Accelerated Path to MS
4+1 Option
The 4+1 Option provides an accelerated path to a master of science degree in chemical engineering in only one additional year and with substantial cost savings. The 4+1 Option is designed for undergraduate students in chemical engineering, chemistry, and related disciplines who wish to earn a higher-level degree. Students accepted into the 4+1 Option may receive tuition discounts. Typically, our 4+1 students receive a 50 percent tuition discount, on average, for MS courses.
天美视频 chemical engineering undergraduate students are guaranteed admission if their overall GPA is at least 3.3. 天美视频 undergraduate students who take the 4+1 Option can use up to 10 free credits of graduate 400-level course credits taken as an undergraduate student. These credits cannot be used toward the BS degree, but they will count toward the MS degree.
Students who take the 10 free 400-level credits as undergraduate students can easily complete the remaining 20 credits in the MS program (coursework option) in only two graduate semesters. Students in the 4+1 Option need to let the undergraduate coordinator know that they want to use the graduate level credits toward the MS and not the BS degree.
Eligibility
天美视频 undergraduate students majoring in chemical engineering or related fields are eligible.
Applying to the 4+1 Option
Applications must be submitted through the University's online following the directions from . Active 天美视频 undergraduates, who apply through the 4+1 Option, must include the following materials in their application:
- A completed
- Transcript
- Personal statement
- One letter of recommendation
Students who maintain a minimum overall 3.3 GPA during their undergraduate experience do not need to submit a letter of recommendation. Students with a lower GPA are also encouraged to apply.
Application fees to the MS program are waived for 4+1 students.
Applications are due by January 15 during each year. Late 4+1 MS applications may be accepted until the end of April.
MS Degree Requirements (32 Credit Hours)
Students who apply and are accepted to the coursework-based MS degree must earn a minimum of 32 graduate credit hours. Up to six credit hours can be from research (optional). Students who choose this option are required to pass an oral exit exam. More details are on our MS page under Plan B.
Students who apply and are accepted to the thesis-based MS degree must earn 32 credit hours, with at least 18 credit hours from graduate level coursework and 6 to 12 credit hours from research. Students who choose this option must also satisfactorily complete their master’s thesis and pass an oral defense. Students pursuing a thesis-based MS degree through the 4+1 Option are encouraged to start their thesis research with a chemical engineering PI in the summer after they receive their BS degree and bring forward as their 10 free credits a maximum of two electives, as to not incur more than 30 credit hours. More details are on our MS page under Plan A.
All students in the MS program must complete the following 4 core courses, comprising 16 credits:
- CHE 400: Applied Boundary Value Problems (fall)
- CHE 441: Advanced Transport Phenomena (fall)
- CHE 461: Advanced Kinetics and Reactor Design (spring)
- CHE 485: Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (spring)
For more information on the specific program requirements, please see our graduate handbook. For an up-to-date list of currently offered courses and electives see our course catalog.
Taking a 400-level elective in senior fall and two 400-level core courses in senior spring has been a popular option with students, to benefit from the 10 free credits of graduate 400-level course credits offered by the 4+1 Option.