More than most fields, the education of the chemical engineer has been based on the fundamental sciences of physics and chemistry, on mathematical and computer techniques and on basic engineering principles. It also is a good preparation for law and medical scholars. The chemical industry alone provides an opportunity for the chemical engineer to participate in the research, development, design or operation of plants for the production of new synthetic fibers, plastics, chemical fertilizers, vitamins, antibiotics, rocket fuels, nuclear fuels, paper pulp, photographic products, paints, fuel cells, transistors and the thousands of chemicals that are used as intermediates in the manufacture of the above products. In practice, the activities of the chemical engineer are sufficiently diversified to attract a wide range of talents and abilities. Others do fundamental research on the laws of science and their application.
Many chemical engineers work in technical sales, cost estimation, patent law and plant supervision.
A chemical engineering background is often the best route to top-level management positions. It is not surprising that new chemical engineering graduates command the highest starting salaries of any degree at the bachelor's level. Admission Requirements Admission to this program is selective and is based on a student's total record, including educational objectives, courses completed, quality of academic record and other important facts. Priority in admission will be given to those students whose potential on the basis of the entire record indicates the greatest likelihood of success in the program. However, since enrollment in selected courses prerequisite to senior level professional courses may be limited by insufficient staff and facilities, minimum performance may not guarantee completion of the curriculum.