What Can I Do With This Major

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is a multifaceted branch that melds together principles of chemistry, biology, and physics to refine raw materials and chemicals into useful products. Chemical engineering programs instruct students in the art of designing chemical processes, analyzing reaction kinetics, addressing environmental and safety concerns, adhering to ethical codes, and communicating findings effectively.

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Chemical Engineering

Common Career Paths

  • Bulk and fine chemicals
  • Consumer products
  • Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals
  • Electronics
  • Environmental safety and health
  • Fuels and energy conversion
  • Materials
  • Process design

Employers

  • Industries:
    • Agricultural chemicals
    • Industrial bulk and fine chemicals
    • Plastics
    • Biotechnology
    • Pharmaceutical
    • Cosmetics
    • Textiles
    • Consumer products
  • Petroleum
  • Food processing
  • Energy
  • Environmental
  • Automotive
  • Pulp and paper
  • Rubber and rubber products
  • Electronics
  • Private and national research laboratories
  • Federal government:
    • Department of Energy
    • Environmental Protection Agency
    • Nuclear Regulatory Commission
    • Department of Agriculture

Strategies

  • Pursue a strong foundation in fundamentals in lower division classes as well as specialized knowledge for specific career opportunities in upper division classes.
  • Develop exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for work on multidisciplinary teams. Attention to detail is crucial.
  • Pursue experimental design, data interpretation, and problem-solving competence through coursework and research with professors.
  • Seek internship or co-op experiences in the chemical engineering field.
  • Join professional associations such as American Institute of Chemical Engineers to maintain current knowledge of opportunities in the field.
  • Prepare for professional license via review classes.

Getting Started and Advancing in Major

  • A bachelor’s degree provides a wide range of career opportunities in industry, business and government.
  • A bachelor’s degree is good background for pursuing technical graduate degrees as well as professional degrees in Engineering, Business Administration, Medicine or Law.
  • Graduate degrees offer more opportunities for career advancement, college or university teaching positions.
  • Related work experience obtained through co-op, internships, part-time or summer jobs is extremely beneficial.
  • Develop excellent verbal and written communications skills including presentation and technical report writing. Learn to work well on a team to maximize collaborations with other engineers and those outside of the profession.
  • Develop computer expertise within field.
  • Engineers need to think in scientific and mathematical terms and exhibit the abilities to study data, sort out important facts, solve problems and think logically.
  • Other helpful traits include intellectual curiosity, creativity, technical aptitude, perseverance and a basic understanding of the economic and environmental con text in which engineering is practiced.
  • Because of rapid changes in most engineering fields, both continued education and keeping abreast of new developments are very important.
  • Join relevant professional associations, attend meetings, participate in design competitions and stay up-to-date on research/publications.
  • All states and the District of Columbia require registration of engineers whose work may affect the life, health or safety of the public.
  • Professional or technical societies confer certification in some areas.
  • Research Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam requirements, as this exam is typically the first step in becoming a Professional Engineer (PE).
  • Professional Engineer (PE) licensing guidelines vary by state. Check with the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES) for links to state boards.
  • Become familiar with the federal job application and employment procedures.

Professional Associations

Related Resources

Occupational Outlook

Employment Opportunities