Chemical and Life Science Engineering
Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in chemical and life science engineering
Apply your engineering knowledge to become the bridge between molecular science and consumer products. Chemistry is essential to modern life, and a master’s in chemical and life science engineering prepares you to lead the development of thousands of consumer products we rely on everyday, from home and personal care products to clothing and sports equipment to automobiles and electronics.
The VCU College of Engineering is among the best graduate programs in the nation as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Combined with our industry connections and access to Richmond-area businesses, VCU Engineering is a solid choice for your continuing education. Choose from a non-thesis option or a thesis option where you gain experience in conducting cutting edge research.
What you’ll learn
Our 30-credit program can be completed in about two years by full time students. You will develop a foundation of engineering skills that includes knowledge of business, manufacturing and research. These skills will help advance your career and provide a mechanism for lifelong learning and professional development.
Training through hands-on opportunities, the advanced research skills you master will be complimented by an ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders and apply advanced problem solving to engineering challenges in cross-disciplinary teams to meet the needs of our changing society and advance the quality of human life.
Focus areas include:
- Energy technology
- Development of chemicals and biologics
- Materials science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmaceutical engineering
- Stem cell engineering
- Systems biology
The VCU College of Engineering is one of four Virginia institutions offering graduate level education in chemical engineering. Engage in interesting coursework defined by the groundbreaking research of VCU Engineering’s award-winning faculty in areas like catalysis, pharmaceutical manufacturing, material design and more. Etched into the landscape of Richmond, VCU Engineering gives students access to a culturally vibrant and diverse city full of potential. We focus on developing close partnerships with public institutions and private businesses in order to give you access to unique learning and job opportunities.
Master’s program students also have access to benefits like:
- Proximity to policymakers in Richmond, Virginia’s capital, and Washington D.C.
- Connections to public and private institutions that improve the quality of life for communities and individuals, like Afton, ChemTreat, Veolia.
- Faculty who are industry experts, finding innovative solutions to sustainability problems as respected leaders in their fields with well-funded labs and industry partnerships.
- Design your own path to education with flexible electives and focus on environmental and sustainable engineering topics you’re passionate about.
- Dedicated Career Services department that provides internship and employment opportunities
- Industry connections through college partnerships with public and private industry
- Interdisciplinary education to teach collaboration with engineering practitioners outside your field of study
Reference the VCU Bulletin for a full list of chemical and life science engineering classes. Master’s program courses are 500 level and above (for example, CLSE 654). Below are a few signature courses from the program:
- Equilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Biological Systems (CLSE 654): Learn a molecular-based, thermodynamic framework for the quantitative equilibrium analysis of a broad range of biological and chemical processes together with contemporary equations of state, liquid solution models and elementary statistical mechanics used to predict the behavior of molecules. Topics addressed include estimation of solvation and partitioning of molecules between phases or media, calculation of free energy changes associated with cellular events and prediction of order/disorder phenomena.
- Nonequilibrium Analysis in Chemical and Life Science Engineering (CLSE 655): Gain understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of biological systems key to many cellular events, including cell signaling processes, second messenger systems, positive and negative feedback control, transcription, translation, and more. This course introduces nonequilibrium (dynamic) analysis as applied to biological and chemical systems.
- Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering. 3 Hours (CLSE 656): Build upon your fundamental understanding of chemical reaction engineering principles, including integration of mass balances, reactor design equations and chemical rate laws. Emphasis is given to development of mathematical models and computational simulation of chemical reaction systems with multiple reactions. Additional topics include analysis of systems with unknown reaction parameters and mechanisms and bioprocess/biochemical approaches to chemical production.
A graduate concentration in chemical and life science engineering can facilitate career advancement in a number of industries like:
- Bioengineering, Biotechnology and Bioprocessing
- Commodity and Specialty Chemicals
- Food Products and Processing
- Materials
- Petrochemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Polymers
Consider possibilities like:
- Product Development Engineer: Designs and develops new products and processes for manufacturing sites. Responsibilities include patent searches, equipment operation and scale-up of processes for commercialization.
- Sales Engineer: Markets products and interacts with customers. Responsibilities involve analyzing customer needs, market trends and competitor technologies.
- Chemical Process Engineer: Monitors operations to maintain effective and efficient process flows. Responsibilities include process data collection and analysis, safety assessments and communication between operators and management.
- Research and Development Scientist: Translates proof of concept technologies and formulations into early process designs for manufacturing and production. Responsibilities include communicating technical data, evaluating methods of manufacture and troubleshooting manufacturing issues.
With the help of our Career Services team, VCU College of Engineering graduates have many opportunities to network with alumni and industry professionals. Our students work at companies like:
- AdvanSix
- Evonik
- Haleon
- Pfizer Pharmaceuticals
- Porex
How to apply
VCU offers an online, self-managed application process. See what’s needed to apply for an engineering graduate program and reference our list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).