What Is Chemical Engineering?

Author: University of North Dakota
June 20, 2024

Tracing its origins back to ancient practices of fermentation and evaporation, chemical engineering has long been intertwined with the process industries.

This field, officially recognized in the latter half of the 19th century, was born out of the need to scale up chemical manufacturing to industrial levels. 

Since its emergence, chemical engineering has evolved remarkably, transitioning from basic chemical processes to complex operations incorporating advanced scientific and technological principles. Today, it stands as a discipline that integrates chemistry, physics and engineering to optimize production processes and innovate solutions across a myriad of industries.

So, what is chemical engineering? What do professionals in this field do? How can you become a chemical engineer? For answers to these questions and much more, continue reading.

What is Chemical Engineering?

Chemical engineering is a branch of engineering that integrates the physical and life sciences with applied mathematics and economics. This unique blend allows chemical engineers to produce, transform, transport and optimize the use of chemicals, materials and energy. Their work involves designing and developing large-scale processes that convert raw materials—from chemicals to living cells and energy—into valuable and practical products.

Chemical engineers are essential players in a wide array of industries. They contribute significantly to sectors such as pharmaceuticals, healthcare, construction, pulp and paper and petrochemicals, among others. Their expertise is also important in fields like food processing, specialty chemicals, microelectronics, polymers and biotechnology.

Beyond industry-specific applications, chemical engineers are key in spearheading initiatives that promote energy efficiency, sustainable development and eco-friendly solutions. Through their innovative work, chemical engineers help advance technologies that meet global challenges and enhance quality of life.

What Do Chemical Engineers Do?

Chemical engineers are central to the development and optimization of industrial processes. Their role is multifaceted, requiring a deep understanding of chemical properties and manufacturing processes to enhance production efficiency, safety and sustainability. Some key responsibilities of chemical engineers include:

• Developing and configuring chemical processes to meet the required scales of production and application
• Identifying and resolving issues within chemical production lines to prevent operational delays and maintain safety standards
• Engaging in research to discover new ways of applying scientific principles and technologies to improve existing chemical processes
• Implementing safety procedures and environmental protocols to minimize risks and comply with industry regulations
• Continuously assessing and refining chemical processes to increase productivity and reduce costs
• Developing systems and processes that align with environmental standards to promote sustainability
• Overseeing projects from conception through to completion, ensuring they stay within budget and on schedule

How to Become a Chemical Engineer

Given the intricacies and potential risks associated with the profession, chemical engineers must undergo rigorous education and training. This ensures they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to handle their responsibilities effectively and safely. Here's a detailed guide on how to enter the field.

Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first step is earning a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. This stage of your education typically spans four years and immerses you in the fundamentals of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and engineering principles. These subjects are foundational to the field and essential for passing professional certification exams and pursuing advanced studies. They equip you with the analytical and technical skills necessary to tackle complex engineering challenges and innovate within the industry.

When choosing where to study, it is important to select an ABET-accredited program. ABET accreditation ensures the program meets high-quality standards essential for a successful career in engineering, aligning your education with industry expectations and requirements. This accreditation is also a prerequisite for many graduate programs and licensure, emphasizing its importance in your educational journey.

Obtain Certification

After earning your degree, the next step is to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam. Taking this exam soon after graduation is advisable as it assesses your understanding of basic engineering principles. Passing the FE exam qualifies you as an Engineer in Training (EIT), setting the stage for initial career opportunities and advanced certification.

Gain Relevant Work Experience

Acquiring relevant work experience is essential and typically requires four years under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer (PE). This experience should involve significant chemical engineering tasks that reflect the profession's scope, such as process design, project management and safety compliance. This period is crucial for developing practical skills and real-world problem-solving abilities.

Obtain Licensure

After fulfilling the work experience requirement, you can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam. Passing this exam grants you a PE license, marking a significant milestone in your career. This license is recognized across various industries and is often required for higher-level responsibilities and independent practice.

Stay Informed and Continue Learning

The field of chemical engineering is continually evolving. Staying updated with the latest technologies, regulations and best practices through continuous education and professional development is crucial. This may include attending workshops, seminars and conferences or pursuing further certifications relevant to your specialty.

Consider Pursuing a Master's Degree

While not mandatory for all chemical engineering roles, a master's degree in chemical engineering can significantly enhance your knowledge and open doors to specialized areas of the field, such as biochemical engineering or molecular thermodynamics. A graduate degree typically focuses on advanced research and can significantly boost your career prospects and potential for innovation.

Chemical Engineering: Career Opportunities and Industries

Chemical engineers are often at the forefront of groundbreaking developments across a wide range of industries. These range from traditional areas like chemical manufacturing, where they design systems to produce chemicals safely and efficiently on a large scale, to innovative fields such as nanotechnology and biotechnology. In process engineering, they focus on optimizing industrial processes, while in research and development, they innovate new materials and technologies.

The diversity of industries employing chemical engineers is vast. They play a crucial role in the burgeoning fields of environmental technology and sustainability, where there is a growing demand to develop eco-friendly materials and energy sources. Additionally, chemical engineers are fundamental to the pharmaceutical industry, engineering processes to facilitate the efficient production of medications.

This broad applicability of chemical engineering skills means that these professionals' salaries and job outlooks are pretty favorable. In terms of compensation, the median chemical engineer salary is notably high at $112,100, whereas their employment is projected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. Approximately 1,300 openings for chemical engineers are expected each year over the decade, largely to replace those who retire or transition to other careers.

The demand for chemical engineers' services often mirrors the demand for the innovative products they help develop. For instance, rising environmental concerns have spurred chemistry and manufacturing firms to explore alternative fertilizers, increasing the need for chemical engineers. Additionally, the expansion of chemical engineering into sectors like nanotechnology and alternative energy continues to drive demand.

The Bottom Line

From the creation of life-saving pharmaceuticals to the development of sustainable materials and fuels, chemical engineers are at the heart of numerous essential advancements. Pursuing a career in chemical engineering offers the opportunity to make significant contributions to society but also promises a dynamic and rewarding professional life. 

So, start with the first step of joining this field and explore UND's chemical engineering degree requirements. With a solid foundation from UND, you're not just choosing a university; you're choosing success.

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