Chemical Engineering Program
Chemical engineers have a broad enough background to do almost anything they choose. All branches of engineering emphasize the application of the principles of mathematics and physics to solve problems and create products for the community at large. Chemical engineers, however, are unique in emphasizing applications that are also founded in chemistry and biology. Chemical engineers are primarily concerned with processes and equipment in which material undergoes a change in composition or state that increases its value. Chemical engineers often become employed by a company that manufactures a variety of chemical products, including plastics, forest products, gasoline, food, textile fibers, and pharmaceuticals. Chemical engineers also find career opportunities in the fabrication of microelectronic devices, the control of industrial and municipal wastes, and the application of biological science to produce chemicals from biomass through genetic engineering.
Mission
The mission of the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering program at North Carolina A&T State University is to provide students with a learning experience in chemical engineering that will instill in them a lifelong sense of learning, social responsibility, and commitment to improving the quality of life for all people. The Department seeks to provide an atmosphere of dedicated service to the student by providing instruction, counseling, program planning, career guidance, and other supportive student services to facilitate their growth and success in the academic and professional communities.
Educational Objectives
After graduating from the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering program, the graduates are expected within a few years of graduation to have:
- Performed effectively in a chemical engineering related position in industry or in graduate/professional schools.
- Demonstrated problem-solving through leadership, collaboration and teamwork and multi-disciplinary approaches.
- Been active in their communities and professional societies.
- Enhanced their professional development through lifelong learning.
Program Requirements
The chemical engineering major must complete 120 credit hours following the approved departmental curriculum. Majors must also satisfy all University and College of Engineering requirements.
Accreditation
The undergraduate program in Chemical Engineering, leading to the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (BSChE) degree, is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Career Opportunities
A highly diverse set of professional opportunities exists for chemical engineers, ranging from design, construction, operations research, and product development to technical sales and management. A career in chemical engineering is often a route to top management. In addition to the industrial opportunities that await chemical engineering graduates, opportunities exist for graduate study in engineering as well as such diverse areas as medicine, law, business and biotechnology. In view of the many options open to its graduates, chemical engineering can be a particularly good choice for students who have broad interests, but have not yet defined their career objectives.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, June 2022, chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the use of fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. Employment of chemical engineers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2020 to 2030. About 1,800 openings for chemical engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
The chemical engineering curriculum is designed to give students the knowledge and scientific tools needed to prepare them for a career in industry or to go on to graduate school. It is also intended to be flexible enough to accommodate a broad range of educational interests. An option for chemical engineering students with advanced placement is a dual degree in Chemistry, Bioengineering or Biological Engineering.
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