Chemical Engineering

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Chemical engineering involves the application of mathematics, chemistry and other natural sciences, such as biology, to develop economic ways of using materials and energy for the benefit of mankind.  Chemical engineers are involved in developing, processing, and marketing such varied products as fuels, pharmaceuticals, foods, plastics, metals, microelectronics, and basic chemicals.

The Chemical Engineering program educational objective is as follows:

1. Graduates demonstrate technical competency, communication skills and breadth of knowledge to enable effective service in the chemical engineering profession, to become technical leaders in industry, government or academia, or to pursue advanced study in engineering and applied sciences and in professions such as law, business, and medicine.

Our student outcomes are:

1. Able to use science, engineering, mathematical, and computational knowledge skills and tools to formulate and solve problems involving the technological applications of chemistry and allied sciences.
2. Well-versed in the design, conduct, and interpretation of experiments to solve problems.
3. Competent to carry out process design functions that require not only technical expertise but also interdisciplinary contributions, knowledge of contemporary industrial practice, and an awareness of economic, environmental, and ethical considerations.
4. Able to communicate effectively to technological peers and to lay audiences.
5. Able to function as effective team players and team leaders.
6. Educated about the context in which engineering is practiced in the modern world and the professional responsibilities accompanying that practice.
7. Aware of the need and able to engage in life-long learning.

Many chemical engineers serve in the traditional chemical process industries of petroleum, chemicals, paper, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. Some develop new products or processes through research, while others carry out the pilot studies and design work needed to bring innovations from the laboratory to manufacturing operations. Many are engaged in the operation and management of process plants. Others are in marketing, developing new applications for, or solving problems arising from, the use of chemical products. Often a chemical engineer moves from one function to another. Chemical engineers have long aided in energy and materials production from oil, gas, and coal. Today they are also heavily involved in  research, development, and production of energy from alternative renewable  resources. Similarly, their chemical expertise and broad knowledge of processes are valuable in the identification and control of environmental problems, in health care, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology, and in areas such as electronic materials production. A chemical engineer’s career path is varied and rewarding, allowing individual talents to grow and be fully utilized.

In preparation for career and graduate school opportunities, undergraduate studies for the B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering are very broad in both science and engineering. The curriculum progresses from  mathematics and  basic sciences  (with an emphasis on chemistry), through engineering sciences, to applications in chemical process analysis, and culminates in a capstone design project. Computer methods, laboratory techniques, open-ended problem solving, team approaches, and effective written and oral communication are emphasized throughout the program of study. Elective courses permit minors or concentrations in diverse technical and non-technical areas; recent students have  completed minors in many other engineering disciplines,  in business , and in many different humanities and liberal arts programs. Throughout the CHE program, students  develop not only  develop  technical capability, but also learn to consider the ethical, environmental, cultural, and economic impacts of technological activities.