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Chemical engineering students and instructor
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Chemical Engineering Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Specialize in energetics, petroleum engineering or sustainability at our top ranked chemical engineering program.

Earn your degree online or on campus at the most affordable Chemical Engineering program in the region. Over 85% of UND chemical engineering graduates participate in hands-on learning through industrial internships, undergraduate research or design competitions.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4-5 years
Credit hours:
130
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

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Why earn a bachelor of Chemical Engineering?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.


Chemical engineers transform substances into other materials and solve problems in a broad range of industries. They help make products and processes faster, safer and more reliable while doing so in an energy efficient and sustainable manner. In UND's Chemical Engineering bachelor's program, you will:

  • Learn the fundamentals of the physical sciences, math and chemical engineering and how to apply them to benefit society.
  • Participate in a hands-on lab sequence that relates course content to real-world applications.
  • Design, conduct and analyze your own experiments.

Hands-On B.S. Chemical Engineering

Having a great knowledge base is crucial to being a successful engineer. But putting that knowledge to practical use by solving difficult problems is what you really want to do and what will make you stand apart. At UND, you’ll strengthen your engineering skill by getting hands-on experience through:

  • Four different chemical engineering labs.
  • Process and Product Design Course - Your senior year you will design a full scale chemical processing plant and develop a specialty a product formulation.
  • Internships and Co-ops - Our students gain paid work experience with companies like American Crystal Sugar, Hess, Cargill, 3M, Chevron and Dakota Gasification Company.
  • Undergraduate research with faculty for those interested in working on cutting edge research projects or pursuing graduate studies later on. 
  • Professional Industry Software packages for chemical process simulation, analysis and numerical methods are used throughout the curriculum. 

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Customized Chemical Engineering Degree

If desired, you can even choose from three optional concentrations to further specialize your Chemical Engineering degree depending on your interest. Your transcript will be marked with the concentration upon completion of the curriculum.

Sustainability

Prepare for a career in sustainability and sustainable energy technologies to help address climate change, rising energy costs and water-energy-food-security.

Energetics

Study concepts widely used in defense applications, space exploration, counter-terrorism, fire suppression and public safety technologies, automotive airbags and fireworks.

Petroleum Engineering

Gain expertise on the upstream development, drilling and production of oil and natural gas resources. 

Combined Chemical Engineering Degree

Earn your bachelor's and master’s in Chemical Engineering in less time than it would take to get them separately. With both degrees, you’ll stand out among your peers as you begin your career. The combined program is available online or on campus.

Chemical Engineering Combined Program

ABET EAC Logo

ABET Accredited Program

This bachelor's degree program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Accreditation is a critical factor to consider if you plan to pursue a license as a Professional Engineer.

On Campus or Online Chemical Engineering Degree

  • Satisfy the eligibility requirement to sit for the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination. Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, passing the FE exam is required as the first step to pursue a license as a Professional Engineer in all 50 states.

  • Learn in a smaller and interactive environment with class sizes of only 30-40 students.

  • Get scholarships. The College of Engineering & Mines has scholarships for incoming freshmen, returning sophomores and new transfers in any engineering major.

  • Be part of a team in a process design and evaluation project during your senior capstone course.

  • Tailor the program to your individual interests such as environmental concerns, alternative energy, materials, bio-processes or other areas.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

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What can you do with a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering?

122k

Median annual salary for chemical engineers, 2024

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

100%

Return on tuition investment within five years of graduation

Third Way

Industries Hiring Chemical Engineers

Those with a Chemical Engineering degree often go on to careers in today's fastest-growing industries including:

  • Agriculture: Develop solutions to enhance crop production, optimize fertilizer and pesticide usage, and improve food processing techniques.
  • Chemicals: Research, develop and produce of a range of products, including specialty chemicals, polymers, plastics and adhesives.
  • Energy: Address challenges related to energy production, storage, and distribution for all types of energy including oil and gas, renewable energy, and energy storage technologies (like batteries and fuel cells).
  • Pharmaceuticals: Contribute to drug discovery, formulation development, and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Research: Conduct research across various disciplines, including materials science, nanotechnology, environmental engineering and biotechnology.

Chemical Engineer Jobs

Here's a look at some popular job titles held by graduates with a Chemical Engineering degree:

  • Environmental engineer: Develop sustainable solutions for managing and mitigating environmental impacts. Environmental engineers may be involved in projects related to air and water quality management, waste treatment and remediation, pollution control and environmental compliance.
  • Plant process engineer: Analyze production systems, identify areas for improvement, and implement process modifications or upgrades to enhance plant performance. Plant process engineers work closely with plant operations teams to troubleshoot issues, optimize equipment utilization, and minimize production costs while maintaining product quality and safety standards.
  • Process design engineer: Design and simulate chemical processes, develop process flow diagrams and equipment specifications, and conduct feasibility studies. Process design engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure that process designs meet technical, safety and regulatory requirements.
  • Product development engineer: Contribute to the design, formulation, and testing of new products, ranging from pharmaceutical drugs and personal care products to specialty chemicals and materials. Product development engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate customer needs and market trends into new products.
  • Project engineer/manager: Oversee engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring that project objectives are achieved within budget and on schedule. Project engineers/managers serve as liaisons between stakeholders, engineering teams, and clients, facilitating communication and ensuring that project deliverables are met.
  • Quality control engineer: Develop and implement quality control procedures, conduct product inspections and tests, analyze quality data, and identify opportunities for process improvement. Quality control engineers collaborate with production teams to address quality issues, investigate root causes of defects, and implement corrective and preventive actions to maintain product quality and regulatory compliance.

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Chemical Engineering Degree Courses

CHE 232. Chemical Engineering Laboratory I. 2 Credits.

The use and application of apparatus to measure the physical and chemical properties involved in chemical process material and energy balances. Prerequisite: CEM majors only or permission of instructor. Prerequisite or Corequisite: CHE 201. S.

CHE 301. Introduction to Transport Phenomena. 4 Credits.

An analytical study of the transport of momentum, energy and mass; derivation and utilization of the differential equations of change. Prerequisite: CHE 201 with a grade of C or better; Chemical Engineering majors only or permission of instructor. Prerequisite or Corequisite: MATH 266. F.

CHE 303. Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics. 4 Credits.

Thermodynamics applied to chemical engineering with emphasis on computational work, including thermodynamic laws, chemical equilibria and pressurevolume-temperature relationships. Prerequisite: CHE 201 with a grade of C or better; Chemical Engineering majors only or permission of instructor. F.

CHE 321. Chemical Engineering Reactor Design. 3 Credits.

Theory of chemical reaction rates. Design of batch, tubular, CSTR and catalytic chemical reactors. Prerequisite: CHE 206, MATH 266 and C or better in CHE 201; Chemical Engineering majors only or permission of instructor. S.

CHE 408. Process Dynamics and Control. 3 Credits.

Dynamics and control of chemical processes and of systems. Prerequisite: CHE 206, CHE 305, and CHE 321; Chemical Engineering majors only or permission of instructor. F.

CHE 411. Plant Design I: Process Design and Economics. 4 Credits.

Introduction to how projects are executed in the process industries, including an understanding of what constitutes preliminary process design, preliminary cost estimation, the fundamentals of economics as applied to process economic assessment, sustainability considerations in design, oral & written communications, teamwork, and the typical drawings and other deliverables produced during the scoping phase of process plant design. There is a particular emphasis on safety considerations in design. Prerequisite: CHE 303 and C or better in CHE 201, CHE 206, CHE 305 and CHE 321; Chemical Engineering majors only or permission of instructor. F.

Online Chemical Engineering Degree

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

UND offers the only online bachelor's of Chemical Engineering degree in North Dakota and we've been educating students at a distance for over 40 years.

Flexible Online Chemical Engineering Classes

You’ll receive the convenience of online learning with the personal contact and connection of being with classmates. Our online tools offer ways of communicating across distances, connecting to others and their ideas, and presenting information.

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Campus Visit

While the majority of your courses are offered online, you’ll come to campus to complete portions of the program. Here, you’ll extend and apply the knowledge you’ve learned online through hands-on activities. Our students find tremendous value in having the opportunity to personally interact with their instructors and fellow students.

SUMMER LAB REQUIREMENTS

Engineering Club for Online Students

The Society of Distance Engineering Students is a club for online engineering students. You'll have the chance to meet and work with students who study online and those who attend classes on UND's campus. Even though you might be far apart, you can still study and work together easily.

Best Online Chemical Engineering Bachelor's Programs

#2 CollegeCliffs
#4 BachelorsDegreeCenter
#7 Value Colleges
#15 Best Degree Programs
#20 Online College Plan

UND is ranked by many as a Top 20 best online Chemical Engineering bachelor's program in the nation. We are well regarded for our educational quality, affordability, flexibility, and career outcomes.

Ranking sites vary in their methodology, but are generally based on the following criterion:

  • Financial data such as net cost, loan default rate, and return on investment
  • Academic rigor including curriculum standards, accreditation status, and faculty reputation
  • Student gratification, retention rate, and support services
  • Employment rate and graduate salary

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What can you expect from UND's Chemical Engineering degree online?

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Military Friendly® School

Top Military Friendly School Badge Gold

UND is a top college for military affiliates. In fact, 1 in 7 students are veterans, active duty, spouses, or military dependents. 

  • Dedicated Support Services: You’ll have access to the Veteran & Military Services office, where you can get personalized help with VA benefits, advising, scholarships, and counseling resources.
  • Military Affiliated Peer Support (MAPS): At UND, you’ll find peer student support staff ready to guide you, offer encouragement, and connect you with the resources you need to achieve your academic and personal goals.
  • ROTC Programs: If you’re looking to grow as a leader, UND’s Army and Air Force ROTC programs provide you with hands-on leadership training and the opportunity to build lasting camaraderie.
  • Priority Registration: Individuals using VA funding benefit from priority course registration, ensuring you can build a schedule that fits your other commitments.
  • Spouse Support: UND is ranked in the Top 10 Military Spouse Friendly Schools, reflecting our strong support for spouses through flexible degree programs, advising and a welcoming campus culture.

FAQs

Yes, you can obtain a Chemical Engineering degree online. The University of North Dakota’s online Chemical Engineering program is ABET-accredited and is designed to deliver a robust and comprehensive education similar to the on-campus experience. All courses required for the degree are available online except for the hands-on chemical engineering Labs, which are offered in condensed 2-week summer sessions on campus.

Our online bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering can be completed in four years. Students with relevant transfer credits or taking classes part-time may require more or less time.

Compare our online costs. You'll find we are one of the most affordable chemical engineering schools in the Midwest. Our online students pay the same affordable tuition rate regardless of their legal residency.

Most of our online students are admitted as transfer students, which requires a 2.0 cumulative GPA and being in good standing at the college(s) you previously attended. Those considering the degree should be highly motivated, good at math and science, and of course enjoy chemistry.

While a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering involves a thorough and detailed curriculum, the challenges it presents are manageable with focused effort and dedication. Students who engage actively in their studies, put in the effort and time, and seek support when needed usually find success and fulfillment in the program.

Common careers in chemical engineering include roles in process engineering, research and development, environmental engineering, renewable energy, and manufacturing. Graduates can work in various industries, including food and agriculture products, pharmaceuticals, energy and materials. Large corporate companies that hire a lot of chemical engineers include Dow Chemical, 3M, Cargill, Anheuser-Busch, Chevron, etc. Many UND chemical engineering alumni have gone on to work for these companies and others including:

  • Archer Daniels Midland Company
  • Boston Scientific Corporation
  • Cargill
  • Dakota Gasification Company
  • Energizer Battery
  • Intel
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Marathon Oil
  • NASA
  • Schlumberger
  • Target Corporation

Leader in Chemical Engineering

See how UND served as the catalyst for Rebecca Seemann's success.

Read Rebecca's Story

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