The chemical engineer also serves society in improving the environment by reducing and eliminating pollution and applying the biosciences in biochemical and biomedical engineering. The chemical engineering curriculum builds on the basic sciences and other branches of engineering to accomplish these objectives. Courses in English, communication, and general education electives furnish a broad background in humanities and human behavior. Elective programs developed by the student with his or her faculty adviser can create options in such areas as applied chemistry, biochemical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical reaction engineering, chemical processing, computer-aided design, energy and natural resources processing, environmental engineering, food processing, geoscience, materials science, nuclear engineering, pharmaceutical engineering, prelaw, premedicine, process control, production and sales, and systems engineering. The spectrum of activity of the chemical engineer, because of his or her unique background, is one of the broadest in the science-technical field.
Chemical engineers find employment in all phases of technical operations.
Traditionally, more of the graduates in chemical engineering have obtained M.S. and Ph.D. degrees than those in almost any other engineering field. It is advantageous for those interested in the more advanced work of research, development, and college teaching to obtain a graduate degree. The chemical engineering degree is frequently used as a steppingstone to other professions such as law, medicine, or teaching. The curriculum in chemical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.