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Combined Chemical Engineering Degree Requirements

Complete these requirements for a combined Chemical Engineering degree.

Chemical Engineering Bachelor's Requirements

Required 130 credits (36 of which must be numbered 300 or above) including:

I. Essential Studies Requirements (see University ES listing).

II. Chemical Engineering required courses 

Course List
CodeTitleCredits
CHE 102Introduction to Chemical Engineering2
CHE 103Computing Tools for Chemical Engineers3
CHE 201Chemical Engineering Fundamentals *3
CHE 206Unit Operations in Chemical Engineering **3
CHE 232Chemical Engineering Laboratory I ††2
CHE 301Introduction to Transport Phenomena4
CHE 303Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics4
CHE 305Separations **3
CHE 315Engineering Statistics and Design of Experiments3
CHE 321Chemical Engineering Reactor Design **3
CHE 331Chemical Engineering Laboratory II ††2
CHE 332Chemical Engineering Laboratory III ††2
CHE 408Process Dynamics and Control3
CHE 411Plant Design I: Process Design and Economics **4
CHE 412Plant Design II: Process Project Engineering **, †5
CHE 416Chemical Product Design3
CHE 431Chemical Engineering Laboratory IV **3
Total Credits52

III. Program Required Electives  

Course List
CodeTitleCredits
Advanced Chemical Science elective§6
Material Science Elective3
CHE 435
Materials and Corrosion
CHEM 475
Materials Chemistry
ENGR 203
Mechanics of Materials
ME 301
Materials Science
Technical Elective§3
Total Credits12

III. College of Engineering and Mines requirements

Course List
CodeTitleCredits
ENGR 206Fundamentals of Electrical Engineering3
ENGR 340Professional Integrity in Engineering3
Total Credits6

IV. Requirements outside of the College of Engineering and Mines 

Course List
CodeTitleCredits
CHEM 221

& 221L
Fundamentals of Chemistry - Concepts

and Fundamentals of Chemistry Laboratory *
4
or CHEM 121

& 121L
General Chemistry I

and General Chemistry I Laboratory
CHEM 254

& 254L
Inorganic Chemistry I

and Inorganic Chemistry I Laboratory *
4
or CHEM 122

& 122L
General Chemistry II

and General Chemistry II Laboratory
CHEM 340

& 340L
Survey of Organic Chemistry

and Survey of Organic Chemistry Laboratory
5
or CHEM 341

& 341L
Organic Chemistry I

and Organic Chemistry I Laboratory
MATH 165Calculus I *4
CHEM 470Thermodynamics Kinetics3
or CHE 403 Molecular Thermodynamics and Kinetics
MATH 166Calculus II *4
MATH 265Calculus III *4
MATH 266Elementary Differential Equations3
PHYS 251University Physics I4
PHYS 252University Physics II4
LEAD 101Learning Leadership3
Total Credits42
*

Must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to enrollment in Junior-level ChE courses.

**

Must be completed at UND.

††

CHE 235 Chemical Engineering Summer Laboratory I and CHE 335 Chemical Engineering Summer Laboratory II may be taken in lieu of the CHE 232 Chemical Engineering Laboratory I, CHE 331 Chemical Engineering Laboratory II, CHE 332 Chemical Engineering Laboratory III sequence.

†

CHE 413/CHE 414 may be taken in lieu of CHE 412. 

§

A list of currently recommended courses for the Advanced Chemical Science Elective and Technical Elective categories is available from the Chemical Engineering Department, but other courses may be accepted with approval from the department.  Advanced Chemical Science courses must include a significant chemistry component at a level beyond general chemistry.  Technical Elective courses can be taken from a broad range of disciplines including math, science, and engineering, as well as management, marketing, and finance, and are generally upper level courses.

***

Students must ensure all appropriate pre-requisites are met prior to registering for all courses in the curriculum. 

Concentrations

The following optional concentrations may be added based on student interest:

Concentration in Energetics

Energetics concepts are widely used in defense applications, as well as many other areas including space exploration, counter-terrorism, fire suppression and public safety technologies, automotive airbags, and fireworks. With defense and security representing important issues facing our nation today, there is a critical need to grow and optimize the research and development of energetic materials. Furthermore, it has become equally important to train replacements for the aging workforce in this important technological area. This program is designed to equip students for careers associated in energetics, conduct research and development activities, or to pursue advanced studies in technologies that will meet the demands of the space and defense industries in the future.

To qualify for a Concentration in Energetics, a student must complete the requirements for the B.S. in Chemical Engineering. Requirements for the concentration are fulfilled by taking the following courses to meet the required electives of the B.S. ChE degree. In addition, one additional credit is required for the concentration: CHE 422 Capstone in Energetics.

Course List
CodeTitleCredits
Essential Studies Elective (select one of the following):3
ANTH 171
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
CJ 201
Introduction to Criminal Justice
GEOG 161
World Regional Geography
PHIL 130
Introduction to Political Philosophy
POLS 220
International Politics
POLS 225
Comparative Politics
SOC 115
Social Problems
Other as approved by department
Technical Elective:3
CHE 531
Rocket Propulsion
Advanced Chemical Science Electives:6
CHE 532
Explosives: Theory and Modeling
CHE 530
Combustion Theory and Modeling
Materials Science Elective:3
CHE 435Materials and Corrosion3
Capstone:
CHE 422Capstone in Energetics1
Total Credits19

The student’s transcript will be marked by a Concentration in Energetics upon completion of the recommended curriculum.

Concentration in Sustainability

Climate change, rising energy costs, and water-energy-food security represent some of the most significant issues facing today’s society. It will take major advances in technology to help resolve these issues. Additionally, energy-related issues have created a new industry with a strong need for the training and development of human capital. The concentration in Sustainability is designed to help students prepare themselves for careers associated with sustainability and sustainable energy technologies.

To qualify for a concentration in Sustainability, a student must complete the requirements for the B.S. in Chemical Engineering. Requirements for the concentration are fulfilled by taking the following courses to meet the required electives of the B.S. ChE degree. In addition, one additional credit is required for the concentration: CHE 420 Capstone in Sustainable Energy.

Course List
CodeTitleCredits
Essential Studies Elective (Choose one of the following):3
ESSP 160
Sustainability Society
PHIL 253
Environmental Ethics
other courses as approved by department
Material Science Elective:3
CHE 435
Materials and Corrosion
Technical Elective (select one of the following):3
CHE 503
Fuels Technology
EE 522
ESSP 503
Environmental Policy Science
ESSP 505
Energy Issues and Earth Systems
ESSP 507
Earth Systems Processes and Vulnerability Analysis
ESSP 562
Environmental Economics, Policy and Management
Advanced Chemical Science Electives (Select two of the following):6
CHEM 333

& 333L
Analytical Chemistry

and Analytical Chemistry Laboratory
CHE 404Air Emissions: Regulation and Control3
CHE 480
Undergraduate Research
CHE 505
Biochemical and Biomaterial Engineering
CHE 530
Combustion Theory and Modeling
Capstone:1
CHE 420
Capstone in Sustainable Energy
Total Credits19

The student’s transcript will be marked with a Concentration in Sustainability upon completion of the recommended curriculum.

Concentration in Petroleum Engineering

This program is designed to equip students for careers in Petroleum Engineering with an emphasis on the upstream development, drilling and production of oil and natural gas. Students will also be prepared to conduct research and development activities or to pursue advanced studies in technologies that will meet the demands of upstream oil production.

To qualify for a Concentration in Petroleum Engineering, a student must complete the requirements for the B.S. in Chemical Engineering. Requirements for the concentration are fulfilled by taking the following courses to meet the required electives of the B.S. ChE degree. In addition, one additional credit is required for the concentration: CHE 424 Capstone in Petroleum Engineering.

Course List
CodeTitleCredits
Essential Studies Elective (choose one of the following):3
ESSP 160
Sustainability Society
PHIL 253
Environmental Ethics
others as approved by department
Technical Elective3
PTRE 411
Drilling Engineering
Advanced Chemical Science Electives6
PTRE 421
Production Engineering
PTRE 431
Reservoir Engineering
Materials Science Elective (Select one of the following): 3
CHE 435
Materials and Corrosion
CHEM 475
Materials Chemistry
ENGR 203
Mechanics of Materials
Capstone:1
CHE 424
Capstone in Petroleum Engineering
Total Credits16

 The student’s transcript will be marked by a Concentration in Petroleum Engineering upon completion of the recommended curriculum.

Chemical Engineering Master's Requirements

Admissions Requirements

The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog.

  1. B.S. degree in chemical engineering from an ABET accredited program. Students applying for the combined BSChE/MS degree should see the “Chemical Engineering Combined Degree” section for additional details. Students holding a B.S. degree in a science or other engineering field may be admitted to Qualified Status with an obligation to acquire a background in chemical engineering.
  2. An overall undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 or a GPA of at least 3.00 for the last two years. (An overall GPA of at least 3.3 for the combined BSChE/MS degree is required).
  3. Graduate Record Examination General Test (optional).
  4. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the Graduate catalog.

Degree Requirements

Students seeking the Master of Science degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Chemical Engineering Department.

Thesis Option

  • A minimum of 30 semester credits, including the credits granted for the thesis and the research leading to the thesis.
  • At least one-half of the credits must be at or above the 500-level.
  • A maximum of nine semester credits may be transferred from another institution.
  • A thesis documenting research on a topic related to chemical engineering.
Course List
CodeTitleCredits
Required Courses
CHE 562Seminar in Chemical Engineering2
CHE 591Research3
CHE 998Thesis4
At least 21 credits of coursework from chemical engineering and related fields, which may include a minor or cognate.21
Total Credits30

Non-Thesis Option

  • A minimum of 32 credits, including credits granted for independent study.
  • At least one-half of the credits must be at or above the 500-level.
  • A maximum of nine semester credits may be transferred from another institution.
  • Preparation of a written independent study report approved by the faculty advisor.
  • Comprehensive final examination.
Course List
CodeTitleCredits
Required Courses
CHE 562Seminar in Chemical Engineering2
CHE 591Research4
CHE 997Independent Study2
At least 24 credits of coursework from chemical engineering and related fields.24
Total Credits32

Combined Bachelor and Master's in Chemical Engineering

Admissions Requirements

The intent of the combined BS/MS Chemical Engineering program is to allow qualified students to complete the requirements for both degrees in one year beyond that required to receive the baccalaureate degree.  All requirements for both degrees must be met, and up to six credits of prior-approved graduate chemical engineering coursework, preferably at the 500-level, may be double-counted toward each of the two degrees.

UND students currently completing their junior year (90 credits) towards a Chemical Engineering undergraduate degree may apply to the MS Chemical Engineering under combined admission.  The following are minimum eligibility requirements:  

  1. Students must have completed a minimum of 90 credits, including credits earned from advanced placement and dual credit.  Students must apply before completion of the undergraduate degree.
  2. Transfer students with a minimum of 90 credits-whether from the transfer institution alone or in combination with UND credits-must have both an overall grade point average of 2.75 (based on a 4.00 scale) and 3.00 GPA average for all courses with an engineering prefix completed at the date of application and admission
  3. Students must have a both an overall grade point average of 2.75 (based on a 4.00 scale) and 3.00 GPA average for all courses with an engineering prefix completed at the date of application and admission
  4. Combined program applicants must submit the standard application to the School of Graduate Studies, the application fee, a personal statement, and transcripts.
  5. Additionally, combined program applicants must submit a detailed Program of Study that describes the 6 credits of double counted courses, the courses that will be taken after being accepted into the combined program, the courses that will be taken before graduation from the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering program, and the expected graduation date for each degree.  The submitted program of study must be signed by the student, the student's undergraduate advisor, the student’s graduate advisor, and the Chemical Engineering Graduate Program Director.

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements for the M.S. degree are those listed by the School of Graduate Studies as found in the graduate school catalog.

Accelerated Bachelor and Master's (ABM) in Chemical Engineering

Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master's (ABM) 5 Year Degree Program Admission Requirements

The ABM degree program allows exceptional undergraduate students at UND an opportunity to complete the requirements for both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees at an accelerated pace.  All requirements for both degrees must be met, and these students may double count up to 12 graduate-level credits towards the requirements for both their Bachelor in Chemical Engineering and their Master of Science in Chemical Engineering degree requirements.  ABM students must obtain their Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering within 12 months of completing the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree, provided that the degree requirements can be completed in that timeframe.

High achieving high school students (GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 and an ACT score of 25 or higher) will initially be considered for “identified” status and become eligible for formal admission when they meet the same criteria that undergraduates must meet for admission into the ABM program.  Admission is a competitive process.  The following are minimum eligibility requirements:  

  1. Students must have completed a minimum of 60 credits, including credits earned from advanced placement and dual credit.  Students must apply before completion of the undergraduate degree.
  2. Transfer students with a minimum of 60 credits-whether from the transfer institution alone or in combination with UND credits-must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 at the time of admission to the ABM program.
  3. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 at UND at the time of admission into the ABM program.
  4. ABM program applicants must submit the standard application to the School of Graduate Studies, the application fee, a personal statement, and transcripts.
  5. Additionally, ABM program applicants must submit a detailed Program of Study that describes the 12 credits of double counted courses, the courses that will be taken after being accepted into the ABM program, the courses that will be taken before graduation from the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering program, and the expected graduation date for each degree.  The submitted program of study must be signed by the student, the student's undergraduate advisor, the student’s graduate advisor, and the Chemical Engineering Graduate Program Director.

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements for the M.S. degree are those listed by the School of Graduate Studies as found in the graduate school catalog.

Admissions Requirements

The applicant must meet the School of Graduate Studies’ current minimum general admission requirements as published in the graduate catalog.

  1. B.S. degree in chemical engineering from an ABET accredited program. Students applying for the combined BSChE/MS degree should see the “Chemical Engineering Combined Degree” section for additional details. Students holding a B.S. degree in a science or other engineering field may be admitted to Qualified Status with an obligation to acquire a background in chemical engineering.
  2. An overall undergraduate GPA of at least 2.75 or a GPA of at least 3.00 for the last two years. (An overall GPA of at least 3.3 for the combined BSChE/MS degree is required).
  3. Graduate Record Examination General Test (optional).
  4. Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the Graduate catalog.

Degree Requirements

Students seeking the Master of Science degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Chemical Engineering Department.

Thesis Option

  • A minimum of 30 semester credits, including the credits granted for the thesis and the research leading to the thesis.
  • At least one-half of the credits must be at or above the 500-level.
  • A maximum of nine semester credits may be transferred from another institution.
  • A thesis documenting research on a topic related to chemical engineering.
Course List
CodeTitleCredits
Required Courses
CHE 562Seminar in Chemical Engineering2
CHE 591Research3
CHE 998Thesis4
At least 21 credits of coursework from chemical engineering and related fields, which may include a minor or cognate.21
Total Credits30

Non-Thesis Option

  • A minimum of 32 credits, including credits granted for independent study.
  • At least one-half of the credits must be at or above the 500-level.
  • A maximum of nine semester credits may be transferred from another institution.
  • Preparation of a written independent study report approved by the faculty advisor.
  • Comprehensive final examination.
Course List
CodeTitleCredits
Required Courses
CHE 562Seminar in Chemical Engineering2
CHE 591Research4
CHE 997Independent Study2
At least 24 credits of coursework from chemical engineering and related fields.24
Total Credits32

Combined Bachelor and Master's in Chemical Engineering

Admissions Requirements

The intent of the combined BS/MS Chemical Engineering program is to allow qualified students to complete the requirements for both degrees in one year beyond that required to receive the baccalaureate degree.  All requirements for both degrees must be met, and up to six credits of prior-approved graduate chemical engineering coursework, preferably at the 500-level, may be double-counted toward each of the two degrees.

UND students currently completing their junior year (90 credits) towards a Chemical Engineering undergraduate degree may apply to the MS Chemical Engineering under combined admission.  The following are minimum eligibility requirements:  

  1. Students must have completed a minimum of 90 credits, including credits earned from advanced placement and dual credit.  Students must apply before completion of the undergraduate degree.
  2. Transfer students with a minimum of 90 credits-whether from the transfer institution alone or in combination with UND credits-must have both an overall grade point average of 2.75 (based on a 4.00 scale) and 3.00 GPA average for all courses with an engineering prefix completed at the date of application and admission
  3. Students must have a both an overall grade point average of 2.75 (based on a 4.00 scale) and 3.00 GPA average for all courses with an engineering prefix completed at the date of application and admission
  4. Combined program applicants must submit the standard application to the School of Graduate Studies, the application fee, a personal statement, and transcripts.
  5. Additionally, combined program applicants must submit a detailed Program of Study that describes the 6 credits of double counted courses, the courses that will be taken after being accepted into the combined program, the courses that will be taken before graduation from the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering program, and the expected graduation date for each degree.  The submitted program of study must be signed by the student, the student's undergraduate advisor, the student’s graduate advisor, and the Chemical Engineering Graduate Program Director.

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements for the M.S. degree are those listed by the School of Graduate Studies as found in the graduate school catalog.

Accelerated Bachelor and Master's (ABM) in Chemical Engineering

Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master's (ABM) 5 Year Degree Program Admission Requirements

The ABM degree program allows exceptional undergraduate students at UND an opportunity to complete the requirements for both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees at an accelerated pace.  All requirements for both degrees must be met, and these students may double count up to 12 graduate-level credits towards the requirements for both their Bachelor in Chemical Engineering and their Master of Science in Chemical Engineering degree requirements.  ABM students must obtain their Master of Science degree in Chemical Engineering within 12 months of completing the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree, provided that the degree requirements can be completed in that timeframe.

High achieving high school students (GPA of at least 3.5/4.0 and an ACT score of 25 or higher) will initially be considered for “identified” status and become eligible for formal admission when they meet the same criteria that undergraduates must meet for admission into the ABM program.  Admission is a competitive process.  The following are minimum eligibility requirements:  

  1. Students must have completed a minimum of 60 credits, including credits earned from advanced placement and dual credit.  Students must apply before completion of the undergraduate degree.
  2. Transfer students with a minimum of 60 credits-whether from the transfer institution alone or in combination with UND credits-must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 at the time of admission to the ABM program.
  3. Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 at UND at the time of admission into the ABM program.
  4. ABM program applicants must submit the standard application to the School of Graduate Studies, the application fee, a personal statement, and transcripts.
  5. Additionally, ABM program applicants must submit a detailed Program of Study that describes the 12 credits of double counted courses, the courses that will be taken after being accepted into the ABM program, the courses that will be taken before graduation from the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering program, and the expected graduation date for each degree.  The submitted program of study must be signed by the student, the student's undergraduate advisor, the student’s graduate advisor, and the Chemical Engineering Graduate Program Director.

Degree Requirements

Degree requirements for the M.S. degree are those listed by the School of Graduate Studies as found in the graduate school catalog.

Licensure Requirements

UND Engineering programs are designed to help prepare students for various careers in engineering and may serve as an important step in the pathway for licensure. Students enrolled in, and planning on graduating from, one of the College of Engineering & Mines’ ABET-accredited majors are invited to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, a multiple-choice, knowledge-based exam administered by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES).

The FE Exam covers subject matter taught in a typical baccalaureate engineering program accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Students may choose from computer-based exams in chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and other disciplines. Professional licensing in every U.S. state and territory requires, as the first step, that a student successfully pass the FE exam.

After passing the FE exam, in order to receive licensure in the field students must obtain at least four years of experience deemed acceptable to their licensing board and successfully pass a Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. The PE exams go beyond testing academic knowledge and require knowledge gained in engineering practice. If you are planning to seek professional licensure or certification in an engineering-related field, it is strongly recommended that you contact the appropriate licensing entity in the state in which you are located or plan to locate to in order to seek information and guidance regarding additional licensure or certification requirements.

The requirements on this page are pulled from UND’s academic catalog and may not reflect future terms. Updates are published annually in April.

Request Information

Department Contact 
Yun Ji
Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.4456
yun.ji@UND.edu

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