CHME Graduate Programs


Application Deadline
TARGET DATES FOR FULL FINANCIAL CONSIDERATION:

Fall: January 15
Otherwise: Rolling admission

Application Checklist
Required by the Office of Graduate Studies:
  • Apply at: https://go.unl.edu/gradapp
  • $50 non-refundable application processing fee
  • One set of transcripts
  • Verification of English proficiency (non-native English speakers)
  • If not a US citizen and expect to obtain an F or J visa, provide financial information
  • International students: Upload copies of all college-or university-level transcripts or mark sheets (records of courses and marks earned), with certificates, diplomas, and degrees plus certified English translations.

Required by Chemical Engineering
  • GRE not required
  • Minimum English Proficiency: Paper TOEFL 550, Internet TOEFL 80, IELTS 6.5
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Resume or CV
  • Indicate research interests
  • Personal statement: In a 1 page statement, discuss your teaching, research, and/or volunteer experience. Your resume will be the primary document we refer to for your work history; it is not necessary to repeat your resume in your personal statement. Use your personal statement to describe and/or highlight your experience in further detail, for example, undergraduate or masters level student research projects, laboratory research, teaching experience, or volunteer experience.
  • Any supporting documents


As Nebraska's College of Engineering, we are deeply connected to the booming engineering and tech industries in the state and nationally, enabling our students to develop valuable connections and work on projects that impact the state and globally. We work to create an atmosphere that connects you with a diverse and welcoming community, while providing individualized support as you engage in coursework and research designed to maximize your experience for future success.

We offer a master's degree in Chemical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. 

M.S. in Chemical Engineering

(30 credits)

Chemical engineering is a technically demanding field, with opportunities for our students to advance to careers in industry, research and academia.

Our graduate coursework focuses on the advanced fundamentals of applied mathematics, chemical reaction kinetics, numerical methods, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, biomolecular engineering, and polymers. Designed to expand your knowledge of engineering principles and applications, you'll develop essential research expertise and other valuable skills.

Faculty in the department are actively involved in research related to biomolecular engineering, biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, polymers, composite materials, catalysis, and solid phase reactions.

Informal focus areas include:

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Chemical Reaction Kinetics
  • Numerical Methods
  • Polymers
  • Thermodynamics
  • Transport Phenomena

Students are encouraged to contact faculty in their specific areas of interest regarding funding and research opportunities.

Office of Graduate Studies

Ph.D. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

(90 credits)

Our doctoral program specially focuses on providing opportunities for our students to advance professionally in academia, as well as in industry and research.

Our graduate coursework offers study in advanced fundamentals of applied mathematics, chemical reaction kinetics, numerical methods, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, biomolecular engineering, and polymers. 

Our faculty are actively involved in research related to biomolecular engineering, biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, polymers, composite materials, catalysis, and solid phase reactions.

Informal focus areas for our students include:

  • Applied Mathematics
  • Chemical Reaction Kinetics
  • Numerical Methods
  • Polymers
  • Thermodynamics
  • Transport Phenomena

Students are encouraged to contact faculty in their specific areas of interest regarding funding and research opportunities.

Office of Graduate Studies

Research Areas

The Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering offers a course of study designed for students who plan careers in a wide variety of industries, ranging from the chemical and process industries to biotechnology, electronics, and the environment. Our faculty are currently pursuing relevant, cutting edge research in the following areas:

  • Developing new regenerative medical materials and therapies using bio- and nanotechnologies to speed the repair and regrowth of bone, blood vessels and soft tissues in vivo
  • Developing cutting edge genomic techniques like ultra-fast polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to search for emerging disease threats such as antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis
  • Using proteomic instruments like a specialized mass spectrometer designed to search for new genetically engineered protein medicines
  • Developing a new pliable bandage that can stop fatal bleeding from trauma in civilian and military applications
  • Partnering with international healthcare systems to develop abundant supplies of hemophilia medicines from the milk of genetically engineered livestock to treat 80% of the world's hemophilia patients
  • Discovering a device to give robots a human sense of touch using nanotechnology
  • Developing a process for sustainable biofuels production