Chemical Engineering & Materials Science

Chemical Engineering

A distinguishing responsibility of chemical engineers is that they create, design, and improve processes and products that are vital to our society. Today’s high technology areas of biomedicine, electronic device processing, ceramics, plastics, and other high-performance materials are generating opportunities for innovative solutions that may be provided by the unique background chemical engineers possess. 

Generally considered to be one of the most diverse fields of engineering, the opportunities afforded chemical engineers are equally diverse: research and development, design, manufacturing, marketing and management. A variety of industries are served by chemical engineers, including: energy, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food, agricultural products, polymers and plastics, materials, semiconductor processing, waste treatment, environmental monitoring and improvement, and many others. There are career opportunities in traditional chemical engineering fields like energy and petrochemicals, but also in biochemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical, electrochemical, materials, and environmental engineering.

The chemical engineering program at Stevens is based on the fundamental areas of chemical engineering science that are common to all of its branches. Courses in organic and physical chemistry, biochemical engineering and process control are offered in addition to chemical engineering core courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, separations, process analysis, reactor design, and process design. Thus, the chemical engineering graduate is equipped for the many challenges facing modern engineering professionals. Chemical engineering courses include significant use of modern computational tools and computer simulation programs. Qualified undergraduates may also work with faculty on research projects. Many of our graduates pursue advanced study in chemical engineering, bioengineering or biomedical engineering, medicine, law, and many other fields.

Mission and Objectives

The following mission statement lays out our primary goal in the education of future chemical engineered:

"The chemical engineering program educates technological leaders by preparing them for the conception, synthesis, design, testing, scale-up, operation, control and optimization of industrial chemical processes that impact our well-being. As an indicator of our readiness for accomplishing this objective, our program has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), which is recognized as the worldwide leader in assuring quality and stimulating innovation in applied science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology education. Consistent with ABET’s standards, we aim for the following Chemical Engineering Program Objectives in graduates who complete the Stevens curriculum and are employed in the chemical engineering profession.  

The chemical engineers who complete the Stevens curriculum:

  • offer approaches to solutions of engineering problems that cut across traditional professional and scientific boundaries.
  • are using modern tools of information technology on a wide range of problems.
  • contribute in a professional and ethical manner to chemical engineering projects in process or product development and design.
  • are effective team members, team leader and communicator.
  • are participating in lifelong learning in a global economy.
  • are aware of health, safety and environmental issues and the role of technology in society.

In addition, a statement of the specific Chemical Engineering Program Outcomes that we aim to see demonstrated in the students we are preparing for the profession follow.

Graduates of the Bachelor of Engineering Chemical Engineering Program from Stevens Institute of Technology will:

  • Be able to use basic knowledge in physics, mathematics, physical chemistry, organic chemistry, and biological sciences to address chemical engineering problems (Scientific foundations).
  • Be able to analyze chemical engineering systems using principles of material and energy balances, heat, mass and momentum transfer, kinetics and thermodynamics, process control and mathematical modeling (Engineering foundations) .
  • Be able to design and conduct experiments involving reaction and separation of chemicals, heat, mass and momentum transfer and interpret results (Experimentation).
  • Be able to use the basic concepts, tools and methods of material and energy balances, kinetics, thermodynamics, separations, reactions, heat, mass and momentum transfer and process control to design chemical engineering units and systems (Technical design) .
  • Be able to develop and assess alternative system designs for chemical engineering systems incorporating considerations such as feasibility, cost, safety, legal/regulatory issues and societal impacts (Design assessment).
  • Be able to use basic analytical instrumentation, process sensors, process simulators and computer software for applications in process analysis and design as well as oral presentations and report. (Tools)
  • Be able to recognize and achieve high levels of professionalism in chemical engineering practice (Professionalism). 
  • Be able to assume leadership roles (Leadership). 
  • Be able to function on teams (Teamwork).
  • Be able to prepare professional reports and deliver effective presentations. (Communication).
  • Be cognizant of ethical and moral issues and codes relating to chemical engineering and general engineering practice (Ethics and morals).
  • Have an understanding of diversity, pluralism, and the impact of chemical engineering practice on the society (Social Issues).
  • Display genuine interest and participate in the activities of the chemical engineering professional societies and pursue knowledge that goes beyond the classroom experience (Lifelong learning). 
  • Be able to apply fundamental knowledge in chemical engineering to nurture new technologies from concept to commercialization (Entrepreneurship).

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Please click here for typical course sequence for chemical engineering.

Graduation Requirements

The following are requirements for graduation of all engineering students and are not included for academic credit. They will appear on the student record as pass/fail.

Physical Education (P.E.) Requirements

  • All students must complete a minimum of four semester credits of Physical Education (P.E.). A large number of activities are offered in lifetime, team, and wellness areas.
  • All PE courses must be completed by the end of the sixth semester. Students can enroll in more than the minimum required P.E. for graduation and are encouraged to do so.
  • Participation in varsity sports can be used to satisfy up to three credits of the P.E. requirement.
  • Participation in supervised, competitive club sports can be used to satisfy up to two credits of the P.E. requirement, with approval from the P.E. Coordinator.

English Language Proficiency

  • All students must satisfy an English Language proficiency requirement.

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Minors

Students may qualify for a minor in biochemical, biomedical, or chemical engineering by taking the required courses indicated. Completion of a minor indicates proficiency beyond that provided by the Stevens curriculum in the basic material of the selected area. Student must meet the Institute requirements for enrolling into a minor program. At least two courses in the minor must be overload courses, beyond the credit requirements for all other programs being pursued by the student. Moreover these courses cannot be used for graduate credits. In addition, the grade in any course credited for a minor must be "C" or better.

Requirements for a Minor in Biochemical Engineering for students enrolled in the Chemical Engineering curriculum

CHE 210: Process Analysis
CH 281: Biology and Biotechnology
CHE 342: Heat and Mass Transfer
CHE 351: Reactor Design
CH 381: Cell Biology
CHE 480: Biochemical Engineering

Requirements for a Minor in Biomedical Engineering for students enrolled in the Chemical Engineering curriculum

CH 381: Cell Biology
BME 306: Introduction to Biomedical Engineering
BME 506: Biomechanics
BME 505: Biomaterials
BME 504: Medical Instrumentation and Imaging
BME 482: Engineering Physiology

*Prerequisites: CH 281, CH 381

Requirements for a Minor in Chemical Engineering for students enrolled in the Engineering curriculum

CHE 210: Process Analysis
CHE 234: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics
CHE 332: Separation Operations
CHE 336: Fluid Mechanics
CHE 342: Heat and Mass Transfer
CHE 351: Reactor Design

* CHE 234 and 336 may be waived if appropriate substitutes have been taken in other programs.

Graduate Programs

The department offers programs of study leading to the Master of Engineering and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees. Courses are offered in chemical, biochemical, polymer, and materials engineering. The programs are designed to prepare graduates for a wide range of professional opportunities in manufacturing, design, research, or in development. Special emphasis is given to the relationship between basic science and its applications in modern technology. Chemical, and materials engineers create, design, and improve processes and products that are vital to our society. Our programs produce broad-based graduates who are prepared for careers in many fields and who have a solid foundation in research and development methodology. We strive to create a vibrant intellectual setting for our students and faculty anchored by pedagogical innovations and interdisciplinary research excellence. Active and well-equipped research laboratories in polymer processing, biopolymers, highly filled materials, microchemical systems, catalysis, high-performance coatings, photonic devices and systems, and nanotechnology are available for Ph.D. dissertations and master’s theses.

Admission to the degree programs requires an undergraduate education in chemical engineering, materials science and, or related disciplines. 

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Master’s Programs

The Master of Engineering requires 30 graduate credits in an approved plan of study. 6 to 9 credits can be obtained by performing research in the form of a Master’s thesis. The curriculum must include the following core courses:

Master of Engineering - Chemical

Chemical Engineering Concentration (10 Courses)

MA 530: Applied Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists II
CHE 521: Chemical and Materials Thermodynamics
CHE 630: Theory of Transport Processes
CHE 650: Reactor Design

Plus six courses or thesis work in combination with three to four courses.

Polymer Engineering Concentration (10 Courses)

CHE 630: Theory of Transport Processes
CHE 560: Fundamentals of Polymer Science
CHE 671: Polymer Rheology
CHE 672: Processing of Polymers for Biomedical Applications

Plus six courses or thesis work in combination with three to four courses.

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Master of Engineering or Science – Materials Science and Engineering

The degree in Master of Engineering or Master of Science requires a total of 10 courses, 4 of which must be from the core with balance in electives and research. Candidates may choose either a special topic or thesis research with any member of the faculty in the department to satisfy the research requirement. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for the Master degree. 

Core Courses

MA 530 Applied Mathematics
MT 521 Thermodynamics of Materials
MT 601 Structure and Diffraction
MT 602 Principles of Inorganic Materials Synthesis

Microelectronics and Photonics Science and Technology - Interdisciplinary

The Master’s degree is also available in the concentration of Microelectronics and Photonics Science and Technology (MPST), which is an interdisciplinary area of study jointly administrated with several other Departments in the School of Engineering and Science.

Core Courses

MT 507 Introduction to Microelectronics and Photonics

Four additional courses from the Materials core (listed above).

Five electives are required from the courses offered below by Materials Science and Engineering, Physics and Engineering Physics, and Electrical Engineering. Three of these courses must be from Materials Science and Engineering and one must be from each of the other two departments. Ten courses are required for the degree.

Required Concentration Electives

PEP 503 Introduction to Solid State Physics
PEP 515 Photonics I
PEP 516 Photonics II
PEP 561 Solid State Electronics I
MT 562 Solid State Electronics II
MT 595 Reliability and Failure of Solid State Devices
MT 596 Microfabrication Techniques
EE 585 Physical Design of Wireless Systems
EE 626 Optical Communication Systems
CPE 690 Introduction to VLSI Design

Doctoral Program

Admission to the Chemical Engineering or Materials Science and Engineering doctoral program is based on evidence that a student will prove capable of scholarly specialization in a broad intellectual foundation of a related discipline. The master’s degree is strongly recommended for students entering the doctoral program. Applicants without the master’s degree will normally be enrolled in the master’s program.

Eighty four credits of graduate work in an approved program of study are required beyond the bachelor’s degree; this may include up to 30 credits obtained in a master’s degree program, if the area of the master's degree is relevant to the doctoral program. A doctoral dissertation for a minimum of 30 credits and based on the results of the student's original research, carried out under the guidance of a faculty member and defended in a public examination, is a major component of the doctoral program. The Ph.D. qualifying exam consists of a written and an oral exam. Students are strongly encouraged to take the qualifying exam within two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program. A minimum of 3.5 GPA must be satisfied in order to take the exam. A time limit of six years is set for completion of the doctoral program.

Doctoral Program - Interdisciplinary

An interdisciplinary Ph.D. program is jointly offered with the Department of Physics and Engineering Physics and the Department of Chemistry, Chemical Biology, and Biomedical Engineering. This program aims to address the increasingly cross-cutting nature of doctoral research in these disciplines. The interdisciplinary Ph.D. program aims to take advantage of the complementary educational offerings and research opportunities in these areas. Any student who wishes to enter this interdisciplinary program needs to obtain the consent of the two departments involved and the subsequent approval of the Dean of Academic Administration. The student will follow a study plan designed by his/her faculty advisor(s). The student will be granted official candidacy in the program upon successful completion of a qualifying exam that will be administered according to the applicable guidelines of the Office of Graduate Admissions. All policies of the Office of Graduate Admissions that govern the credit and thesis requirements apply to students enrolled in this interdisciplinary program. Interested students should follow the normal graduate application procedures through the Dean of Academic Administration.

Research

A thesis for the master's or doctoral program can be completed by participating in one of the following research programs of the department.

  • Biologically Active Material - Professor Matthew Libera
  • Crystallization - Professors Suphan Kovenklioglu and Dilhan Kalyon
  • Electron Microscopy and Polymer Interfaces - Professor Matthew Libera
  • Heterogeneous catalysis, infrared spectroscopy, density-functional theory (DFT) calculations - Prof. Simon Podkolzin
  • Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of Transport Processes - Professor Adeniyi Lawal
  • Micro/nano Approaches for Alternative Energy Systems - Professors Woo Lee, Adeniyi Lawal, Ronald Besser, and Suphan Kovenklioglu
  • Nanoparticle Self-Assembly, Self-Healing Polymers, and Drug Delivery - Prof. Pinar Akcora
  • Organic Semiconductor Thin Films for Device Applications – Professor Stephanie Lee 
  • Polymer Characterization and Processing - Professor Dilhan Kalyon
  • Rheology Modeling Processability and Microstructure of Filled Materials - Professor Dilhan  Kalyon
  • Surface Modification at Multiple Length Scales, Plasmonic Nanoparticles for Sensing and Imaging, Novel Fiber Optic Sensors - Professor Henry Du

Graduate Certificate Programs

In addition to the degree programs, the department also offers graduate certificate programs. In most cases, the courses may be used toward the master’s degree. Each graduate certificate program is a self-contained and highly focused collection of courses carrying nine or more graduate credits. The selection of courses is adapted to the professional interests of the student.

The Graduate Certificate in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Practices is an interdisciplinary School of Engineering certificate developed by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. This certificate is intended to provide professionals with skills required to work in the pharmaceutical industry. The focus is on engineering aspects of manufacturing and the design of facilities for pharmaceutical manufacturing, within the framework of the regulatory requirements in the pharmaceutical industry.

The certificate is designed for technologists in primary manufacturers, including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, diagnostic, and cosmetic companies, as well as in related companies and organizations, including architect/engineer/construction firms, equipment manufacturers and suppliers, government agencies, and universities.

The Graduate Certificate Program in Pharmaceutical Process Engineering is a 4-course program comprising: Pharmaceutical Reaction Engineering, Separation Processes in Pharmaceutical Industry, Pharmaceutical Mixing, and Design of Control Systems. The program provides practical up-to-date information and skills needed by the pharmaceutical industry process engineers and other professionals in the biopharmaceutical, food and beverage, and specialty chemical industries in their everyday work. Course content and curriculum were developed by Stevens’ faculty in collaboration with industry practitioners with expertise in the field. This program will provide an overview and understanding of the chemical engineering principles involved in process development. Courses cover current and emerging technologies used for mixing, reaction, separation and process control. The audience comprises professionals in the Pharmaceutical/Life Sciences industry including: chemical engineers, chemists, process engineers, and compliance and quality directors and managers. The credits earned can be applied toward a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering or Interdisciplinary Studies.

Pharmaceutical Process Engineering

CHE 681 Pharmaceutical Reaction Engineering
CHE 615 Separation Processes in Pharmaceutical Industry
CHE 621 Pharmaceutical Mixing
CHE 661 Design of Control Systems

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Practices

PME 530 Introduction to Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
PME 535 Good Manufacturing Practice in Pharmaceutical Facilities Design
PME 540 Validation and Regulatory Affairs in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

and one of the following electives:

PME 628 Pharmaceutical Finishing and Packaging Systems
PME 538 Chemical Technology Processes in API Manufacturing
PME 649 Design of Water, Steam, and CIP Utility Systems for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing (M.E. Graduate Course)
PME 531 Process Safety Management (CHE Graduate Course)

(Full course descriptions can be found in the Interdisciplinary Programs section.)

Photonics

EE/MT/PEP 507 Introduction to Microelectronics and Photonics
EE/MT/PEP 515 Photonics I
EE/MT/PEP 516 Photonics II
EE/MT/PEP 626 Optical Communication Systems

Microelectronics

EE/MT/PEP 507 Introduction to Microelectronics and Photonics
EE/MT/PEP 561 Solid State Electronics I
EE/MT/PEP 562 Solid State Electronics II
CpE/MT/PEP 690 Introduction to VLSI Design

Microdevices and Microsystems

EE/MT/PEP 507 Introduction to Microelectronics and Photonics
EE/MT/PEP 595 Reliability and Failure of Solid State Devices
EE/MT/PEP 596 Micro-Fabrication Techniques
EE/MT/PEP 685 Physical Design of Wireless Systems

Any one elective in the three certificates above may be replaced with another within the Microelectronics and Photonics (MP) curriculum upon approval from the MP Program Director.

Chemical Engineering & Materials Science Department

Henry Du, Director