Masters+

Ph.D.+

Why Study Chemical and Biochemical Engineering?

One of the few universities with Chemical Engineering and Environmental Engineering in the same department, graduate students in this program can take advantage of the synergistic opportunities available between the two fields. The program emphasizes engineering principles, critical thinking, cooperation, communication skills, and lifelong learning.

Advance humanity with science.

From helping develop new medicines and bioprocesses, to developing a better understanding of how cells work, to creating alternative energy resources, a master’s degree in chemical and biochemical engineering is your next step to developing products and knowledge for a better tomorrow.

As a graduate student in this UMBC program, you’ll explore the latest innovations in biotechnology and biomedical engineering and work in laboratories side by side with faculty and other postgraduate students.

At a Glance

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What Are My Career Options Studying Chemical and Biochemical Engineering?

With the massive growth in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and biofuel industries, professionals who earn an advanced degree in chemical and biochemical engineering are increasingly in high demand. These industries seek engineers whose expertise is critical to the creation of products from the research stage to the manufacturing process.

Whichever direction you want to take your career in this rewarding field, UMBC’s master’s program will support your professional development and position you to become a highly qualified candidate in the field of chemical and biochemical engineering.

Tuition, Scholarships & Financial Aid

UMBC works to provide students with adequate need-based funding.

2025–2026 Graduate Cost Calculator Financial Aid Scholarships

Ready to Apply?

Review Master of Science in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Requirements

Applicants may have undergraduate degrees in engineering, or other disciplines. All applicants are expected to have completed the necessary prerequisites to begin the core curriculum for the degree program of interest.

All applicants should be aware of the financial support available for the students within our graduate programs.

Master’s Programs

Unofficial transcript(s)
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- Required Prior Coursework
  - ENEN MS
  - CENG MS
Two (2) or more letters of recommendation from professional or academic references.
C.V. or Resume (optional, but recommended)
Statement of academic goals and research interests* (optional; highly recommended)
English Language proficiency** scores are required for International students

Statement of academic goals and research interests:

PhD applicants are required to submit a ‘Statement of academic goals and research interests’ as part of their application. This must include the names of potential advisors.
MS applicants are highly encouraged to include a ‘Statement of academic goals and research interests’ in their application, especially for those applicants interested in the project or thesis-based programs.
Suggestions for writing this component of the application from UMBC’s Career Center

English Language proficiency requirements:

CBEE accepts TOEFL, IELTS & DuoLingo test scores for English Language proficiency.
Minimum scores & exceptions to this policy can be found on The Graduate School’s website
This requirement is automatically waived for applicants who obtained a BS or MS degree from a US or Canadian institution.

GRE scores are NOT required as part of MS or PhD applications.

Start Your Graduate Admissions Application

Please note that application decisions can take 6-8 weeks after the program’s deadline, and depend on how many applications a department receives. You will receive an email once the department processes your decision letter. You will be able to see your decision letter by logging in to the application website. Your decision letter will be where the application checklist was. You may also check your recommendation statuses to send reminders or update contact information from the user page. If you are having trouble logging back in, you can recover your account.

Have Questions?

Please contact the appropriate Graduate School staff member for assistance, or contact our Main Office at gradschool@umbc.edu or 410-455-2537.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

All Students:
Priority deadline apply by January 7

International Students:
Final deadline apply by March 1

Domestic Students:
Final deadline apply by July 1

Spring Semester

All Students:
Priority deadline apply by July 1

International Students:
Final deadline apply by August 1

Domestic Students:
Final deadline apply by October 1

UMBC Graduate School Application UMBC Grad School Admissions Info UMBC Grad School Admissions Policies

Contact Information

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Program Contacts

Main Contact

410-455-3400
cbeegrad@umbc.edu

Program Director

CENG: Dr. Chris Hennigan
410-455-3515
hennigan@umbc.edu

Program Coordinator

Andrea Miller
410-455-3400
cbeegrad@umbc.edu

UMBC Graduate School Admissions Office Contact Information

Mailing Address

UMBC Graduate School
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250

Admissions Staff

Staff are available from Mon - Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. 410-455-2537

Request Help

Email Graduate Admissions at gradschool@umbc.edu.

Chemical, Biochemical & Environmental Engineering Graduate Programs