Answers to questions students ask about the Master of Science program.

How long does it take to complete the MS program?

Students can complete the MS in Chemical Engineering program in two semesters by taking 15 points (usually five courses) per semester, but 18 months is recommended.  The option to complete the program in three semesters by taking fewer courses each semester costs less per semester and allows for summer internships.

How long does it take to complete the Scientist to Engineer (S2E) MS program?

The S2E program takes 3 semesters (approximately 18 months) to complete. The program is designed to help students without an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering to remedially gain adequate preparation for Masters-level coursework.  Find out more on the Master of Science program page.

If I am an international student how many points must I take in a semester?

Students attending University on a VISA, must be registered as a full-time student; this means they are enrolled for a minimum of 12 credits. Please refer to International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) website for comprehensive information for international students. While some students may take 15 points, all full time students are required to take 12 points in order to be considered full time.  

In the case of the MS in Chemical Engineering Degree, a student that takes 12 points per semester for the first two semesters will have earned 24 points and will only be required to take 6 points during the final semester.  Taking less than 12 points in the final is pre-approved as an exception to the policy and the student does not need to apply for a reduced course load in the final semester. The ISSO site contains forms and information on obtaining authorization for a reduced course load in your final semester.

Something is wrong with my I-20 VISA form. Whom should I contact?

Please contact the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) for VISA information, including information on F-1 and J-1 VISAs.

Address:
524 Riverside Drive (between West 122 Street and Tiemann Place)
International House North, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10027

Phone:
(212) 854-3587

Email:
[email protected]

Is housing available for accepted graduate students?

Housing questions should be directed to University Apartment Housing.

What kind of professional development opportunities are there within the department?

The Department encourages all students to engage in professional development activities including professional etiquette workshops, interview workshops, taped mock interviews, resume workshops, employer presentations, industry speaker events, networking socials, recruiting events, etc. These initiatives are largely sponsored and offered by the Columbia University Center for Career Education.

Chemical Engineering has its own career counselor, Raina Ranaghan. Raina provides career development assistance and is a resource for internships. Another resource for internships is the Center for Career Education.

Where can I find more information about careers for Chemical Engineers?

AlChE is the world's leading organization for chemical engineering professionals. It has excellent career information.

For our students we have our career placement officer in the department, Raina Ranaghan. The Department encourages all students to engage in professional development activities including professional etiquette workshops, interview workshops, taped mock interviews, resume workshops, employer presentations, industry speaker events, networking socials, recruiting events, etc. These initiatives are largely sponsored and offered by the Columbia University Center for Career Education.

Where can I find starting salaries for someone with a Chemical Engineering Master's?

The American Chemical Society is a leading professional organization and a good reference for chemical engineering starting salary data. Chemical Engineering Progress from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers has salary data as well. This publication is accessible with a free membership in AIChE for undergraduate students and though most college libraries.