If you're interested in pursuing a chemical engineering degree, take as many math and science courses as possible. Investigate the entrance requirements of the institutions you wish to apply to. Bear in mind that communication skills and extracurricular activities serve as valuable proof that you have the critical and social skills to match science to human needs. Despite the increasing number of women in science and engineering, Baltus says female students still face the age-old problem of sexism. Baltus recommends that women seeking to go into this field find support and mentors through groups like the Society of Women Engineers.
Some programs charge additional fees for computers and lab equipment.
But once you're done with the program, you can reap good rewards in terms of employment prospects. Chemical engineering graduates could land jobs in pulp and paper mills or with companies that make chemicals, fertilizers, foods, drugs, paints, plastics and more. The Inside Track Chika Okere jokes that he got into chemical engineering because he got jilted by electrical and computer engineering, his first choice. But you can tell that he has no regrets. Okere, who will be graduating in 2002, says the program has been a blast.