What is Chemical Engineering?

Chemical Engineering is a profession that uses expertise in chemical reactions and separations to solve environmental problems and produce new materials on a large scale. Chemical Engineering is essential in the production of gasoline, plastics, pharmaceuticals, paper, paints, cosmetics, pesticides, processed foods, and computer chips. Chemical engineers are also involved in the emerging biomedical, biochemical, and environmental engineering fields.

Download a copy of the Chemical Engineering Brochure (PDF 496Kb)

Chemical Engineering Careers

As a chemical engineer, you can pursue many careers in industry, government, consulting, and research. Traditionally, you begin in industry, where you'll work in process, design, production, technical support, sales, or environmental management. With graduate training, you have opportunities in education, national research laboratories, and industrial research and development.

All engineering curricula require a number of the same basic courses, including Introduction to Engineering, Professional Development, Chemistry, Physics, and an introductory computer course. All engineering undergraduates also take a Freshman English and a Social Sciences/Humanities course. The curriculum for chemical engineers also includes a strong sequence of additional chemistry courses, along with subjects relating to the processes, machinery, and facilities used in the chemical industry.

The University of Cincinnati Chemical Engineering Department's state-of-the-art laboratories and updated curriculum are fully certified by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The quality of UC Chemical Engineering graduates is exceptional. Industry holds them in high demand and over 10% are admitted annually with scholarships to the top graduate schools in the country. The UC chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers has won the "Best Chapter" award nationally for the past three years. All Chemical Engineering Faculty have earned doctorates from select universities around the world. Many are international lecturers and recognized leaders in their specific fields of study. Numerous awards testify to the strength of the Chemical Engineering Department's instruction and research. Faculty have been recipients of prestigious University Awards for teaching and have received national acclaim for teaching and program development. Faculty publish regularly: their findings have appeared in over 150 publications over the past three years. A number of faculty members serve on the editorial boards of the most prominent research journals. The Chemical Engineering Department distinguishes itself by participating in internationally-recognized research through the Center of Excellence for Membrane Technology, the Polymer Research Center, and the Center for High Temperature Superconductivity.

Chemical Engineering Profile

14 full-time faculty
346 undergraduate students
Average SAT score is 1150
Average ACT score is 27
Entering freshmen rank in the top 10% of their high school class.
After completing the five year program, you will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical engineering degree. The average starting salary of UC Chemical Engineering graduates in 1996 was $43.028.

Co-operative Education

All College of Engineering undergraduate students participate in the Co-operative Education Program, one of the largest "co-op" programs in the country. Co-op alternates on-the-job experience with classroom curriculum on a quarterly basis. Students earn income that can help with tuition while gaining the solid experience that employers want.

UC College of Engineering

The UC College of Engineering ranks among the best engineering schools in the nation because of its commitment to total quality in both teaching and research. Students have access to state-of-the-art lab facilities and receive personalized instruction from professors who are leaders in their fields. Regardless of the major you choose, the College of Engineering will provide you with the opportunity to achieve your personal and professional goals.