What Will I Learn in a Chemical Engineering Degree Program?

As this type of engineer, you'll be responsible for manufacturing, researching and developing new chemical compounds for use in technology and other commercial projects. To enter this exciting field, students will need to complete a chemical engineering degree program. This will mean taking courses on thermodynamics, biochemistry, nanotechnology, environmental engineering, materials science, mathematics and chemical processing. Although students will take a wide range of general classes, they will likely also need to choose a specialization to prepare them for work after school. Common choices include electronics, biomedical, pharmaceuticals and aerospace. Through their training in class and in a laboratory setting, students will learn the fundamentals of manipulating particles and building new, potentially beneficial substances.

What Can I Do With a Chemical Engineering Degree?

Chemical engineering grads will find that there are plenty of ways to put their knowledge to work in the real world and a wide variety of career choices. Those who want to work on the forefront of technology can seek out jobs in nanotechnology and biotechnology, developing the products of the future. For those who are worried about the impact of chemicals on water and air, there are also opportunities to put your skills to use as an environmental engineer. Many other chemical engineers will find jobs in industry, developing new materials, working on energy production and researching new chemicals. Although a bachelor's degree will help grads get certain jobs, a master's or doctorate can open up many more opportunities.

What Is the Career Outlook for Chemical Engineering Degree Students?

Although careers at the cutting edge aren't likely to slow in the coming decade, the industry as a whole could see a bit of a decline in job demand. For new grads, this can mean that there will be greater competition for positions and that higher level degrees could help in finding employment. Those who specialize in chemical engineering for the manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and service industries should see some job growth and security. The average annual salary for chemical engineers is $72,000. Those just starting out in the field can expect to make less, on average $52,000.