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2023 Most Affordable Online Master's Degrees in Chemical Engineering

By the OnlineU team | Updated 3/24/2023
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An online master’s in chemical engineering covers advanced coursework within this engineering specialization. Students with an undergraduate degree in engineering or a related engineering degree can expect to review similar topics in a master’s degree program but with additional chemical engineering courses. Some examples of courses prospective students may come across include Reaction Kinetics, Chemical Engineering Analysis, and Finite Element Analysis. Many of the best online master’s in chemical engineering programs allow online students to take a thesis or non-thesis curriculum. Graduates with an online master’s in chemical engineering generally pursue careers like chemical engineers, manufacturing production technicians, and analytical chemists. 

View our methodology for details about rankings or learn more about us. You can also check out our list of the most affordable online degrees for inspiration.

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All tuition numbers were manually collected and verified
Rank School Locations Annual Tuition
# 1 #1 Texas Tech University Lubbock (TX) $6,534
# 2 #2 Kansas State University Manhattan (KS) $7,659
# 3 #3 Mississippi State University Mississippi State (MS) $8,085
# 4 #4 The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga Chattanooga (TN) $10,388
# 5 #5 Auburn University Auburn (AL) $14,235
# 6 #6 Lamar University Beaumont (TX) $19,620
# 7 #7 University of Virginia Charlottesville (VA) $21,840
# 8 #8 Villanova University Online Graduate Programs Online $23,115
# 9 #9 University of North Dakota Grand Forks (ND) $23,942
# 10 #10 North Carolina State University Raleigh (NC) $28,301
#1
#1

Texas Tech University

Lubbock (TX)
Annual Tuition: $6,534
Annual Tuition: $6,534
Annual Tuition: $6,534

Texas Tech University (TTU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Chemical Engineering that requires 30 credit hours. This online engineering program is available with or without a thesis. Typically, it takes full-time students at least two years to finish.

At TTU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously through the learning management system Blackboard. A master’s in chemical engineering gives students a deeper insight into this engineering niche. Some of the program’s courses are Reaction Kinetics, Fluids Transport Principles & Analysis, and Digital Computation for Chemical Engineers. Students taking the thesis option must take six credit hours for thesis research. Potential career options include food engineers, chemical technicians, and materials engineers.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 78%
  • Average SATs: 1070 -1260
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 1,931
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,811
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#2
#2

Kansas State University

Manhattan (KS)
Annual Tuition: $7,659
Annual Tuition: $7,659
Annual Tuition: $7,659

At Kansas State University (K-State Online), a public institution, prospective students can pursue an online Master of Science in Chemical Engineering totaling 30 credit hours. This graduate degree involves 13-14 core and 16-17 elective credit hours. Students generally spend up to two years finishing this program.

K-State Online facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning through Canvas. This fully remote program helps students develop advanced skills in chemical engineering, with sample courses that include Bioseperations, Advanced Transport Phenomena, and Chemical Engineering Analysis. A master’s report is also required for graduation. Graduates pursue careers like pharmaceutical manufacturers, chemical engineers, and petroleum engineers.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 88%
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 961
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,425
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: HLC
#3
#3

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State (MS)
Annual Tuition: $8,085
Annual Tuition: $8,085
Annual Tuition: $8,085

Mississippi State University (MSU) is a public institution offering an online Master of Science in Chemical Engineering. Equaling 31 credit hours, this degree offers thesis and non-thesis tracks that students can choose from. A seminar is required for both tracks, but non-thesis students must complete an exam, with thesis students defending their thesis. Either way, it takes at least two years of full-time study to complete one of these degrees.

Online students at MSU participate in courses through the platform Canvas. This software delivers coursework in asynchronous and synchronous formats. The chemical engineering master's program prepares students to become professionals in the field, with courses such as Advanced Process Computations, Chemical Kinetics and Dynamics, and Advanced Transport Phenomena. Prospective careers include environmental engineers, chemical engineers, and biotechnologists.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 95%
  • Average SATs: 1070 -1280
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 872
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 964
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#4
#4
Annual Tuition: $10,388
Annual Tuition: $10,388
Annual Tuition: $10,388

The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga (UTC) is a public institution that offers a fully remote Master of Science in Chemical Engineering totaling 31-34 credit hours. Prospective students have the option to choose a thesis or non-thesis track. Students may take two years to complete this program with a full course load.

At UTC, online students complete coursework on Canvas in asynchronous and synchronous formats, depending on the class. A master’s in chemical engineering covers advanced chemistry, biology, physics, and math topics. Core courses include Technical Project Management, Finite Element Analysis, and Advanced Pavement Design. For graduation, six credit hours of thesis or a project and internship are required, depending on the chosen track. Potential careers for alumni are chemical scientists, mining engineers, and energy managers.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 97%
  • Average SATs: 1030 -1230
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 313
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 436
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC
#5
#5

Auburn University

Auburn (AL)
Annual Tuition: $14,235
Annual Tuition: $14,235
Annual Tuition: $14,235

At Auburn University, a public university, students may pursue an online Master of Science - Chemical Engineering requiring 30 credit hours. Distance learners have the option to choose a non-thesis or thesis curriculum. Thesis students must complete their thesis and pass a final oral exam. Full-time students may complete this program within two years.

Auburn facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning via the learning management system Canvas. This degree program focuses on engineering design and practice. Sample courses are Thesis Phenomena, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, and Chemical Reaction Engineering. Graduates may pursue careers like chemical plant operators, analytical chemists, and chemical engineers.

  • Financial Aid Recipients: 72%
  • Average SATs: 1150 -1320
  • Undergrad Online Enrollment: 398
  • Graduate Online Enrollment: 1,298
  • School Type: Nonprofit
  • School Accreditation: SACS COC

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