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.

  • One-Year Program

    30 credits completed over two semesters.

  • Industry-driven Capstone Project

    Applied, experiential learning through a real-world project rather than a research thesis.

  • Open to All STEM Majors

    Our cohort draws from many academic backgrounds.

Program Highlights

  • Customize Your Path

    Tailor your coursework with options across Cornell University 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.

Focus Areas Designed Around the Skills Industry Wants

Choose a focus area that aligns with your interests.

  • Person hand holding water sensor computer chip above a crate of apples. The chip was developed by professor Abraham Stroock

    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.

  • Solar Farm tour with professor Tobias Hanrath.

    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.

  • two researchers in lab coats conducting an experiment in the Alabi Lab.

    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.

“One of the most rewarding parts of my M.Eng. experience was stepping into a completely new and challenging space and pushing myself to navigate something complex and unfamiliar. Learning how to apply machine learning concepts in an engineering and healthcare context was especially fulfilling.”

Alina Chisti M.Eng. ‘25
Alina Chisti

Find Out More

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 and Spotlights

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