Chemical engineers combine mathematics and advanced chemistry with engineering principles to design, develop and operate industrial processes for the manufacture of a variety of products including fuels, gasoline, heating oil, plastics, synthetic fibers, paint, solvents, industrial chemicals and chemical intermediates, and a variety of consumer products such as foods, beverages, medicines and cosmetics. Undergraduate Program The Chemical Engineering undergraduate program includes course work in material and energy balances, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, heat and mass transfer, separation processes, and plant design, plus elective courses such as transport phenomena, pollution control, biochemical engineering, process safety, and engineering economy. Lectures are complemented by comprehensive laboratory courses with experiments in both traditional and emerging technologies, ranging from unit operations such as distillation and filtration, to unique applications such as biological reactors. Computer usage, including software, programming, professional design packages and data acquisition, and engineering ethics are integrated throughout the curriculum. Students are prepared for both professional employment and graduate study.

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals and other products. They design equipment and processes for large-scale chemical manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production. Chemical engineers also work in a variety of manufacturing industries other than chemical manufacturing, such as those producing energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. In addition, they work in healthcare, biotechnology, and business services. Chemical engineers apply principles of physics, mathematics, and mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as chemistry. They must be aware of all aspects of chemical manufacturing and how the manufacturing process affects the environment and the safety of workers and consumers. Some careers of interest for chemical engineering majors include: Agricultural Engineer Agronomist Biochemist Ceramic Engineer Chemical Engineer Chemical Engineering Technician Chemical Research Engineer Chemist Computer Science Engineer Consulting Engineer Cosmetic Engineer Electrical Engineer Engineering Educator Environmental Engineer Fire Protection Engineer Food Technologist Geological Engineer Materials Engineer Metallurgical Engineer Metallurgist Nuclear Engineer Petroleum Engineer Pharmacist Pharmacologist Plastics Engineer Safety Engineer Textile Engineer Toxicologist