BSE in Chemical Engineering

Use not just chemistry but all the sciences to solve problems in practically every industry, from manufacturing to pharmaceuticals to renewable energy to food production.

Two students doing research

Degree: Bachelor of Science in Engineering
Major: Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering just might be the most versatile of all engineering degrees. Don’t let the name deceive you—it’s more than chemistry. Chemical engineering combines expertise from all the basic sciences and engineering fundamentals while mixing in economics and business smarts to create sought-after problem solvers who work everywhere—in practically every industry.

Since the field is so broad, our individualized approach is particularly important. Our core curriculum gives you a strong foundation through courses in science and engineering fundamentals (mass transport, physics, thermodynamics and the like) and our array of elective sequences lets you specialize. Choose from areas like biochemical engineering, energy, electrochemistry, polymers, microfabrication, environmental engineering and business management or create your own personalized sequence. Our individualized approach is matched by our emphasis on individual attention. We’re a Goldilocks-sized department—small enough where you’ll have the chance to work one-on-one with your professors and faculty members, from research partnerships to homework help, and yet large enough to put a world of opportunities within your reach.

Plus, you’ve got the entire university to explore. Admission to Case Western Reserve means you can tailor your engineering education to incorporate subjects beyond engineering. This means collaborations with Case Western Reserve’s other schools and college, as well as chances to augment your engineering degree with cross-disciplinary learning, including double majors, minors and more. For the universal engineer who can work anywhere, easy access to the world outside engineering sets you up for success.

Already looking ahead? By taking advantage of the university’s integrated BS/MS program, you can even earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously in five years.

We’re keen on keeping it real: you can get into the lab as early as your first semester, and we integrate hands-on courses throughout our curriculum. In fact, you won’t find your senior capstone in a textbook: you’ll work on an actual project at a local company and present your findings to a team of working engineers. And the classroom is just the beginning—nearly 99 percent of our students participate in some kind of experiential learning activity, from research to co-ops to studying abroad.

If you’re looking to make your mark on science, you’ve come to the right place. About a third of our students work with faculty on research projects in the lab—from building a more economically viable fuel cell to refining manufacturing for ultra-tiny wiring for the world’s fastest microprocessors to using plasma to produce diamonds. And our students get the chance to publish their findings in top scientific journals and present their work at conferences all over the country. Check out our current breakthroughs-in-the-making.

Our grads are in demand. They get snatched up by top graduate school programs, medical schools and even law schools. They go on to careers at companies like Procter & Gamble, DuPont, Sherwin Williams, GE Lighting, Intel, Eli-Lilly and more.

The Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree program with a major in Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, www.abet.org

Explore degree requirements, courses and more in the university's General Bulletin. 

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