Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, MSE
The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering master's is for students who wish to prepare themselves for research and development activities by obtaining a more solid foundation in the principles of chemical and biomolecular engineering. At the same time, limited specialization in one of several fields, such as fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, control, design, bioengineering, polymer engineering, heat transfer, or computer applications is possible.
For more information: http://www.cbe.seas.upenn.edu/prospective- students/masters/index.php
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
Master's Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | ||
| CBE 6180 | Advanced Molecular Thermodynamics | 1 |
| CBE 6210 | Advanced Chemical Kinetics and Reactor Design | 1 |
| CBE 6400 | Transport Processes I (Fall) | 1 |
| ENM 5100 | Foundations of Engineering Mathematics - I 1 | 1 |
| Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Electives | ||
| 5000-level CBE courses | 2 | |
| Electives | ||
| Engineering or Science elective 5000-level or above | 1 | |
| Any elective 5000-level or above 2 | 3 | |
| Total Course Units | 10 | |
- 1
Alternative graduate level math courses may be considered at the discretion of the Graduate Group Chair.
- 2
Students may take up to one course in the Wharton School. Non-technical classes will be allowed at the discretion of the Graduate Chair. With permission, students may take up to 2 CU's of Independent Study (5990) or 2 CU's of Master's Thesis (9990), with a CBE faculty member, which are counted as electives.
GPA Requirement
A grade average of at least B must be kept to remain in good standing. Students with an undergraduate degree in a field other than chemical engineering receiving a grade of C or below in any required graduate course will be asked to withdraw. It should be emphasized that merely passing all graduate courses does not obligate the University to grant a degree. Successful candidates for the MSE degree must be recommended as such by the Graduate Group Committee.
Focus areas include:
- Biotechnology and Pharma
- Catalysis, Energy, and Environment
- Computational Science and Simulation
- Process Control and Design
- Soft Matter
See Graduate Group Chair or Graduate Coordinator for suggested lists of elective courses in different focus areas.
Sample Plan of Study, no thesis 1
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Course Units | |
| CBE 6180 | Advanced Molecular Thermodynamics | 1 |
| CBE 6400 | Transport Processes I | 1 |
| ENM 5100 | Foundations of Engineering Mathematics - I | 1 |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| CBE 6210 | Advanced Chemical Kinetics and Reactor Design | 1 |
| 2 CU's of Engineering Electives | 2 | |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| 3 CU's of Electives | 3 | |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| 1 CU Elective | 1 | |
| Course Units | 1.00 | |
| Total Course Units | 10.00 | |
Sample Plan of Study, with thesis 1
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Course Units | |
| CBE 6180 | Advanced Molecular Thermodynamics | 1 |
| CBE 6400 | Transport Processes I | 1 |
| ENM 5100 | Foundations of Engineering Mathematics - I | 1 |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| CBE 6210 | Advanced Chemical Kinetics and Reactor Design | 1 |
| 2 CU's of Engineering Electives | 2 | |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| 2 CU's of Electives | 2 | |
| CBE 9990 | Master's Thesis | 1 |
| Course Units | 3.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| CBE 9990 | Master's Thesis | 1 |
| Course Units | 1.00 | |
| Total Course Units | 10.00 | |
- 1
Program Duration: MSE students must register for at least three course units per semester to maintain full-time status. This is especially important for international students to maintain their visa status. Full-time master’s students can complete their degrees in one to two years. In order to complete the degree in one year, it is necessary to take four course units in both the fall and spring semesters, with two course units during the summer session.