If you are looking for a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, look no further. Chemical engineers are in great demand since a variety of sectors rely on their discoveries. While this field has a lot of job prospects, it can be difficult to study. In this guide, we will outline some of the best chemical engineering bachelor’s degrees.
This article reviews the application requirements for some of the best chemical engineering bachelor’s degree programs. It also analyzes the job and salary outlook for chemical engineers and lists some of the most profitable chemical engineering bachelor’s degree jobs.
Where Can I Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering?
The best colleges where you can get a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering include Oregon State University, Syracuse University, the University of Arizona, and the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Plenty of top schools offer degrees in chemical engineering.
What Schools Offer the Best Chemical Engineering Bachelors Degrees?
- Drexel University
- Oregon State University
- Syracuse University
- University of Arizona
- University of Maryland Baltimore County
What Are the Admission Requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering?
The admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering are a high school diploma with a high GPA, good SAT or ACT scores, and a strong online application. Most colleges also ask for a letter of intent and a letter of recommendation from a high school or college previously attended.
Other common requirements are TOEFL language proficiency certification for international students, an academic transcript for applicants with previous university experience, and foundation courses in chemistry and other related disciplines. However, these additional qualifications are frequently situational and the majority of candidates do not require them.
Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Admission Requirements
- High school diploma
- Application form
- Recommendation letter
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
- Academic transcript (for candidates with an associates degree or college experience)
How to Get a Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
You can get a chemical engineering bachelor’s degree by enrolling in a specialized college program. To graduate, you must complete the program’s graduation requirements and achieve the minimum required credits in your area of specialization.
How Many Credits Do You Need for a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering?
You need between 120 and 200 credits for a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Obtaining these credits typically takes three to five years. The credits are divided into core and elective courses and are spread out over several semesters. Students must also take general education courses too, such as English, math, and science.
Chemical Engineering Degree Requirements
- Complete the number of credit hours required by the school
- Comply with the school’s graduation criteria and meet the minimum GPA
- Participate in an internship or receive industrial training
- Competency standards in specific courses must be met
- Pay all the required fees
Best Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas State University | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET |
| Oregon State University | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities |
| Stanford University | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | WASC Senior College and University Commission |
| Syracuse University | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| University of Arizona | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Higher Learning Commission |
| University of Connecticut | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Florida | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges |
| University of Louisville | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | New England Commission of Higher Education |
| University of Maryland Baltimore County | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
Best Schools for Chemical Engineering: Top Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best schools for chemical engineering bachelor’s degree programs provide foundational level classes and hands-on training to get students ready for entry-level chemical engineering careers. Furthermore, the top engineering chemical engineering programs will prepare graduates for graduate school, where they can go on to earn a master’s degree.
What Is a Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
A chemical engineering bachelor’s degree is an undergraduate program that involves coursework in applied mathematics, material and energy balances, thermodynamics, and fluid mechanics. It also deals with energy and mass transfer, separation technologies, chemical reaction kinetics, reactor design, and process design.
A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering combines natural sciences, experimental sciences, and economics to design, transform, transport, operate, and manage manufacturing processes that transform raw materials into valuable products.
How Important Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering?
A chemical engineering bachelor’s degree is important because of the course’s extensive breadth and applications needed to learn the fundamentals of chemical engineering. It is a platform for innovation and teaches techniques for making chemicals and goods such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, and paper. It even has wide applications in constructing chemical plant equipment.
What Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Can You Get in Chemical Engineering?
You can get the following types of bachelor’s degrees for chemical engineering:
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
- Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
A Bachelor of Science is a tertiary education discipline that fosters students’ deep interest in science and associated subjects. On the other hand, a Bachelor of Engineering is an academic degree that focuses on engineering sciences, technical subjects, and practical applications.
Is It Better to Get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering?
It is better to get a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering because it is considered more applicable in the engineering field. This degree places more emphasis on the practical aspects of the subject, which is important due to the field-based nature of chemical engineering. Therefore, a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering is better for getting a job.
However, if you’re an academic that would prefer to explore the intricacies of the theories behind chemical engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering is for you. This type of degree places a higher focus on the theoretical aspects of chemical engineering. This is better for students looking to go on and earn a master’s degree.
What Is the Difference Between a Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree and a Chemical Engineering Certificate?
The main difference between a chemical engineering bachelor’s degree and a certificate in chemical engineering is the course content. A certificate verifies that a student has studied a particular set of skills necessary to work in a specific area of chemical engineering. However, a bachelor’s degree demonstrates a well-rounded graduate who is skilled in various facets of chemical engineering and related fields.
A chemical engineering certificate often provides a rudimentary understanding of the sector and focuses on building profession-specific skills over a few months. As such, it is particularly significant for career specialization.
On the other hand, a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering is more expensive and takes longer to attain because it requires students to take more courses. It provides a richer educational experience and allows pupils to become adept in other subjects, giving them a well-rounded understanding of the field.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering?
The annual cost of a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering can range from $6,380 to $59,000, depending on the educational institution and curriculum. Chemical engineers need to develop a series of very specific and highly technical skills, therefore, high-quality education is crucial. This is why chemical engineering bachelor’s degrees are expensive.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
It takes four years to get a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering if studying full-time. Part-time programs usually take an additional year or two and have the same amount of credit hours as full-time programs spread over a longer period of time.
If you apply to transfer college credits in a relevant course from a prior institution, you can complete the program in about two years. In addition, some colleges and universities also offer accelerated bachelor’s degree programs to help students graduate faster.
How Hard Is It to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering?
Getting a chemical engineering bachelor’s degree is hard because it entails a great deal of physics and math, as well as a large number of exams for undergraduate students. Moreover, a chemical engineering bachelor’s degree is hard because students face a lot of stress, as any error in calculations, designs, or instructions could have catastrophic effects.
Why Should You Get a Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
The benefits of getting a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering are it gives you the skills to shape the world by creating essential goods for everyday life and long-term sustainability. You will work in a demanding field that encompasses a large body of information where your logical, communication, collaboration, and critical-thinking skills will be developed.
Additionally, chemical engineers can often expect high average incomes when joining the labor market because of their skill in developing commercial products. The benefits of getting a second bachelor’s in chemical engineering or a related field will open up further job opportunities and increase your salary.
What Courses Do You Need to Take in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in Chemical Engineering?
The courses you need to take in a chemical engineering bachelor’s degree program will give you a foundational understanding to build your success in the field. Bachelor’s in chemical engineering courses will use hands-on skills and real-world experience to ensure students are job-ready.
Bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering course lists will vary from program to program. Students can use the school’s website or course catalog to find more information about the courses. Continue reading for five typical courses in bachelor’s in chemical engineering programs you will typically find.
Process Engineering
Process engineering covers the two major principles of mass and energy conservation in engineering education. In this course, block diagrams are commonly used to depict processes. This language, which is used across many engineering fields, aids engineers in taking a more analytical approach to their procedures.
Heat, Mass, and Momentum
This course covers the applications of momentum, heat, and mass movement in engineering problems. It shows how to obtain fundamental design equations for a variety of real-world engineering challenges. Additionally, it spotlights the art of applying mathematics to practical situations and equips students with the tools needed to tackle a variety of problems.
Materials Science and Engineering
Materials science is a field that deals with the various properties of matter and evaluates how they can be applied to science and engineering. It addresses real-world issues in nanotechnology, biomedical engineering, information technology, manufacturing, and other significant engineering fields.
Fluid Mechanics
The study of fluid mechanics deals with various disciplines such as the numerical solution of conservation equations for mass, momentum, and energy. Since the majority of chemical-processing activities are carried out partially or entirely in the fluid phase, a chemical engineer’s understanding of fluid mechanics is crucial.
Nanotechnology
Nanomaterials have unique features as a result of their small size. They are excellent catalysts due to their large surface area. Catalysts, sensors, coatings, adsorption, and drug delivery are some of their most common applications. Learning about the fundamentals of nanotechnology involves why and how these materials interact with one another.
Continuing Education Paths for Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
The best path to take with a chemical engineering bachelor’s degree is to earn professional certification for a particular specialization or enroll in graduate school. Another way to boost your resume is to become a member of a recognized organization in your field of study.
Related Chemical Engineering Degrees
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What to Look For in the Best Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best chemical engineering bachelor’s degree programs have recognized accreditation, a top reputation, affordability, and industrial training prospects. Prospective students should consider the factors listed below when choosing which bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering program is best for them.
Accreditation
An accredited institution is of great importance when researching programs. Many businesses look for the ABET-Accredited programs when considering qualifications because it is the main professional organization in charge of approving engineering degrees. You can also check for colleges with regional accreditation, which implies that a school has met a set of national requirements.
School Reputation
The reputation of your institution has a significant impact on the trajectory of your career in chemical engineering. As a result, you should seek a recognized institution with illustrious alumni and great ratings. These ratings can be found by joining online communities and getting honest feedback from past and current students.
Cost
The cost of your schooling is very important and you should consider your budget and the availability of financial aid. You have to take into consideration how much a program costs and the available ways to reduce the cost of study. Some schools offer financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, and apprenticeships. These are all crucial considerations.
Industrial Training
Chemical engineering is a field with a focus on hands-on experience. As such, the school must provide in-depth training to meet the academic standards and thereby increase the quality of graduating students. This training can be in the form of coursework, apprenticeships, internships, and co-op programs for chemical engineering students.
Student-to-Teacher Ratio and Diversity
Many factors are considered while determining the size of a school. In most cases, a smaller class size is preferable because it facilitates higher-quality teaching. Consequently, the smaller the student-to-instructor ratio, the better. In addition, diversity is encouraged to enable inclusion, which in turn, makes the class more appealing and well-rounded.
What Is the Most Affordable Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
The most affordable chemical engineering bachelor’s degree program is offered at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. It is the best choice for students pursuing the degree without financial assistance. Its cost ranges from $12,280 to $28,470 per annum.
Salary and Job Outlook for Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Graduates
With a job outlook of nine percent over the next 10 years as predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is clear that chemical engineering offers a lot of potential as a specialization in the engineering discipline.
Aside from its immense job growth prospects and rewarding careers, it is a field with applications in a broad range of industries. Continue reading for further details on the best chemical engineering bachelor’s degree jobs and the typical bachelor’s in chemical engineering salary graduates can expect.
How Hard Is It to Get a Job With a Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
It is easy to get a job with a chemical engineering bachelor’s degree. The field is very broad and has a wide range of applications and careers. Academic programs prepare future chemical engineers with basic science and specialized analytical skills. This makes it relatively easy to get a job in the chemical engineering field.
Furthermore, there are many things you can do with a chemical engineering degree and your career prospects will broaden with work experience and advanced degrees. Senior jobs typically require some professional certificates or a graduate degree.
What’s the Average Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Salary?
The average salary of a chemical engineering bachelor’s degree holder is $83,000, according to Payscale. However, this amount will fluctuate depending on your location, experience, skill level, and organization you work for.
What Types of Jobs Can You Get With a Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree?
You can get a wide range of jobs with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. Potential professions include Petroleum Engineer, Senior Chemical Engineer, Senior Process Engineer, Industrial Production Manager, and Materials Engineer. Additionally, you can consider roles in pharmaceutical industries, materials engineering, chemical reaction engineering, and biochemical engineering.
Chemical Engineering Degree Jobs
- Senior Chemical Engineer
- Senior Process Engineer
- Project Manager
- Research Scientist
- Production Engineer
Potential Careers With a Chemical Engineering Degree
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How Much Money Can You Make With a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering?
According to PayScale, you can make an average of $76,689 per annum with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. The general salary range in this career path is $58,000 to $120,000 and will fluctuate depending on your field of chemical engineering, skill level, and company.
Highest-Paying Chemical Engineering Bachelors Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Chemical Engineering Bachelors Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Petroleum Engineer | $130,850 |
| Senior Chemical Engineer | $105,550 |
| Senior Process Engineer | $103,966 |
| Industrial Production Manager | $103,150 |
| Materials Engineer | $98,300 |
Best Jobs for Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree Grads
The best jobs for chemical engineering bachelor’s degree grads offer high-paying salaries, excellent growth potential, and a large number of available opportunities. These occupations necessitate diverse abilities in chemical engineering and related domains. Below, we’ll go over some of the best jobs for a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering graduate.
Best Jobs According to Your Major
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Is a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Engineering Worth It?
Yes, a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is worth it. A chemical engineering curriculum equips you with abilities that open doors to various managerial, research, and specialized positions with high salaries and occupational benefits. This field offers a wide range of career opportunities with plenty of potential career flexibility within various branches of engineering.
Additional Reading About Chemical Engineering
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Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Degree FAQ
Studying chemical engineering is better than studying petroleum engineering. This is because a chemical engineering graduate could work in a variety of fields. On the other hand, petroleum engineering is a more direct field that deals primarily with the extraction of oil and gas, meaning that your job pool will be strictly in the oil and gas industry.
Chemistry examines the history of science, including organic, inorganic, analytical, physical, and biochemical aspects. However, chemical engineering is more diverse and practical, involving the application of engineering science to issues such as heat transport, fluid dynamics, and equipment design.
You can get relevant certifications in chemical engineering by taking a certificate course, training program, or joining governing associations, depending on the certification you require. Some of these certifications include Certified Chemical Engineer and the Six Sigma Green Belt.
When looking for a job in chemical engineering, you should expect requirements for specific technical skills and experience in the field. In addition, most employers usually call for an interview. As such, you should practice and review common chemical engineer interview questions to gain an upper hand during the interview process.
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