Undergraduate Studies
The chemical engineering program offers students a broad education built on fundamentals in science, mathematics, and engineering, which are then applied to a variety of contemporary problems using modern tools, such as computational software and computer-aided design. The Bachelor of Science Program in Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. The program culminates with a Capstone project.
What is Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers have traditionally been employed in chemical, petrochemical, agricultural chemical, pulp and paper, plastics, cosmetics, and textiles industries and in consulting and design firms. Today, chemical engineers also play an integral role in emerging biological and advanced materials fields, including nanotechnology. For example, chemical engineers are creating new materials needed for space exploration, alternative energy sources, and faster, self-powered computer chips.
In biotechnology and bioengineering, chemical engineers are working to understand human diseases, developing new therapies and drug delivery systems, and producing new medicines through cell culture techniques. Chemical engineers employ nanotechnology to revolutionize sensors, security systems, and medical diagnostics and treatments.
The role of chemical engineering is to develop new products and to design processes while reducing costs, increasing production, and improving the quality and safety of new products. In addition to creating important products, chemical engineers are also involved in protecting our environment by exploring ways to reduce acid rain and smog; to recycle and reduce wastes; to develop new sources of environmentally clean energy; and to design inherently safe, efficient, and “green” processes.
By participating in the cooperative education program, students have an opportunity to explore what career objectives fit their own skills and interests. The goal of this component of our program is to offer students valuable professional experience and contacts that will help get them started in their professional career, as well as to develop career management skills. The co-op program parallels the academic program in level of responsibility and sophistication.
The department also offers research opportunities throughout all fields of chemical engineering, including participating in research centers based in our department and college, with faculty in their laboratories, as well as on co-op.