The University of Massachusetts Amherst is a renowned institution for chemical engineering, offering a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for a wide range of careers in the field. As of the 2025 academic year, the chemical engineering degree program at UMass Amherst requires a combination of core courses, electives, and laboratory experiences. In this section, we will outline the specific courses required for a chemical engineering degree at UMass Amherst.
Core Courses
The core courses for the chemical engineering degree program at UMass Amherst are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of chemical engineering, including thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and kinetics. Some of the key core courses include:
- CHEN 120: Introduction to Chemical Engineering
- CHEN 220: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
- CHEN 230: Chemical Engineering Transport Phenomena
- CHEN 240: Chemical Engineering Kinetics and Reactor Design
- CHEN 250: Chemical Engineering Laboratory I
- CHEN 260: Chemical Engineering Laboratory II
In addition to these core courses, students are also required to complete a series of mathematics and science courses, including calculus, differential equations, chemistry, and physics.
Mathematics and Science Courses
The mathematics and science courses required for the chemical engineering degree program at UMass Amherst include:
| Course | Description |
|---|---|
| MATH 131 | Calculus I |
| MATH 132 | Calculus II |
| MATH 233 | Differential Equations |
| CHEM 111 | General Chemistry I |
| CHEM 112 | General Chemistry II |
| PHYS 151 | Physics I |
| PHYS 152 | Physics II |
These courses provide students with a strong foundation in the mathematical and scientific principles that underlie chemical engineering.
Electives and Laboratory Experiences
In addition to the core courses, students in the chemical engineering degree program at UMass Amherst are also required to complete a series of electives and laboratory experiences. These courses allow students to specialize in specific areas of chemical engineering, such as biotechnology, energy systems, or environmental engineering.
Some examples of elective courses include:
- CHEN 320: Biochemical Engineering
- CHEN 330: Energy Systems Engineering
- CHEN 340: Environmental Engineering
- CHEN 350: Chemical Engineering Design
Students are also required to complete a series of laboratory experiences, including:
- CHEN 360: Chemical Engineering Laboratory III
- CHEN 370: Chemical Engineering Laboratory IV
Senior Design Project
The senior design project is a capstone experience that allows students to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired throughout their undergraduate program to a real-world problem. Students work in teams to design and develop a solution to a complex engineering problem, and present their results in a final report and presentation.
Some examples of senior design projects include:
- Design of a bioreactor for the production of biofuels
- Development of a novel membrane separation process for water treatment
- Optimization of a chemical plant process for the production of specialty chemicals
What are the admission requirements for the chemical engineering degree program at UMass Amherst?
+The admission requirements for the chemical engineering degree program at UMass Amherst include a strong high school record, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and SAT or ACT scores. Students are also required to complete a series of prerequisite courses, including calculus, chemistry, and physics.
What are the career opportunities for graduates of the chemical engineering degree program at UMass Amherst?
+Graduates of the chemical engineering degree program at UMass Amherst have a wide range of career opportunities, including positions in the chemical, energy, and pharmaceutical industries. Some examples of career paths include process engineer, research and development engineer, and environmental consultant.
