Coursework MS
Minimum of 10 courses
Those interested in industry careers may wish to enter the coursework MS track.
Time to completion: 9-15 months
Master of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering
Pioneering transformational discoveries to tackle global challenges
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University is pioneering transformational discoveries in synthetic biology, biotechnology, medicine, complex systems, energy, sustainability, and materials and using them to tackle the biggest problems facing the world today, including renewable energy, biomanufacturing, clean water, plastics recycling, and human health.
Highly interdisciplinary, the department conducts research across traditional boundaries while creating an inclusive environment that is committed to excellence in education and mentorship. The department also promotes entrepreneurship among its faculty and students, leading to innovative startups and national awards. The department’s collaborative culture prepares the next generation of chemical and biological engineers to work within a multidisciplinary team to develop solutions for society’s key challenges.
The master’s degree program is specifically designed for those interested in entering or advancing their careers in related industries. Students without a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field may need to complete some additional prerequisite coursework. In some cases, prerequisites can be earned after admission to the program.
Yoshita GuptaResearch Assistant, Northwestern University
What Students Are Saying
“The McCormick School of Engineering provided me with an exceptional platform to engage in cutting-edge research and collaborative learning. The program fostered an environment where I could grow academically while also contributing to the graduate community through my involvement in the Graduate Leadership Council.”
Linda BroadbeltSarah Rebecca Roland Professor
What Faculty Are Saying
“A hallmark of Northwestern Engineering is the collaborations that take place across disciplinary boundaries, within engineering and even beyond.”
Degree Tracks
The basics at-a-glance
Required courses give students broad exposure to advanced topics in core chemical engineering concepts, while technical electives introduce students to the diversity of topics in current chemical and biological engineering practice, including biotechnology, nanoengineering, and sustainability.
Earn your master’s or combined BS/MS degrees with the following options:
MS with thesis
Seven courses + three research units + thesis
Those interested in being a researcher in academic, industry, or government laboratories should choose the MS with thesis track. This option is intended to be a terminal master’s. Those interested in a PhD should apply to that program.
Time to completion: 21 months
Add a minor
Students in the program often complement their degree with a minor in synthetic biology or a minor in engineering management.
Chicago
A thriving community for research and work/life balance
Situated along the lake, 12 miles north of downtown Chicago, Northwestern’s unique location offers access to research opportunities as well as all the benefits of a global city. Our alumni have launched careers at companies and labs located near Chicago like Abbvie, Argonne National Laboratory, Honeywell UOP, and NuMat, to name a few.
Career Paths
Career advisers in Engineering Career Development and Northwestern Career Advancement assist students with career development and placement. The Northwestern Alumni Association helps forge connections to an alumni network that spans the globe.
Our graduates typically move on to careers within:
Pharmaceutical and Health
Food
Energy
Materials
Sustainability
Where our alumni work in industry
Request Your Program & Application Guide
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