Chemical Engineering

What You'll Do in a Chemical Engineering Career

Applying principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and mechanical andelectrical engineering, chemical engineering professionals solve problems involving the manufacturing or use of chemicals and their byproducts. Simply put, they translate lab processes into practice on the manufacturing floor with the aim of maximizing productivity and minimizing costs.

In addition to designing equipment and processes for large-scale chemical manufacturing, chemical engineers plan and test manufacturing methods; analyze practices used to treat byproducts; and supervise production. How manufacturing processes impact the environment and worker and consumer safety are key concerns for the profession.

Chemical Engineering Job Opportunities

Beyond chemical manufacturing, chemical engineers work in a wide range of other manufacturing industries, including energy production, electronics, food, clothing and paper. Health care and biotechnology also present exciting opportunities forchemical engineering. Some chemical engineers specialize in a particular field, such as nanomaterials, while others might focus on developing specific products, from plastics to medicines to fuels.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chemical engineers can anticipate employment growth in professional, scientific and technical services. In particular, energy research and development and the fields of biotechnology and nanotechnology will offer the best opportunities in the chemical engineering arena.

The Future of Chemical Engineering

The American Chemical Society (ACS) calls chemical engineering the "broadest branch of engineering," in that it draws on principles of math, physics and chemistry, compared to other engineering fields, which draw on only math and physics. Because of its breadth of scope, chemical engineering impacts the global economy and the environment in numerous ways, as ScienceDaily reports:

• Researchers at Case Western University in Cleveland have developed a new plastic that changes color when it becomes damaged. Potential uses include fishing lines, ropes, food packaging, and construction.
   
• At Teesside University, researchers continue to test methods for turning waste materials, such as refuse and sewage sludge, into biofuels in an effort to generate energy without accelerating climate change.

Chemical Engineering Degrees

Colleges and universities across the U.S. offer bachelor's, master's and PhDprograms in chemical engineering that allow students to focus their education on a particular industry or on more theoretical concepts as preparation for graduate work.

Along with classes in chemistry, physics, math and computers, chemical engineering degree programs typically include course work in engineering-related subjects, such as heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and process design and control. Undergraduate students can also anticipate fulfilling general education requirements in social sciences or humanities.

Online Degree Options for Chemical Engineers

Students interested in online education will find a number of colleges and universities that offer comprehensive chemical engineering programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. In general, graduate-level online programs, which cater to working adults looking to enhance their existing industry experience, are the most prevalent option.

Chemical Engineer Salary

The BLS reports that chemical engineers earn the second-highest starting salary for graduates of engineering bachelor's degree programs, $64,902. Taking new and experienced members of the profession into account, chemical engineers make a median annual income of $84,680. Overall, annual salaries for chemical engineers range from $53,730 to $130,240. And the top-paying states for chemical engineers include: Idaho, the District of Columbia, California, Delaware and Louisiana.