Chemical Engineering

Graduate Programs

Explore graduate programs in Chemical Engineering, where innovation meets real-world impact. Gain advanced knowledge and hands-on experience to tackle global challenges in energy, healthcare, and sustainability. Join a community of forward-thinking engineers shaping the future.

graduate coordinator

Thomas Schwartz

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

Key Admissions Deadlines

  • Rolling Admissions
  • No GRE/GMAT Requirements

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UMAINE GRADUATE SCHOOL

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Program Offerings

Master of Science (M.S.)

  • Credits: 30 semester hours, including:
    • 18 credits of graduate-level coursework
    • Two graduate seminars
    • A research-based thesis
  • Students with a B.S. in another science or engineering discipline may be admitted but may need additional coursework.
  • Required core courses:
    • CHE 510 – Advanced Transport Phenomena
    • CHE 540 – Advanced Thermodynamics
    • CHE 561 – Advanced Kinetics
    • CHE 580 – Numerical Methods

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

  • Credits: Minimum of 45 semester hours beyond the B.S., including:
    • 24 credits of graduate-level coursework
    • Four graduate seminars
    • A research-based dissertation
  • Additional requirements:
    • Passing a qualifying exam in chemical engineering fundamentals
    • Successful presentation and defense of a dissertation proposal
  • Students entering with an M.S. degree may transfer up to 30 credits with departmental approval.
  • Required core courses (same as M.S.):
    • CHE 510 – Advanced Transport Phenomena
    • CHE 540 – Advanced Thermodynamics
    • CHE 561 – Advanced Kinetics
    • CHE 580 – Numerical Methods

Research in the department spans a wide range of fundamental and applied topics, including:

  • Pulping and bleaching processes
  • Coating flows
  • Flow in porous media
  • Rheology
  • Advanced materials
  • Surface chemistry
  • Molecular biophysics
  • Advanced imaging and spectroscopic techniques
  • Nanotechnology
  • Soft materials
  • Heterogeneous catalysis

A unique aspect of the department is the strong relationship with industrial partners. This collaboration offers students real-world exposure and networking opportunities. The Paper Surface Science Program is a consortium of companies that regularly review student research. Additional projects receive direct input and support from industry representatives.

The department also receives significant funding from federal agencies such as the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Recent support has also come from foundations focused on biomass-based fuels and cellulose nanofiber packaging applications.’

Research Facilities

The department features well-equipped laboratories, including:

  • Two-photon and custom-built confocal microscopes
  • A full analytical chemistry suite
  • Pilot plants for paper production and biomass conversion

Students also have access to university-wide resources such as the Frontier Institute for Research in Sensor Technology and the Advanced Structures and Composites Center.

Contact Information

The Graduate School
5775 Stodder Hall, Room 42
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469-5755
207-581-3291
graduate@maine.edu

Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
117 Jenness Hall
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469-5737
207-581-2277
thomas.schwartz@maine.edu

Pulp & Paper Foundation

The University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation supports aspiring engineers studying at the University of Maine who are interested in pursuing careers in the paper industry.

Through financial assistance, networking opportunities, and expert guidance and support throughout their academic careers, each student graduates with a competitive advantage—and a job.
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