Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Elective Tracks

Traditionally, the main responsibilities of chemical engineers included the design and optimization of large-scale processes for the production of petrochemicals, plastics and fibers. Over the years, chemical engineering has evolved from a discipline largely focused on these traditional areas to one that is more interdisciplinary and molecularly based. Chemical engineers now also develop new materials, such as ceramic composites and electronic materials, as well as biomaterials and pharmaceuticals. The breadth of training in engineering and the sciences gives chemical engineers a particularly wide spectrum of career opportunities in industry and government and prepares them well for graduate education in engineering, chemistry, medicine, business, technical management and patent law.

A distinctive feature of the chemical engineering program is the 24-credit hour elective track typically taken during the junior and senior years that permits a student to pursue a specific professional interest in depth. Six elective specialization tracks have standing departmental approval: Biomolecular, Nanotechnology, Energy & Environment, Separation, Systems & Computer Engineering, and Business & Law. Students who demonstrate a strong interest in an area not covered by these six elective tracks may design their own Individually Tailored Track. The student should work with his/her individual advisor in selecting courses to form the sequence. A written petition describing the sequence must be submitted to and approved by the department faculty.