science thesis. This work must be completed under the specific direction of a graduate faculty member while the student is in residence at BYU (at least two consecutive full-time semesters). “In residence” is defined as (1) being registered for credit as a graduate student and (2) living and conducting research in the general vicinity of the university, where the student has ready access to research facilities and consultation with the faculty. Further, all work applying to any master’s project or thesis must be completely open for university review and publication. Any exceptions to the above must be supported by written approval from the department and college and obtained in advance of any work being performed.
• Prospectus: each student must submit and obtain approval for a written prospectus on his or her proposed thesis topic.
• Periodic reviews: The department evaluates each student’s progress twice a year. Continuance as a candidate requires satisfactory ratings in these reviews.
• Thesis:  a written thesis on a significant engineering problem must be completed and defended orally to the satisfaction of the department.
• Cumulative GPA: 3.0 or above in all MS degree classes.