Chemical & Biomedical Engineering

Graduate Programs

Dive into cutting-edge graduate programs where innovation drives real-world impact. Whether your passion lies in Chemical or Biomedical Engineering, you’ll gain advanced knowledge and hands-on experience to tackle global challenges in energy, healthcare, and sustainability. Choose from a range of flexible pathways—including accelerated, master’s, and doctoral degrees—and join a community of forward-thinking engineers shaping the future of technology and human health.

The Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering has well-established graduate programs in chemical engineering (M.S. and Ph.D.) and biomedical engineering (M.S.). A Ph.D. in biomedical engineering is available through the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering. Students work closely with faculty in a tight-knit, collegial community on a diverse research portfolio funded by NSF, NIH, DoD, DoE, USDA, etc. (totaling approximately $7 million annually in recent years). Our graduate program is designed to prepare students for careers in research and development, both in industry and in academia, centered around four core research areas:

  • Sustainable Energy
  • Advanced Materials
  • Biomedical Imaging
  • Biomedical Devices

We also offer a Paper Surface Science Graduate Program focused on our local paper industry.


graduate coordinator

Thomas Schwartz

Associate Professor Associate Director, Forest Bioproducts Research Institute Graduate Program Coordinator

Biomedical ProgramS

The Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering prepares students to conduct research involving the application of engineering to biological systems.

  • Examples of research projects are sensors to detect specific biological molecules or pathogens in food or water, imaging of cells or proteins, conformation of biological molecules at membrane surfaces, controlling the interaction of microbes and cells with surfaces as well as environmental risk assessment modeling.
  • Alliances with several governmental agencies and other organizations:
    • Instrumentation Laboratories, the Jackson Laboratory, IDEXX, MDI Biological Labs, and Eastern Maine Medical Center, increase research opportunities related to genetics and biomedical issues in engineering. Cooperation with the Laboratory for Surface Science and Technology gives access to tools related to surface analysis.
    • A thesis and a total of 30 hours of graduate credits are needed to fulfill the master’s degree requirements.
    • Masters of Science in Biomedical Engineering
  • Masters of Science in Biomedical Engineering
  • PhD in Biomedical Engineering
    • The doctoral program in Biomedical Engineering is housed within The Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering (GSBSE).
    • Program Requirements
      • During their first year, Ph.D. students complete four core modules (BMS 625). Individual programs of study are then developed for each student with coursework relevant to their research topic. In addition to core coursework, during their first year in the program Ph.D. students undertake a minimum of three laboratory research rotations hosted by faculty members in at least two of the five partner institutions. Students also have the option to do a fourth rotation. At the end of or during the rotation sequence, students identify their dissertation mentor and project.
      • Research findings are disseminated through national and international conferences, publication in high-profile scientific journals, and the patent literature. Numerous research opportunities and a generous stipend combine to create a highly competitive GSBSE Ph.D. program. Interested applicants are encouraged to request further information.
      • Advising
        • Orientation for new graduate students will be scheduled the week before the start of the Fall semester. New students should plan to attend.
        • Once accepted into the Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering program, and prior to the identification of a dissertation mentor, students will be advised by the First Year Advisory Committee (FYA). There is a FYA committee member at each partner institution, a listing of the committee composition may be found here. Issues and questions relating to laboratory rotations and coursework should be discussed with a FYA committee member. This FYA faculty member will maintain a role as an informal adviser and graduate student advocate, and will offer guidance throughout the student’s program, as necessary.

Questions or issues regarding registration for classes should be directed to the GSBSE office at gsbse@maine.edu.

By the time the student has completed three or four rotations, the student will have chosen a home laboratory and assembled a dissertation committee. The role of advising in the academic programs will then fall to the mentor.

Chemical Programs

The M.S. degree in Chemical Engineering normally involves a thesis and is usually completed within two years.

For students who enter the program with a recognized B.S. degree in chemical engineering, the M.S. degree requires 30 semester hours of graduate work which must include two seminars and six term courses in addition to the thesis.

Students holding a B.S. degree in science or other engineering disciplines are also eligible for admission to the M.S. program, although additional make-up courses may be required.

Required core courses for the M.S. degree are CHE 510, CHE 540, CHE 561 and CHE 580.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering

Study for the Ph.D. degree usually requires four years. Students whose ultimate goal is to obtain that degree are advised to apply directly to the Ph.D. program.

The Ph.D. degree requires a minimum of 45 semester hours, beyond the B.S. level, comprising four seminars and at least eight graduate courses (24 credits) in addition to a research thesis. Ph.D. candidates are also required to pass a qualifying examination on chemical engineering fundamentals and to propose and successfully defend a thesis proposal.

Students who enter the program with a recognized Master’s degree may be allowed up to 30 course credits towards the Ph.D., subject to approval by the Graduate Committee of the Department.

Required core courses for the Ph.D. degree are CHE 510, CHE 540, CHE 561, and CHE 580.

Paper Surface Science Graduate Program

Paper Surface Science Program

Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering University of Maine

Program Objective

The Paper Surface Science Program (PSSP) at the University of Maine aims to train graduate students in scientific research that addresses the evolving needs of the paper and packaging industries. The program develops both fundamental and applied knowledge in paper surface treatment processes—such as sizing, coating, printing, and gluing—and explores the relationships between material structure and product performance.

Recent research has focused on replacing single-use packaging with sustainable, cellulose-based alternatives.

Research Program

Research within the PSSP is conducted by master’s and doctoral students, postdoctoral fellows, and visiting scientists, under the guidance of UMaine faculty. Some projects are collaborative efforts with scientists from sponsoring companies.

The program spans the full spectrum of paper surface treatment—from process development to product performance—organized around two primary areas:

1. Fluid–Paper Interactions in Surface Treatments

Projects in this area explore:

  • Rheology of coating and cellulose nanofiber suspensions
  • Modeling of adhesive setting on paper
  • Coating–basestock interactions
  • Barrier properties of waterborne coatings
  • Physics of coating application, including penetration into porous paper

These studies support better equipment design and process optimization to enhance product quality.

2. Physics and Chemistry of Paper Surfaces

Key topics include:

  • Development of porous coating structures during drying
  • Relationship between structure and optical properties such as gloss and light scattering
  • Wetting and spreading of latexes on pigment and cellulosic surfaces
  • Adhesion and cohesion mechanisms in coated papers
  • Influence of pigments and binders on surface chemistry and energy

New research projects are exploring heat transfer in paper, with the goal of improving our understanding of heat sealability.

Advisory Board

Each sponsoring company appoints a representative to the PSSP Advisory Board, which meets annually to review ongoing research and set future directions. Board members also receive an annual report summarizing program outcomes.

In addition, biannual workshops (Fall and Spring) provide opportunities for board members, company associates, and graduate students to engage in detailed project discussions.

Sponsor Benefits and Program Support

Companies that support the program receive a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Direct interaction with graduate students—potential future employees
  • Influence on research priorities and project direction
  • Semi-annual project reviews to inspire industrial innovation
  • Collaboration with scientists from other sponsor companies
  • Early access to PSSP publications and technical findings
  • Free copies of developed software and insight into new testing methods
  • Opportunities for joint publications with faculty and students
  • Recognition at conferences for research support
  • Priority access to research staff, labs, and pilot plant equipment at reduced cost for proprietary work

The Paper Surface Science Program is an active academic community committed to advancing knowledge in paper coating, sizing, printing, and sustainable materials. Directed by Professor Doug Bousfield, the program includes participation from faculty and students across multiple academic disciplines within UMaine.

Advance Your Future:
UMAINE GRADUATE SCHOOL

APPLY TODAY

MCEC NEWS