The New Mexico State University Chemical & Materials Engineering program offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. The NMSU CHME faculty are dedicated to excellence in teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as in our research endeavors. Class sizes are small, often between twenty and forty students. The faculty have active research programs in the general areas of energy, water, advanced materials, environmental engineering, and computer modeling and simulation.

The NMSU Chemical & Materials Engineering Department has an active student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineering. The student chapter has been named one of the Outstanding Student AIChE Chapters by the national organization on a number of occasions. The chapter addresses both the professional development needs of students, and organizes social events that bring students at all levels together to eat, laugh, and study. Students take great pride in their accomplishments as an organization and the support they provide to their fellow students. This strong sense of family and comaradarie assures your academic and personal needs won’t get overlooked during your time in this program.

With an average of 360 days of sunshine each year, the region is a paradise for those who enjoy time out of doors. The Chihuahuan Desert air is permeated with a petrichor of piñon, sage, mesquite, and creosote. The majestic Organ Mountains tower on the east side of the valley and change colors with the setitng sun. The tastes of fresh Mesilla Valley green chile and pecans are unrivaled. The city of Las Cruces was founded in 1849 and has a colorful history. The front door of Jett Hall (home of the department) opens to wide green spaces with shade provided by large and mature trees. Because of these treasures of Doña Ana County, graduation and departure from NMSU becomes a time of mixed emotions for students. The Aggie Hardhats (as seen in the photo) are a tradition started in 2008, given to CHME grads by the department at the Sociedad ceremony the evening before graduation.

NMSU CHME alumni are employed in a diversity of industries, including petrochemicals, refining, advanced materials, environmental restoration and pollution prevention, mining, aerospace, and energy production. Many alumni maintain contact with the department, interact with the current students, and post photographs through our Facebook page. 

We welcome your inquiries by email, chme@nmsu.edu. You’re also welcome to stop by the office to discuss the Chemical Engineering program at NMSU over a cup of coffee. The NMSU Chemical & Materials Engineering program has a perpetual cup of coffee awaiting you, compliments of an endowment by Luke Barry Shires, the first Chemical Engineer to venture west of the Mississippi River and first department head of CHME at NMSU.

Go Aggie CHMEs!

Written by David A. Rockstraw, Ph.D., P.E., former Department Head of Chemical & Materials Engineering (2012-2021)