undergraduate
Chemical engineering
Best schools with chemical engineering
What is a chemical engineering major?
Chemical engineering students apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development and operational evaluation of systems employing chemical processes, such as chemical reactors, kinetic systems, electrochemical systems, energy conservation processes, heat and mass transfer systems, and separation processes; and the applied analysis of chemical problems such as corrosion, particle abrasion, energy loss, pollution, and fluid mechanics.
of students said a highlight of this major was the fascinating subject.
of students found this major to be difficult.
of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.
of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.
of students said complex concepts were a challenging aspect of the major.
How much do chemical engineering majors make?
median average salary
$105,000/yr
The national average salary for chemical engineering graduates in the United States is $105,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $240,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $35,000 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, chemical engineering graduates typically make between $66,000 and $158,000 per year.
How popular is chemical engineering as a major?
Each year, around 10,900 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 45 students obtain an associate degree in chemical engineering. In 2021, 10,185 students received a bachelor's degree and 52 students received an associate degree. This is 6% fewer chemical engineering majors than there were in 2020. Chemical engineering is one of the most popular majors within engineering.
Advice from chemical engineering majors
Share your experienceIt is a very interesting and fulfilling subject. If you really put your determination and study hard, it will be easy. But if you really love chemical engineering, enjoy every moment, every difficulty, and every aspect of it. It will be worth it in the end!
To study hard and read the textbook. Manage your time well and find a group of other chemical engineers to study with.
Study very hard and make sure you go to office hours. The material quickly build up on itself.
Chemical engineering is regarded by many as a very difficult course. My first few semesters are all fully booked at 18 credits. This is with no AP credits. I would suggest taking at least a few AP courses to give you some experience. You do not need to get the credit to make the class worthwhile. I took AP Chem and took the test, got a score high enough to give me credit, yet I decided to take chem in college. Taking AP chem in high school has helped me understand the topics ahead of other students.
Challenge is good, such a vast area of opportunities to choose from, hard work brings true joy.
