Worcester Polytechnic Institute

What you'll study

This professional master’s emphasises applied chemical engineering topics and practical problem solving. The curriculum combines advanced core subjects with electives and a project or practicum that integrates classroom learning with industry-relevant experience.

• Core topics: advanced transport phenomena, chemical thermodynamics, reaction engineering and kinetics, separation processes, and process design and optimisation.
• Modelling and tools: process simulation, numerical methods for engineers, process control and automation, and the use of industry-standard software for equipment design and process analysis.
• Specialist electives: biochemical engineering, environmental and sustainable engineering, materials and polymers, corrosion and materials selection, and advanced separations (membranes, adsorption, chromatography).
• Capstone/practicum: a team-based, applied project or industry practicum that emphasises design, safety, economic evaluation and implementation—often undertaken with a corporate partner or through WPI’s project-based learning framework.
• Professional skills: courses and modules that build communication, project management, regulatory awareness and workplace ethics tailored to engineering contexts.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a closely related science or engineering discipline. Admissions typically consider the strength of your undergraduate preparation in core engineering mathematics and science, academic transcript, professional experience, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose outlining goals for graduate study and sometimes a résumé or CV. GRE requirements vary and may be waived; international applicants will need to demonstrate English language proficiency where applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Professional MS programme pursue roles that apply technical expertise to industrial problems and product development. Typical career paths include:

• Process engineer or process development engineer in chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food and other process industries.
• Product development and formulation roles in specialty chemicals, materials and consumer products.
• Process safety, environmental compliance and sustainability engineering positions.
• Operations, optimisation and control engineering in manufacturing facilities.
• Technical consulting, project engineering and engineering management roles where advanced coursework and applied project experience are valued.

Why study at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI is known for its project-focused curriculum and close links to industry, which benefit professional master’s students seeking applied experience. The institute provides access to modern chemical engineering laboratories, interdisciplinary research centres and regional industrial partnerships, particularly in New England’s strong chemical, biotech and materials sectors. Small cohort sizes and dedicated career services help students make professional connections, and flexible delivery options may be available to accommodate working professionals.