What is Chemical Engineering?

Chemical engineering uses mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology to develop chemical transformations and processes to create useful products and materials that improve society. It is one of the most broadly-based engineering disciplines, creating high demand for chemical engineers across a variety of industries and professions.

Chemical engineers devise ways to convert raw materials and intermediate chemicals into more useful forms. They develop processes and products that are energy efficient, environmentally friendly and profitable. Chemical engineers make petrochemicals, polymers, microelectronics, biomedical devices, paper, dyes, drugs, fertilizers and foods. Practically every product has been worked on or improved by chemical engineering in some way.

Chemical engineers work to solve major societal challenges in energy, human health, manufacturing and sustainability. They are employed in numerous roles and some examples include petrochemical, pharmaceutical, microelectronics, biomedical, environmental, green energy, financial and consulting industries. The breadth and depth of training in chemical engineering allows graduates to go on to graduate programs and careers in academia, national laboratories, medicine, business, law, entrepreneurship and more.

The versatility of chemical engineers allows them to make advances that enhance people’s everyday lives across all walks of life.