Academic Advising
in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Chemical Engineering?
This major is a science/engineering oriented program requiring chemistry, physics, biological sciences, mathematics, in addition to specialized courses in chemical engineering. Within Chemical Engineering, students have the option of choosing a concentration area from Biochemical, Environmental or Paper engineering. Students in the program learn how to apply fundamental scientific and engineering principles to solve industrial problems. This program leads to a Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a major in Chemical Engineering.
Interests
This course of study is excellent for students who are interested in science and engineering and also have a desire to develop and interpret experimental data, solve mathematical problems, and apply these skills toward creatively solving industrial and/or research problems. This program is also of interest to students who wish to pursue further studies in medicine, law and graduate school. Related programs in Paper Science and Engineering, and Engineering Management are also available for students who also have interests in paper industry and business management.
Competencies
- Communication
- Preparing technical reports
Organizing/reporting data
Designing charts/graphs
Informing/explaining
Reporting
Writing technical information
Communicating orally/formal & informal
Communicating interpersonally on multiple levels - Interpersonal Skills
- Working as part of a team
Project management
Developing common goals - Computational
- Processing data
Solving quantitative problems
Experimental design
Data analysis
Mathematical modeling and simulation
Sampling for surveys/marketing - Analytical
- Comparing factors
Thinking logically
Summarizing research findings
Attending to detail
Testing an idea/hypothesis
Developing theories
Clarifying problems
Organizing ideas/materials - Investigative
- Reviewing relevant data
Applying concepts
Utilizing formulas
Identifying problems
Gathering information
Perceiving patterns/structures - Technical
- Knowledge of chemical process design
Design of chemical/biochemical reactors
Understanding of chemical, biochemical and environmental technology
Control, operation and optimization of chemical processes
Opportunities - Careers
A majority of graduates accept entry-level positions with chemical, biochemical, petroleum and pharmaceutical companies as process/project engineers, environmental engineers, production supervisors, or quality control specialists, while others either become technical sales or technical service engineers for suppliers of chemicals, computer process control engineers, or research engineers. Graduates of the programs offered by the Department receive typical engineering level starting salaries, which are in the highest range of any undergraduate program at Miami University. Graduates are in high demand and placement is typically 100%.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Students may choose to continue their education in chemical engineering, or they may pursue advanced degrees in business, science, engineering, or medicine, or law.
Opportunities - Experiential
Students in this major are strongly encouraged to gain some form of industry experience prior to graduation, whether it be through summer internships following their sophomore and junior years or through a full blown co-op program in which students alternate semesters of study with semesters of work in the industry. Students are also encouraged to get involved with professional organizations including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE).
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Paper & Chemical Engineering (64 Engineering Bldg., 529-0760)
- * Curriculum Requirements
- * Career Opportunities
* Career Decision Making - Student Counseling Service (195 Health Services Building, 529-4634)
- * Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - School of Engineering & Applied Science (106 Benton Hall, 529-0700)
- * Miami Plan Requirements
- * Course Selection
- Office of Career Services (241 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook
Developed by the School of Engineering and Applied Science and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.