In our ABET-accredited program, you will study a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, chemistry and physics, as well as core engineering subjects such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, separation processes, heat and mass transfer and chemical reactor design. Our electives address specialized areas of chemical engineering and include courses in advanced materials, biochemical engineering, drug delivery, environmental engineering, fuel science, nanotechnology and polymer processing.
What You Can Do
From gasoline to pet food, chemical engineers are responsible for the development and production of plastics, paper, dyes, drugs, food and fertilizers that are major components in our modern life. They invent new processes, improve existing ones and design and operate the plants and equipment needed to transform raw feedstocks into useful products, often on a massive scale.
How Much You Could Earn
Chemical engineers typically earn between $60,770 and $158,800 annually, with an average salary of $98,340.*
Earnings over time**
| Years of experience | Median salary |
|---|---|
| fewer than 6 | $85,000 |
| 6 to 10 | $108,500 |
| 11 to 15 | $115,000 |
| 16 to 20 | $146,000 |
| 21 to 25 | $138,312 |
* Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016-2017 Occupational Outlook Handbook
**Source: 2017 AIChE Salary Survey
Where You Can Work
- Fuels and petrochemicals; fine chemicals, agricultural products
- Alternative energy & renewable fuel technologies; nuclear energy
- Environmental engineering
- Pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, bioengineering
- Food processing, cosmetics, consumer products
- Plastics, electronic materials, nanotechnology
Degree Requirements
Learn more about degree requirements here.
Department Chair
Thomas Dziubla, Ph.D.
(859) 257-8028
Director of Undergraduate Studies
Barbara Knutson, Ph.D.
(859) 257-5715
Student Affairs Officers
Bruce Cole
(859) 257-4956
Marlene Spurlock
(859) 257-7029
The undergraduate program in Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.