Best Master's in Chemical Engineering Online 2022
Updated November 8, 2022 · 2 Min Read
Discover the Best Chemical Engineering Degree
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, chemical engineers earn a six-figure salary on average, and that includes those with just a bachelor's degree. Pursuing an online masters chemical engineering degree can position you to earn even more as you advance in the field. Those engineers with knowledge of new technologies in chemical engineering such as nanotechnologies and biotechnologies will have the best chances of securing lucrative and awarding roles. Online masters chemical engineering degrees will provide you with this knowledge base, helping you qualify for the job you want. In this ranking, we explore our choices for the top online master's in chemical engineering programs. For more general information regarding online learning, visit our ranking of the top online colleges.
Rating and Ranking Methodology
Tuition Points:
• Under $45,000—1 point
• Under $40,000—2 points
• Under $35,000—3 points
• Under $30,000—4 points
• Under $25,000—5 points
• Under $20,000—6 points
• Under $15,000—7 points
• Under $10,000—8 points
US News and World Report Recognition as a Top Online School for Master’s Engineering Programs
Top 5—5 points
Top 10— 4 points
Top 25 —3 points
Top 50 —2 points
Top 75 —1 point
Customization Options
• Format Customizations (e.g., Hybrid/Online, Full-time/Part-Time, Accelerated, Degree Completion, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option
• Content Customizations (e.g., Minors, Concentrations, Specializations, etc.)—1 Point Per Customization Option (5-point cap)
Wow Factor
• 1 point awarded for each unique feature or program that “wowed” us
This ranking of the 5 best online master's in chemical engineering degree programs began with an evaluation of the 19 accredited colleges and universities offering this distance education option. Using data from both College Navigator and US News and World Report, we applied the rating and ranking methodology listed above. In cases of a tie, the more affordable school was awarded the higher ranking.
Featured Online Schools
Online Master of Science in Chemical Engineering
Points: 12
Our choice for the best online master’s in chemical engineering degree, North Carolina State University’s program is offered through the school’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. This 30-credit hour offering is available entirely online with no campus residency required, and coursework is delivered asynchronously. Specific course titles include Chemical Reaction Engineering, Transport Phenomena, Chemical Engineering Process Modeling, and Thermodynamics I. NC State distance education students can complete their master’s programs in chemical engineering online within 3-5 years of part-time study.
In-State Tuition: $8,492
Online Master’s in Chemical Engineering
Points: 12
The top online master’s in chemical engineering degree program from Missouri University of Science and Technology is an accelerated offering that can be completed in just one year. Enrolled students will take three mandatory classes: Intermediate Reactor Design, Intermediate Engineering Thermodynamics, and Intermediate Transport Phenomena as well as electives in both chemical engineering and non-chemical engineering topics. Sample elective courses include Advanced Risk Assessment and Reduction, Process Safety in the Chemical and Biochemical Industries, Design for Six Sigma, and Plant-Wide Process Control. An industry-driven project is also required prior to graduation from this best online MS in chemical engineering program.
In-State Tuition: $9,854
Online MS in Chemical Engineering
Points: 11
Auburn University’s Department of Chemical Engineering offers one of the top online master’s degrees in engineering in terms of flexibility. The program can be completed fully online with no residency requirements. This 30-semester hour, non-thesis option emphasizes engineering design and practice. The curriculum for the program includes courses such as Engineering Thermodynamics, Multivariate Calculus, Principles of Chemical Engineering, and Heat and Mass Transport. Like most other top online master’s degrees in chemical engineering programs, this program is designed for students with an undergraduate degree in engineering or a closely related field.
In-State Tuition: $9,342
Online MS in Chemical Engineering
Points: 10
Kansas State University’s program is among the best top online master’s degrees in chemical engineering for working engineers who already hold an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering. Required courses for the 30-credit hour curriculum include Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering, Chemical Engineering Analysis, and Advanced Transport Phenomena. Students will also choose from elective classes like Processing of Materials for Solid State Devices, Bioseparations, and Polymer Science and Technology. Students who earn their chemical engineering master’s degrees online from KSU may find careers in manufacturing, energy, agriculture, microelectronics, biotechnology, and more.
In-State Tuition: $9,960
Online Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
Points: 10
Among the best master’s in chemical engineering online programs, the offering from the University of Illinois-Chicago is a 36-credit hour master of engineering offering with a specialization in chemical engineering. Students are required to take two courses for the major: Engineering Law and Engineering Management as well as concentration-specific classes such as Renewable Energy Technologies, Computational Molecular Modeling, and Fundamentals and Design of Microelectronics Processing. Several graduate certificates are also available, including certificates in Electromagnetics Technology and Engineering Law and Management. It is important to note that although students can complete most of the requirements for their master’s programs in chemical engineering online, proctored exams are required.
In-State Tuition: $13,502
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