Key Highlights

Flexible Course Load

Take 3–6 credits per semester while working full-time, completing the degree within 4 years.

Capstone Timing

The Capstone project (CHE 59700) may begin as early as Summer of Year 2 — enrollment is flexible, but not allowed in your first semester.

Employer Coordination

Capstone projects are often completed in coordination with your current employer, so the terms of your employment may affect project options.


3-6

Credits per Semester

30-41

Credits Required

3-4

Years to Complete

Year 1

Fall

  • Core + elective or Mgmt. course
  • 3 credits minimum, 6 credits maximum

Spring

  • Core + elective or Mgmt. course
  • 3 credits minimum, 6 credits maximum

Year 2

Fall

  • Elective and/or Mgmt. course
  • 3 credits minimum, 6 credits maximum

Spring

  • Elective and/or Mgmt. course
  • 3 credits minimum, 6 credits maximum

Summer

  • Capstone 

Year 3

Fall

  • Elective and/or Mgmt. course
  • 3 credits minimum, 6 credits maximum

Spring

  • Elective and/or Mgmt. course
  • 3 credits minimum, 6 credits maximum

Summer

  • Capstone 

Year 4

Fall

  • Elective and/or Mgmt. course
  • 3 credits minimum, 6 credits maximum

Spring

  • Elective and/or Mgmt. course
  • 3 credits minimum, 6 credits maximum

Summer

  • Capstone 

Application Deadlines

Complete applications are reviewed on a rolling basis — we encourage applying as early as possible.

*Spring entry is only offered to students with a previous degree in chemical engineering. Students without a ChE degree are admitted for fall entry only.

No Entry

Summer

October 1

Spring Semester*

April 15

Fall Semester

Admission Requirements

Required for All Applicants

Additional Notes

  • Purdue does not accept transcripts or credentials through WES (World Education Services)
  • Official TOEFL or IELTS scores required for applicable international applicants
  • GRE requirement waived for domestic applicants (Fall 2026 & Spring 2027)
  • GRE required for international applicants from a non-ChE background, minimum 3.0 on the Analytical section


How to Apply — Step by Step

  • 1

    Create your online application

    Apply through Purdue's Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars (OGSPS).

  • 2

    Complete every application section

    Personal background, program details (select "Chemical Engineering" and your area of concentration), education background, and employment.

  • 3

    Upload your required documents

    Academic Statement of Purpose, Personal History Statement, resumé, and test scores (if applicable).

  • 4

    Submit official transcripts

    Required for every institution of higher education you've attended, regardless of whether a degree was completed.

  • 5

    Arrange two letters of recommendation

    Recommenders receive an email with instructions once you enter their information in the application.

  • 6

    Pay the application fee & submit for review

    The application fee is nonrefundable and paid by credit card.

  • 7

    Track your status

    Check your status anytime by logging into your online application.

Need the field-by-field checklist?

Our full Application Checklist walks through every section of the OGSPS application form, including which options to select for the PMP program and concentration.