Overview
Â鶹´«Ã½’s chemical engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of (ABET), .
Our bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering combines mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology with fundamental engineering analysis and design principles.
Chemical engineering graduates work in a wide range of careers. Some work as engineers in specialized fields like microelectronics, materials science, biotechnology and alternative energy. Others continue on to get advance degrees in law, medicine, business or engineering.
Chemical engineering students are in high demand in all of these areas and have the highest entry-level salaries of all major disciplines. Learn more about chemical engineering careers and professional connections of our department.
Chemical Engineering Curriculum
Chemical engineers must possess a quantitative understanding of engineering principles that govern technological processes. Therefore, the curriculum of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Â鶹´«Ã½ includes the study of applied mathematics, material and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, energy and mass transfer, separation processes, chemical reaction kinetics and reactor design, chemical process analysis, process design and simulation, and process control. Courses are built on a foundation in mathematics, chemistry, and physics.
Students learn how to program complex process simulations and gain hands-on laboratory experiences throughout their education at Â鶹´«Ã½. For example, students take the course Introduction to Sustainable Energy in their first semester, which includes a teamwork laboratory project on designing and building a solar hot water heater and comparing its performance to a commercial heater. In the fall of their senior year, students conduct laboratory experiments on chemical engineering principles. They crown their lab experience in the spring of their senior year with senior design projects, which are often sponsored by the and local companies.
Requirements for chemical engineering majors and minors and program educational objectives and outcomes are described in more detail on separate pages. See also Program Enrollment and Graduation Information (pdf) for the BS in chemical engineering.
Study Chemical Engineering Abroad
Through specially selected overseas partnerships in about 20 countries, student in the Hajim School of Engineering have a world of opportunities available. These partnerships allow our students to take courses in engineering, mathematics, sciences, and more abroad that apply toward your Â鶹´«Ã½ degree. You’ll see the world, gain a global perspective, and build your résumé—all before you graduate.
Chemical Engineering Internships
A summer internship can help you gain valuable work experience, build personal connections within a company, and help guide your career goals. Some students even transition into a permanent job after graduate.
Visit the to start exploring opportunities.
Dual Degree Options
Dual majors and minors are common to chemical engineering students at the Â鶹´«Ã½. The most common minors are mathematics, environmental engineering, and materials science. Students also often minor in economics, English, chemistry, business, mechanical engineering, or biomedical engineering.
With careful planning, double majors and minors can easily be completed in four undergraduate years. Given the numerous course requirements for dual degrees, it is important to speak with the chemical engineering undergraduate coordinator about this program early on to ensure you are taking appropriate courses.
Transfer Credit
See the Center for Advising Services (CAS) for transfer credit rules. Contact the for detailed procedures and more information.
Financial Aid
Undergraduate students at the Â鶹´«Ã½ may be eligible to receive financial aid. Details are available from the .