<p>I am a senior majoring in biochemistry. Right now I am want to switch to chemical engineering specializing in bioprocessing/bioreactor for my graduate study (masters only). I have a strong GPA, done some undergraduate research (bioethanol and immunology, all biology-based), a decent GRE score (90 percentile for both math and verbal), and some volunteer experience. I have never taken any real engineering courses, as expected.
So my questions are:
1) Is it possible to get accepted into ChemE masters w/ a BS in biochemistry?
2) If yes, what should I do to increase my chances of getting into ChemE masters programs? (ex: take some specific courses before I graduate? internship in related field? more research in ChemE topics?)
3) Which schools do accept students whose undergrad major is chemistry/biochemistry (or have history of accepting such students)?
4) Which schools are particularly strong in bioprocessing/biochemical engineering?</p>
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1) Is it possible to get accepted into ChemE masters w/ a BS in biochemistry?
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<p>I'll put it to you this way. I know a girl who get her BS in Molecular and Cellular Biology (MCB) at Berkeley, and then got her PhD in Chemical Engineering at MIT.</p>
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2) If yes, what should I do to increase my chances of getting into ChemE masters programs? (ex: take some specific courses before I graduate? internship in related field? more research in ChemE topics?)
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<p>Extra courses might help. It actually took many people awhile to figure out that that girl I referenced above to realize that she wasn't actually a ChemE major herself, as she took many of the same courses that ChemE's took. </p>
<p>But far and away the most useful thing you can have is research. If you can get onto some projects, and especially if you publish in a major journal, your chance for admission will be greatly enhanced. </p>
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3) Which schools do accept students whose undergrad major is chemistry/biochemistry (or have history of accepting such students)?
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<p>As my example illustrates, MIT is certainly one. In fact, most ChemE departmnents will admit some people from other majors. </p>
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4) Which schools are particularly strong in bioprocessing/biochemical engineering?
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<p>The list would include MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, Caltech, and others.</p>
<p>thanks sakky.
Very disappointed today. I talked to the ChemE advisor. She honestly told me that since I am a biochem major w/ very little background in ChemE, my chance of getting into my school's ChemE graduate program is quite slim. This isn't a huge deal yet because I don't want to stay at my school either. However, I am worried that this will apply to almost all schools.
I am sure the girl you mentioned got in because she took a lot of ChemE classes, which I don't.
(sigh) I guess I'll just have to try my best.</p>