Chemical Engineering
Overview
Chemical engineering programs teach people to use chemistry to design products and systems.Chemical engineering programs include topics such as:
- Chemical reactors
- Kinetic systems
- Biomolecular engineering
- Gene therapy
- Energy conservation processes
Schools
Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in chemical engineering. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree, students can transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in chemical engineering. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four or five years of full-time study.
Many universities offer graduate degrees in chemical engineering. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Agricultural Engineering
- Ceramic Sciences and Engineering
- Chemical Technology
- Chemistry
- Engineering, General
- Materials Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Polymer and Plastics Engineering
- Pre-Engineering
Related Careers
Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study
Other Careers Related to this Program of Study
- Agricultural Scientists
- Bioengineers
- Engineering Technicians
- Environmental Scientists
- Nuclear Engineers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Biology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Computer Science and Programming
- English Composition
- Physics
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree in engineering or chemistry, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) Chemistry
- Letters of recommendation
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Applied Analysis
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- Engineering Physics
- English Composition
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Linear Algebra
- Linear Differential Equations
- Organic Chemistry
- Principles of Chemical Engineering
- Process and Plant Design
- Process Dynamics and Control
- Reaction Engineering
- Senior Design Project
- Separations
- Statistics
- Strength of Materials
- Thermodynamics
- Transport
Graduate Program Courses
A master's program typically includes the following:
- Required courses
- Thesis
Things to Know
Most engineering jobs require a lot of writing and clear communication. Taking writing and other humanities courses will develop your communication skills.
Some bachelor's programs combine work experience with classes, and may take five or six years to complete. This work experience teaches skills, helps build job contacts, and you may be paid while you work.
In order to become licensed by your state to work as an engineer, you must have a degree from an accredited engineering program. You also need several years of work experience and must pass an exam. Many people take the exam at the same time they graduate or soon after.
Schools
East Side Area
Washington State University - Pullman
- Chemical Engineering
King-Snohomish Area
Cascadia College
- Associate in Science: Engineering Track Two--Bioengineering & Chemical engineering
University of Washington - Seattle
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering--Nanoscience & Molecular Engineering
Tacoma Area
Pacific Lutheran University
- Engineering Dual Degree Program