Graduate Programs
Welcome! We're excited to share the graduate program opportunities that our department offers. MSU is among the top 3 percent of colleges and universities in the nation for research expenditures, and has Carnegie classification for very high research activity.
For additional information about the graduate program consider attending the Fall 2023 Virtual Graduate School Recruitment Fair.This event is held November 6-9, 2023
To explore all graduate degrees offered at MSU, visit the Programs and Degree portal.
If you are a current grad student, you can find more information under Graduate Student Resources.
Degrees Offered
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemical Engineering includes coursework and a faculty-advised project. Plan A (Thesis Option) requires a research project and defense of a Thesis, while the Plan B (Non-Thesis Option) requires presentation of a professional paper.
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Environmental Engineering includes coursework and a faculty-advised project. Plan A (Thesis Option) requires a research project and defense of a Thesis, while the Plan B (Non-Thesis Option) requires presentation of a professional paper.
Note that for the M.S. in Environmental Engineering, there are two avenues for completing the degree – through the Civil Engineering Department or through the Chemical Engineering Department. If you have a background in Chemical Engineering or closely-related discipline, you should apply through the Chemical Engineering Department. If you have a Civil Engineering background, you should apply through the Civil Engineering Department.
The Master of Science (M.S.) in Bioengineering includes coursework and a faculty-advised project along with a research project and defense of a Thesis.
The Master of Engineering degree offers a shortened master's track for students concentrating in an area of study. Rather than completing a research thesis or professional paper, students in this program focus on completing 30 course credits, typically within 18 months. This program is well suited for students continuing directly from a bachelor's degree who want less focus on research, as well as practicing engineers seeking additional credits toward professional licensure.
The Master of Engineering degree offers a shortened master's track for students concentrating in an area of study. Rather than completing a research thesis or professional paper, students in this program focus on completing 30 course credits, typically within 18 months. This program is well suited for students continuing directly from a bachelor's degree who want less focus on research, as well as practicing engineers seeking additional credits toward professional licensure.
The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering includes coursework and a faculty-advised research project. The Ph.D. requires passing a qualifying and comprehensive exam, as well as writing and defending a dissertation.
The Ph.D. in Engineering, Environmental Option includes coursework and a faculty-advised research project. The Ph.D. requires passing a qualifying and comprehensive exam, as well as writing and defending a dissertation.
Note that for the Ph.D. in Engineering, Environmental Option, there are two avenues for completing the degree – through the Civil Engineering Department or through the Chemical Engineering Department. If you have a background in Chemical Engineering or closely-related discipline, you should apply through the Chemical Engineering Department. If you have a Civil Engineering background, you should apply through the Civil Engineering Department.
Research Opportunities
See our department's research webpage to learn about our research focus areas, research facilities, faculty research interests, and new developments.
Funding Opportunities
The CHBE department and faculty research advisors strive to provide financial support for all Ph.D. and thesis-option (Plan A) M.S. students throughout the course of their studies. The Master of Engineering (MENG) programs are self-funded coursework only programs and students are generally not eligible for departmental funding. Non-thesis option (Plan B) M.S. degrees are also typically not eligible for department funding. The CHBE department strives to provide stipends that are on par or above the average stipend within the NACOE.
Research assistantships provide financial support to graduate students who work on externally funded research projects. The funding for GRA’s comes directly from grants obtained by faculty members through a competitive proposal process and is therefore available only for specific projects. A GRA generally pays a stipend as well as tuition and fees. The stipend amount will depend upon the funding source, but faculty must meet or exceed the department’s minimum.
Individual faculty members choose graduate students to receive GRA support based on the needs of the project and the interests and capabilities of the student. The sponsoring faculty member typically serves as the research advisor and committee chair for the student.
Graduate teaching assistantships provide a stipend and tuition and fee waivers for graduate students serving as teaching assistants for CHBE department courses. GTA position offers are made by the department and availability changes every semester depending upon funding and number of courses requiring TA support. There are several reasons why a graduate student may work as a GTA during their graduate work:
- New incoming Ph.D. or thesis-option M.S. students without a research project and advisor identified may be funded on a GTA temporarily as they search for a project. A student isn’t guaranteed GTA funding for their entire degree, rather it is temporary funding (~ one year) until they find an advisor who will provide GRA funding.
- A current Ph.D. or thesis-option M.S. student may receive a GTA appointment in order to cover any gaps in GRA funding during their degree. This often occurs in the first year or the last 1-2 years of study for a Ph.D. student.
Other Funding
The engineering college offers a Benjamin Fellowship that provides a stipend of $25,000 for a first year of Ph.D. study. For more details see the college's graduate funding opportunities webpage.
MSU's Graduate School provides information about additional funding and fellowship opportunities at MSU.
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Applying for Admission
The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering has the following minimum requirements for admission to the graduate programs:
- 3.0 GPA in undergraduate program (based on A=4.0)
- TOEFL (internet exam - 80) or IELTS score of 6.5 or higher - required for non-native speakers of English
- GRE Not Required
Note: The typical GPA for admitted M.S. graduate students is around 3.4 and the typical GPA for admitted Ph.D. graduate students is around 3.6.
For those entering without having an adviser/major professor previously identified, students should secure an adviser as early as possible, but no later than the end of the second semester of registration in the M.S. or Ph.D. program.
Note: that the graduate school’s online application will ask for an assistantship letter or form. There is not a required format for this letter. For this requirement, you may upload a short statement regarding whether you have interest in receiving a graduate research or teaching assistantship or if you would like to be considered for admission without funding.
Deadline for consideration for Assistantships
- Fall Semester: February 1
- Spring Semester: August 1
Domestic Applicants
- Fall Semester: July 1
- Spring Semester: November 1
- Summer Semester: March 15
International Applicants
- Fall Semester: May 1
- Spring Semester: September 15
- Summer Semester: January 15
The Graduate School at MSU handles all graduate admissions. If you are ready to apply, visit the Graduate School's online application.
Please note! The department does not have the ability to waive application fees.
If you aren't sure whether you want to formally apply, you can fill out our department's Graduate Study Inquiry Form, and someone will reply via email.
More detailed information on various graduate student processes can be found in the ChBE Graduate Student Handbook.
Contact
Jennifer Brown
Graduate Program Coordinator
Associate Professor
Abbie Richards
Department Head
Associate Professor