Chemical engineers rely on their knowledge of mathematics and science – particularly chemistry – to overcome technical problems in industry and society. While the chemist studies basic chemical reactions, the chemical engineer applies the results of chemical research and transforms laboratory processes into efficient, full-scale processes or facilities. With their strong problem-solving skills and fundamental background in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, chemical engineers can seize opportunities to translate industrial problems into competitive advantages. Currently, chemical engineers demand among the highest salaries for college graduates with a bachelor’s degree.

Careers in Chemical Engineering As a chemical engineer, you can work in product development, process design, management, quality control, pollution control, marketing, technical sales, or other areas. Chemical products: Petrochemical industry Biochemical and biomedical Polymer materials Renewable resources engineering Reaction engineering and catalysis New/alternative energy Consumer products: Food and nutritional products Environmental engineering Process systems engineering Risk management Personal care products Microelectronics and personal electronics Pharmaceutical industry: Particle technology Gene therapy Tissue engineering Biological materials Drug discovery Drug delivery Drug manufacturing Management/business Transport phenomena Separation processes