Chemical Engineering, Graduate Certificate

Program Overview

The Foundations of Chemical Engineering certificate program builds on MSU’s 25 years of experience in online bridging of nontraditional students into chemical engineering M.S. and Ph.D. programs by the addition of a third course. The certificate program trains graduates of science disciplines (chemistry, biology, etc.) or other engineering disciplines to understand and apply chemical engineering principles. The three-course, transcriptable certificate in Foundations of Chemical Engineering includes all the core topics of a traditional undergraduate curriculum at an accelerated pace. This unique course sequence is carefully crafted to cover the most essential principles and calculations in a concise manner.

Program Outcomes

Students who complete the three-course (9-credit) Certificate in Foundations of Chemical Engineering will be familiar with the foundational chemical-engineering concepts and calculations and will be able to apply them in graduate degree programs, research and/or industrial applications. CHE 804 covers mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, and reactor engineering. CHE 805 covers fluid flow, heat transfer, mass transfer and separations. CHE 806 covers process dynamics and control and process design and optimization.

Career Outlook

The certificate enables professionals with degrees in fields other than chemical engineering to improve their job performance by applying versatile chemical-engineering concepts and calculations across a wide range of technical fields. Hundreds of nontraditional students world-wide have completed ChE804 and ChE805 over the past 30 years and many have subsequently earned graduate degrees in chemical engineering.

A Top-Ranked Education

29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
#42 in Chemistry Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2025

Tuition & Fees per credit

In-State Tuition

Out-of-State Tuition

$978.25

$1,814.75

Each course is three credit hours. Tuition per credit hour is summarized by the MSU Controller .

In addition, students should budget for textbooks. Biweekly quizzes and a comprehensive final exam are given for each course. Each student is responsible for arranging a local proctor to administer the quizzes and final. If a testing center is used, the student may have to pay proctoring fees.

Cost of Attendance

The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.

The MSU Value Promise

You can be ensured a return on your investment at Michigan State University.

As one of the top research universities in the world, Michigan State University has advanced the common good with uncommon will since 1855.

MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community.

MSU has been offering online degree programs since 1998. Our maturity is evident in the high quality of the learning experience enjoyed by our online students.

MSU provides programs and initiatives that support and enhance diversity. We will expand our campus and external partnerships to put in place inclusive recruitment and retention practices. We nurture and promote individuals’ varied experiences and perspectives, ensuring structures and processes make possible full participation by all members of our community.

MSU actively collaborates with campus and external partners to innovate across all dimensions of graduate education. We create and support networks that increase collaboration and improve educational opportunities for our online students.

MSU’s nationally recognized online programs foster student growth and well-being throughout their academic career. We will expand inclusive mentoring practices and accelerate improvement across units to implement evidence-based practices to ensure our students complete successfully.

Continuing education can be one of the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding experiences you undertake in your life. We hope you consider becoming a Spartan, to learn online and reach your career goals. With highly ranked online programs and exceptional professors, we educate students who advance the common good with uncommon will.

Course Information

Core Courses

CHE 804 Foundations of Chemical Engineering I (3 credits)
CHE 805 Foundations of Chemical Engineering II (3 credits)
CHE 806 Foundations in Chemical Engineering III (3 credits)

Admissions Requirements

Your online application should include these materials:

Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Bachelor’s-level or significant training in a math, science or engineering field is generally expected, but not required.
Resume/CV
Include an academic statement summarizing your academic training and how it has prepared you for the certificate program. Describe how the certificate program will contribute to your career goals.

GRE scores are not required. The sections in the online application regarding Employment and Activities are also not required if they are included in your resume/CV. The application sections for letters of reference may also be skipped.

International Applicants:

Students with dual U.S. citizenship should apply as a U.S. citizen even if they currently reside outside the United States.
See the requirements for transcripts on this link: https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/international/transcript-requirements
See the requirements of English Language proficiency at https://admissions.msu.edu/apply/international/language-requirements
- Notice the list of English-Speaking Countries for which testing may not be required. Contact the program director if you believe your background may qualify you for a waiver of the English testing.
Visas are not required for online courses.

Chemical Engineering

Graduate Certificate

Online

Course Delivery

9

Total Credits

1 year

Minimum Duration

$978.25

Credit Hour

Dr. Andre Lee

Professor