Best Chemical Engineering Schools: The Top Colleges and Universities for Chemical Engineering Programs

Founded in 1754, Columbia University is a private institution with a stellar academic reputation. It offers an exceptional quality of core courses and students also get to choose from a myriad of electives to customize their curriculum. Columbia offers a wide range of courses at all levels to its student body of 6,170. The six-to-one student-to-faculty ratio makes for comfortable class sizes.

Columbia University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 4%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• US News Ranking: 2
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 11

Best Columbia University Chemical Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering is awarded to students who complete 128 units of compulsory and elective coursework. It usually takes four years or eight academic terms to complete. Columbia University also offers an online version of this course.
• Master of Science in Chemical Engineering . The Master of Science in Chemical Engineering program offered at Columbia is open to a wide range of candidates, even those without degrees in chemical engineering. The program includes different concentrations, enabling students to specialize in their areas of interest.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering . A full-time program with a Master of Science prerequisite, the Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering is the capstone of academic achievement. It is a gateway into the most advanced theoretical and industrial research in the field.
• Doctor of Engineering Science . This program has the same course requirements and student outcomes as the other doctorate on offer. However, it is granted by the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, which has differing residential and administrative requirements for students.

Columbia University Chemical Engineering Key Takeaway

Columbia University provides an exciting mix of prestige, research capabilities, and academic flexibility for students at all levels.

Known for having the highest acceptance rate amongst Ivy League schools and for its strong alumni network, Cornell University has been in operation since 1865. The school boasts a very comfortable campus life with a beautiful campus, a current student population of 14,743, and an eight-to-one student-to-faculty ratio.

Cornell University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• US News Ranking: 17
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 22

Best Cornell University Chemical Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . This program is offered by the Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and is one of Cornell’s best undergraduate majors. This program is an intensive one, with an early focus on chemistry. It requires 131 credits of coursework to graduate within four years of study.
• Master of Science in Chemical Engineering . With 30 credits of coursework, this program has a distinct focus on academia and is geared toward future PhD candidates. It features several areas of concentration, including advanced materials processing and biochemical engineering.
• Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering . This program is more focused on technical skills than the Master of Science program and is intended for people that want to work in the industry rather than academia. It is otherwise similar in scope and distinction.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering . This program starts with a year of preliminary courses, after which candidates are tested on chemical engineering basics and applications. After two more years of study and testing, candidates choose a research topic and the fifth and final year is spent on a thesis project.

Cornell University Chemical Engineering Key Takeaway

Cornell is a reputable university with a great environment and a strong, close-knit alumni network that benefits students in academic and social life.

The dream of many STEM students, Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a private research university with a heavy focus on science and technology. Open since 1861 and known for its excellence, MIT currently has a student population of 4,361 and a student-to-faculty ratio of three-to-one. Campus life is enhanced by splendid views of the surrounding landscapes and nearby historic locations.

Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 4%
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• US News Ranking: 2
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 5

Best Massachusetts Institute Of Technology Chemical Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. This undergraduate program is offered as a standard Bachelor of Science, as a Bachelor of Science in Chemical-Biological Engineering, and as a more flexible Bachelor of Science in Engineering. The program requires 186 to 195 units to graduate and consists mainly of core chemistry courses.
• Master of Science in Chemical Engineering Practice . This program spans two academic semesters and one extra semester in a Practice School. It is designed to ensure world-class education in this specialized field. Students can choose to complete the program within a year, with the practicum standing in for a thesis.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering Practice . Unique to MIT, this program takes advantage of the special features and facilities at MIT to offer a course that prepares students for industry leadership, management, and excellence. This program takes five to six years to complete.
• The Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Science degrees in Chemical Engineering . These two distinctions are identical and it is up to the student-to-pick one. This is a standard graduate program for those interested in academia and research. The program takes between five and six years of study and does not require a Master of Science degree as a prerequisite.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology Chemical Engineering Key Takeaway

With unmatched prestige in the industry and all the benefits expected from such an institution, MIT assures a great start for a career in chemical engineering.

Purdue University is a public research university that was founded in 1869. It has a student population of 34,920 undergraduate students and a thirteen-to-one student-to-faculty ratio. It is a popular public school with over 30 sports teams and many extracurricular activities that fuel both athletic excellence and vibrant student life.

Purdue University Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 69%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• US News Ranking: 49
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 105

Best Purdue University Chemical Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . Spanning four years, this program requires 130 units of coursework and prepares students for work in the field of chemical engineering. The degree covers core courses, communication skills, and ethics in the field.
• Professional Master of Science in Chemical Engineering . In this 12-month program, postgraduate-level students will undergo advanced technical and managerial training, choosing one of six areas of concentration based on their interests. This is a non-thesis program and serves as an alternative to a traditional Master of Science degree.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering . This program usually encompasses four to five years of coursework and preparation. It requires students to submit and defend a written thesis at the end of their studies. Students are required to maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher during the non-research section of the course.

Purdue University Chemical Engineering Key Takeaway

Purdue University offers unique academic programs that are particularly fitting for students seeking a balance between academia and industry.

Rice University is a private institution with a student population of 4,075 and a six-to-one student-to-faculty ratio. The university prides itself on its diversity, excellent academic records, and vibrant campus life. Students at this university get hands-on exposure to cutting-edge research within the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering department.

Rice University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• US News Ranking: 17
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 136

Best Rice University Chemical Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . This course offers four years of training to aspiring chemical engineers. It requires 127 credit hours and allows students to choose one area of specialization. These areas are Biomolecular Engineering, Computational Engineering, Sustainable Energy, Materials/Nanotechnology, and Engineering Breadth.
• Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Chemical Engineering . This flexible degree in chemical engineering allows students to stray from the standardized path offered by the Bachelor of Science degree. It requires 120 credit hours and allows for minors and extra courses that align with a student’s personal goals and interests.
• Master of Chemical Engineering Degree . This non-thesis graduate program requires the completion of 30 credits. The program encourages specialization and supports students as they pursue research topics they started exploring during the undergraduate phase of their education.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering . For those looking to reach the pinnacle of academic achievement in the field, Rice offers a thesis Master of Science degree in conjunction with their PhD program for chemical engineering. The Master of Science has the same course load as the Master of Chemical Engineering degree, while the doctorate itself takes 24 credit hours to complete.

Rice University Chemical Engineering Key Takeaway

Rice University offers many course options and gives students agency to focus their studies as they see fit while learning and growing in a purposely diverse environment.

Stanford University is a world-renowned school that boasts an undergraduate population of 6,366 and a student-to-faculty ratio of five-to-one. Offering a wide range of programs to both locals and international students, Stanford marries academic excellence with exceptional athletic programs and high-quality student life.

Stanford University Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate:4%
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• US News Ranking: 6
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 4

Best Stanford University Chemical Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . This undergraduate degree prepares students to seamlessly enter the chemical engineering industry. It provides them with the necessary tools to work with emerging technologies and create modern solutions.
• Chemical Engineering Graduate Certificate . This is an online program specially designed for working professionals who want to expand their knowledge and prepare for further academic work. To be eligible, you must have a Bachelor of Science from a science or engineering program and a university-level understanding of chemistry. Completing the program earns you Stanford graduate credits.
• Master of Science in Chemical Engineering . This is a fully online program for graduate studies that covers 45 units over a period of two to five years. The Master of Science in Chemical Engineering is a convenient option for those already in the industry. It also serves university graduates looking to further their academic careers.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering . This program does not require applicants to have a Master of Science. Instead, applications are individually reviewed and those who lack traditional qualifications but show the aptitude and drive that Stanford embodies.

Stanford University Chemical Engineering Key Takeaway

Stanford is a world-class school with unique flexibility that can offer students from all walks of life the education they require to succeed academically and professionally.

The University of Delaware is a public institution with a student population of 18,420 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 12-to-one. Founded in 1743, it hosts a bright and active student body who refer to themselves as the Blue Hens. It offers a wide range of programs, from traditional business degrees to cutting-edge research and development.

University of Delaware Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 72%
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor's, Master’s, PhD
• US News Ranking: 93
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 301-350

Best University of Delaware Chemical Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . This undergraduate program is consistently rated top 10 in the nation for undergraduate chemical engineering education. Students learn problem-solving and teamwork skills in addition to technical skills in quantitative analysis.
• Master of Chemical Engineering Degree . The University of Delaware offers both standard and non-thesis options for graduate chemical engineering education. This program offers a combination of core engineering courses, applied mathematics classes, and electives.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering . The PhD program at the University of Delaware offers capstone teaching and research opportunities for those in the field. Students enrolled in this program must serve as TAs for academic or lab courses as part of their education.

University of Delaware Chemical Engineering Key Takeaway

Featuring world-class labs and research opportunities, the University of Delaware is a good choice for anyone with a passion for academia.

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor was founded in 1817 and has been a standout institution ever since. It currently has a student population of 31,329 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14-to-one. This prestigious institution provides top-notch research facilities and an enabling learning environment that encourages students to pursue various academic paths.

University of Michigan Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 20%
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• US News Ranking: 23
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 24

Best University of Michigan Chemical Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . This 128-unit degree is a flexible four-year academic program with many different concentrations that allow for specialization in areas of interest.
• Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Study. This program allows undergraduate seniors to apply for a parallel Master of Science program if they hold a GPA of 3.2 or higher and are willing to take both programs in tandem. This program is an excellent tool for bright students with an eye on research or academia.
• Master of Science in Chemical Engineering . This non-thesis program requires 30 units and allows the student to customize some of the coursework to suit their interests.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering . This advanced research program has a rigorous selection process. All accepted candidates are supervised by a unique panel throughout their studies. This ensures that the students’ final projects have world-class research prowess.

University of Michigan Chemical Engineering Key Takeaway

The University of Michigan has one of the most carefully curated PhD programs available and helps to develop a high perpetual work ethic in students and alumni.

The University of Southern California boasts a higher number of academic opportunities than any other American university. It was founded in 1880 and has a current population of 19,606 students. With a nine-to-one student-to-faculty ratio and a holistic view of admissions and assessment, USC provides a wide range of unique opportunities.

University of Southern California Overview

• School Type: Private
• Acceptance Rate: 13%
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• US News Ranking: 27
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 63

Best University of Southern California Chemical Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . This foundational program is designed to prepare students for both industry work and academia. It requires 141 units of study. There are six concentrations for undergraduate students available to ensure that students can specialize in their areas of interest.
• Master of Science in Chemical Engineering . Offered both in-person and online, this Master of Science program requires 28 units of study, completed over three years. The course is offered in both thesis and non-thesis options and requires a cumulative 3.0 GPA for completion.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering . Requiring 60 units of graduate study, this PhD is carefully curated by faculty. An individual approach ensures that every candidate gets the best out of the program. The curation includes suggesting electives and reviewing research topics.

University of Southern California Chemical Engineering Key Takeaway

With a holistic view of admissions, reduced focus on traditional grading, and a carefully assisted PhD program, USC offers an equitable academic journey.

Founded in 1861, the University of Washington is a large school with a population of 35,582 and a student-to-faculty ratio of 20-to-one. As a local favorite, it draws representatives from all 39 counties in Washington. It’s also known for having a large capacity for undergraduate research.

University of Washington Overview

• School Type: Public
• Acceptance Rate: 83%
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
• Degrees Offered: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD
• US News Ranking: 59
• Times Higher Education Ranking: 29

Best University of Washington Chemical Engineering Programs

• Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering . This program requires that you complete 180 units during four years of study. During this program, students are prepared for industry jobs or further academic study. It features optional specialization courses and many opportunities for undergraduate research.
• Master of Science in Chemical Engineering . This intermediate course of study facilitates advancements in industry or academics. It offers a thesis option for those focused on academics and a non-thesis option for others who prefer to work in the field.
• Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering . The PhD option at the University of Washington is a solid program that accommodates academic research while keeping track of industry applications. This program usually takes five years to complete, but there is accommodation for flexible pathways.

University of Washington Chemical Engineering Key Takeaway

Ensuring that the balance between research and application is as equal as possible, the University of Washington is a great option for those looking for versatility in their education.

Community colleges are public institutions of higher learning, usually funded by local taxes. They generally offer open admissions and can be a very accessible start to tertiary education. Community colleges offer certificates, associate degrees, and other basic qualifications that can act as steppingstones to bachelor’s and master’s programs.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree that requires two to three years of study. It usually encompasses the basics of the discipline with a curriculum that is equivalent to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree. For chemical engineering, this will usually constitute a focus on chemistry and math courses with additional general and elective courses.

A bachelor’s degree is designed to prepare students to enter the workforce. During their degree, undergraduate students will take core courses and choose electives based on specific goals and interests. Over four or five years, students will build industry-relevant skills and subject knowledge.

Master’s degrees are graduate-level qualifications offered by most institutions. The programs are generally shorter than bachelor’s degrees, taking one to two years to complete. A master’s degree is intended to be specialized and can be structured to achieve different academic and professional goals.

Some master’s programs have a focus on academic development with a research trajectory. Other types of programs offer focused training for specialization within the industry. A master’s degree can even be an avenue to change from one related discipline to another.

A graduate certificate is designed to deliver specialized knowledge and training in a specific area or sub-category of a field. Students in graduate certificate programs take graduate-level courses but can complete the training in just six months to a year.

Unlike a master’s degree, a graduate certificate is not a full degree, but it offers an efficient option for students to obtain skills and training at a lower cost and with a smaller time commitment. A graduate certificate is a great tool for those who want to advance in the industry, take on new roles, or progress in academia or research fields.

A doctorate , also known as a PhD, is the pinnacle of academic achievement within a field. It is often focused exclusively on advanced research and requires extensive experience and prerequisite knowledge. Doctoral degrees are bestowed on advanced students that make relevant and even groundbreaking contributions to the field.

Usually completed in four to five years, doctoral programs are also an exercise in academic networking. They often involve pairing students with experienced mentors to bolster their knowledge and ensure solid research. Any instruction delivered at this level is extremely specialized.

An associate degree is usually required for auxiliary or support roles in the field. This kind of degree can serve as a qualifier for jobs that require an applicant to have basic higher education as part of the requirements.

Top Chemical Engineering Careers With an Associate Degree

• Standard Engineering Technician: $58,975
• Process Technician: $55,680
• Research Technician: $39,634

Bachelor’s degree holders are eligible for entry-level positions. This is the most common starting point for a career in the chemical engineering industry and provides a solid foundation with room for advancement.

Top Chemical Engineering Careers With a Bachelor’s Degree

• Entry Level Process Engineer: $67,321
• Entry Level Project Engineer: $61,871
• Entry Level Environmental Engineer: $59,903

A master’s degree can either enhance your professional qualifications or prepare you for a shift into the research and development sides of the industry. Both of these choices can be avenues for better-paying jobs and more rewarding work.

Top Chemical Engineering Careers With a Master’s Degree

• Senior Principal Engineer: $144,137
• Process Engineering Manager: $117,354
• Senior Process Engineer: $104,005

The height of qualification in the field, a doctorate will usually see a candidate placed at the head of operations or in critical roles in research and development. As most PhD holders are academics rather than industry professionals, few people in the general workforce hold this qualification.

Top Chemical Engineering Careers With a PhD

• Director of Engineering: $147,211
• Tenured University Professor: $88,951
• University Associate Professor: $80,799

Internships are a good way to learn practical skills that cannot be conveyed in a classroom. Chemical engineering is a practical field, so internships are vital. They build your knowledge base and are a stepping stone to more opportunities. Even high school engineering internships can be greatly beneficial.

Top Chemical Engineering Internships

• Jacobs Chemical Process Engineering Intern: $49,943
• Redwood Materials Chemical Engineering Intern: $41,997
• Tesla Cell Materials Engineering Internship: $33/hour