It grew out of applied chemistry programs years ago when it became obvious that a body of knowledge, not part of chemistry or other engineering disciplines, was necessary for the chemical process industries to function. Chemical engineering is essential for the operation of contemporary society-production of everything from rocket fuels to the clothes we wear to vitamins and fertilizers depends on chemical process principles. Future opportunities in the field are very bright. The undergraduate program in chemical engineering equips students to contribute to the solution of these and similar problems.
Most graduates find meaningful careers in industry.
Others are attracted to government laboratories, universities, and careers as private consultants. Some continue their education through graduate studies in chemical engineering, business, law, or medicine. The Chemical Engineering Department offers the Bachelor of Engineering degree and graduate study leading to the M.Eng., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees. Undergraduate chemical engineering students acquire a solid background in mathematics, chemistry, and physics and take additional upper-level courses in chemistry. The chemical engineering program has as its basis courses in transport phenomena, thermodynamics, separations, and kinetics.