Overview of Chemical Engineering?

Chemical engineering is the application of physical and life sciences (chemistry and biology) together with mathematics and economics to the process of converting raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms. It combines principles of engineering, chemistry, and other natural sciences to design and operate processes for the large-scale production of products such as medicines, fuel, and plastics.

Career Opportunities with Chemical Engineering?

Chemical engineers have a variety of career opportunities with a wide range of job titles such as research scientist, process engineer, petroleum engineer, material engineer, environmental engineer, biotechnologist, quality-control engineer, and chemical-plant manager. Chemical engineers use their skills to develop new products, improve existing processes, and discover new ways of turning raw materials into useful products.

Internship or Co-Op Opportunities Related to Chemical Engineering?

Many colleges and universities offer internship and co-op programs for their students pursuing chemical engineering degrees. These programs give students the chance to gain real-world experience while acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in chemical engineering. Internships provide students with valuable exposure to the industry, allowing them to network and learn about different career options. Additionally, co-op programs expose students to the workplace and its core competencies, providing them with an opportunity to develop their technical skills.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Chemical Engineering?

At the university level, chemical engineering students have the opportunity to explore a variety of specialized tracks or concentrations within the broader field. Examples of these concentrations may include: biochemistry, nanotechnology, environmental engineering, biochemical engineering, and polymers and composites. Each of these specializations can lead to unique career opportunities within chemical engineering.

How Chemical Engineering Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education?

Chemical engineers are highly sought after in industries such as pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, biotechnology, and food processing. Graduates from chemical engineering programs typically have a strong foundation in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, making them an excellent fit for any number of graduate programs in disciplines such as business, medicine, or law. Also, chemical engineering programs provide a great foundation in problem solving, data analysis, and critical thinking skills, which are useful skills for any graduate program.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Chemical Engineering?

As artificial intelligence continues to play a larger role in the design, operation, and optimization of various processes, chemical engineers must stay on the cutting edge in order to remain competitive. AI can be leveraged to automate some of the more mundane tasks associated with chemical engineering, such as the analysis of existing processes and the design of new ones. AI can also be used to assist in the detection and remediation of environmental contaminants, as well as the development of new materials and chemical processes. By leveraging the potential of AI, chemical engineers can continue to drive innovation in ways that traditional engineering methods cannot.

The Career Outlook for Chemical Engineering?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that overall employment in engineering will grow 4% by 2028. This increase is expected to be driven mainly by industrial advances and investment in new technologies, and the demand for chemical engineers is also expected to increase. Additionally, the BLS reports a median wage for chemical engineers of $117,220 in 2019, making it an attractive field for those looking for a challenging career with high salaries.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Chemical Engineering:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Salary: $81,524

Carnegie Mellon University, Salary: $80,722

Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College, Salary: $80,305

Rice University, Salary: $78,801

The University of Texas at Austin, Salary: $77,308

University of Houston, Salary: $77,026

Louisiana Tech University, Salary: $76,802

Texas A & M University-College Station, Salary: $76,110

Purdue University-Main Campus, Salary: $75,967

Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, Salary: $75,560

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering.