M.Eng. in Chemical Engineering

Situated at the intersection of business, policy, and technology, our one-year Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) degree provides students with the technical and practical skills needed for success in the professional arena. The M.Eng. is a course-based, non-research degree that is suited for those interested in a career in industry.
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M.Eng. students work together to decide how to refurbish one of the Solar Panel Reboot team’s broken photovoltaic boards.

Program Highlights

  • Student Rebecca Cantrell working through a problem set on a white board.

    Fundamentals

    Students complete a series of required fundamental coursework over two semesters to build a solid basis for data science/artificial intelligence/process modeling, innovation, entrepreneurship, and leadership. In addition to this coursework, M.Eng. students complete a real-world team project that prepares them for the professional area by developing solutions to current challenges using financial analysis and feasibility-driven management skills.

  • Qiuming Yu and a research student in the Yu Research Lab in Olin Hall fume hood.

    Focus

    Design your program of study in one or more focus areas:

  • Two MEng students chat at a table with laptops.

    Free

    Our program is more than just technical instruction. Sure, there are specialized courses. However, societal problems are rich and multifaceted. Technology is only part of the formula to change the world.

    Students have flexibility in selecting their electives from anywhere on campus to give them the tools and perspectives they need to make a positive impact. Our program fully embraces the “…any person … any study” ethos that makes Cornell a special place.

Focus Areas

Choose a focus area that aligns with your interests.

“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

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Master of Science vs. Master of Engineering – What’s the Best Fit for you?

Both the Master of Science (M.S.) and Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) are rigorous graduate degrees, but they’re designed for different goals and learning styles. If your goal is to conduct original research and explore academic or research-intensive careers, the M.S. may be the right fit. If you’re looking to build applied skills, work on real world problems, and move quickly into an industry career, the M.Eng. offers a focused, experience-driven path forward.

  • The M.Eng.: Non-Thesis, Project-Based Learning

    • 2–3 semesters, often completed in less than a year
    • Focused on professional practice and leadership skills
    • Prepares you for industry or entrepreneurial roles
    • M.Eng. project: Instead of a traditional thesis, M.Eng. students complete a team-based or individual projects that reflect how engineering work happens in industry, startups, healthcare, and public-facing organizations.

  • The M.S.: Thesis-Based Research

    • Typically 2 or more years
    • Focused on research and academic inquiry
    • Often leads to Ph.D. or research positions
    • Research thesis: Students typically work closely with a faculty advisor over multiple semesters to develop and defend a research thesis.

     

     

News

Featured Employers

  • Air Products and Chemicals
  • Amazon
  • Arcadis
  • AstraZeneca
  • Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Codexis
  • ConocoPhillips
  • Corning Inc.
  • Deloitte
  • Exxon Mobil
  • General Electric
  • General Mills
  • Genentech
  • Global Foundries
  • Google
  • GTE Products Corporation
  • IBM
  • Infineum
  • Intel
  • Kraft Foods
  • Merck
  • Micron
  • Motorola
  • NOHMs
  • PepsiCo
  • Procter and Gamble
  • Regeneron
  • Technologies PowerAdvocate
  • Tesla
  • Samsung
  • Saudi Aramco
  • Schlumberger
  • Veolia
  • Wood Mackenzie

Job Title Examples

  • Applications Engineer
  • Battery Engineer
  • Chemical Process Engineer
  • Data and AI Technical Specialist
  • Development Engineer
  • Director of Engineer Standards and Compliance
  • Energy Analyst
  • Failure Analysis Engineer
  • Food Safety and Quality Associate
  • Innovation Operations and Strategy Manager
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Materials Development Engineer
  • Petroleum Engineer
  • Plant Contact Engineer
  • Process Automation Engineer
  • Process Technology Leader
  • Process Engineer
  • Quality Control Analyst
  • Renewable Development Analyst
  • Senior Associate Scientist
  • Senior Technical Project Manager
  • Software Engineer
  • Strategy and Management Consultant

M.Eng. Program Contacts