Earn Your Chemical Engineering Master’s Degree in Just One Year

At Cornell University, the Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering empowers STEM graduates to apply their skills to solve global challenges. In just one year, students gain expertise in fields such as data science, energy systems, and medical or industrial biotechnology.
Members of the Cornell University Sustainable Design from left to right, Saikant Kamble, Michelle Yang, Anant Gupta, Sarah Alruwaily, and En Lo pose for a photograph around one of their refurbished solar panels in Ward Laboratory on Wednesday, November 30th, 2022. (Ryan Young / Cornell University)

The Chemical Engineering Master’s Designed for STEM Undergrads Ready to Level Up

Today’s chemical engineers work at the intersection of science, data, and industry. We give you the flexibility to tailor your studies while developing expertise in areas such as data science and AI, energy economics, or medical and industrial biotechnology. Through an industry-focused capstone project and professional development opportunities, you’ll gain the technical and leadership skills needed to turn complex challenges into practical solutions and accelerate your career trajectory.

  • One Year Program

    30 credits commonly completed over two semesters.

  • Industry-driven Capstone Project

    Real-world experience instead of a research thesis.

  • Open to All STEM Majors

    Our cohort draws from many academic backgrounds.

  • No GRE Required

Focus Areas Designed Around the Skills Industry Wants

  • Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

    Apply data analytics, machine learning, and AI to solve real-world engineering challenges. This focus area bridges process engineering, data science, and computer science to prepare you for the next wave of smart technologies.

  • Energy Economics and Engineering

    Lead the transition to a carbon-neutral future. Combine technical, financial, and policy insights to design sustainable energy systems and drive innovation across industries.

  • Medical and Industrial Biotechnology

    Transform health and industry through biotechnology. Gain practical experience in analytics, bioengineering, and process design to power breakthroughs in medicine and renewable materials.

The Duffield Engineering Difference

  • Customize Your Path

    Tailor your coursework to align with your interest and goals through our flexible, interdisciplinary curriculum.

  • Pursue a Focus Area

    Take a deeper dive in the areas of data science and AI, energy economics, or medical and industrial biotechnology.

  • Solve Real Challenges

    Work in collaboration with industry partners or department faculty to complete an industry-focused capstone project that delivers practical, high-impact results – no thesis required.

  • Build Leadership Skills

    Strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and management skills through professional development and collaboration.

The curriculum offers both breadth and flexibility. It enabled me to pursue my interests across a variety of disciplines, both within and outside of chemical and biomolecular engineering. Also, the support and mentorship I received from the faculty were invaluable. Professors have provided guidance in and out of the classroom, helping me make key decisions about the next steps in my career.”

Leah Zhao M.Eng. ‘24
Leah Zhao