Graduate
M.S. Degree
The M.S. degree programs (M.S.C.H and M.S.M.S.E) establish a core foundation in advanced Engineering fundamentals, while including considerable flexibility for participants to choose advanced electives defining an area of particular expertise. Both Thesis and Non-Thesis options are available. M.S. students are generally self-supported.
In addition to a traditional M.S. program, the USF BS/MS pathway option allows academically advanced USF Chemical Engineering Undergraduate students to obtain both an undergraduate and M.S. degree on an accelerated timeline by allowing some courses to count for both degrees. Students interested in this program should visit the USF Academic Catalog page on Accelerated Majors. Participants must satisfy the M.S. curriculum requirements linked below in addition to the requirements for the Accelerated Major program. Interested students should meet with their undergraduate advisor and the graduate director to determine eligibility and develop an approved program of study.
Information on curriculum requirements for the M.S. degree programs can be found in the USF Graduate Catalog. An overview is provided below.
Chemical Engineering (M.S.C.H)
The field of Chemical Engineering harnesses the principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to design and optimize processes for the production, transformation, and utilization of chemicals, materials, and energy. Chemical engineers focus on the development and application of processes that convert raw materials into valuable products, ensuring efficiency, sustainability, and safety. This discipline significantly impacts various sectors of our economy, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food and beverages, environmental protection, energy production, and materials manufacturing.
Admission Information
Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.
- An undergraduate Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or closely related field.
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose/research interests
Degree Requirements
Total Minimum Hours: 30 Credit Hours (thesis or non-thesis track)
At least 18 credit hours must be at 6000 level with a maximum of four (4) credit hours of Independent Study or directed research.
Core Requirements (6 Credit Hours)
- ECH 6840 Mathematical Methods for Chemical Engineering Credit Hours: 3
- ECH 6107 Molecular Thermodynamics Credit Hours: 3
Additional Course Requirements (6 Credit Hours)
Six (6) credit hours minimum from the following three courses:
- ECH 6285 Advanced Transport Phenomena Credit Hours: 3
- ECH 6506 Chemical Engineering Kinetics Credit Hours: 3
- BME 6573 Nano-medicine Credit Hours: 3
Other Requirements
18 Credit Hours (Minimum) of 5000/6000 level graduate courses
- Students will select electives in consultation with the Graduate Director
- Thesis option students must complete six (6) thesis hours (ECH 6971) while non-thesis option students complete six (6) additional credit hours of elective courses in lieu of thesis hours.
For students in the thesis track, the thesis and oral defense serve as the comprehensive exam. Students in the non‐thesis track will complete a comprehensive exam.
Materials Science & Engineering (M.S.M.S.E)
The field of Materials Science and Engineering applies the fundamental principles of physics and chemistry to engineering materials, with a focus on the interrelationship between material structure, their properties, and the means by which they are processed. MSE impacts multiple facets of our economy, such as aerospace, electronics, transportation, communication, construction, recreation, entertainment, environment and energy. The MSMSE degree program provides considerable flexibility for participants to choose advanced electives defining an area of particular expertise.
Admission Information
Must meet University Admission and English Proficiency requirements as well as requirements for admission to the major, listed below.
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Natural Sciences from an accredited institution
- Two letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose/research interests
Degree Requirements
Total Minimum Hours: 30 Credit Hours (thesis or non-thesis track)
At least 18 credit hours must be at 6000 level with a maximum of three (3) credit hours of Independent Study or directed research.
Core Requirements (6 Credit Hours)
- EMA 6510 Characterization of Materials Credit Hours: 3
- ECH 6107 Molecular Thermodynamics Credit Hours: 3
Other Requirements
24 Credit Hours (Minimum) of 5000/6000 level graduate courses
- Students will select electives in consultation with the Graduate Director.
- Thesis option students must complete six (6) Credit Hours of ECH 6971 Thesis: Master’s while non-thesis option students complete six (6) additional credit hours of elective courses in lieu of thesis hours.
For students in the thesis track, the thesis and oral defense serve as the comprehensive exam. Students in the non‐thesis track will complete a written comprehensive exam.