Chemical Engineering (B.S.)
Chemical engineering is concerned with the design, development, and management of facilities that convert raw materials into useful products. The engineer must assume responsibility for the economical use of the raw materials, preservation of the environment, and profitability of the operation. The chemical engineering program has been designed to provide both the engineering competence and the professional skills necessary to succeed in this endeavor.
This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET Inc., http://www.abet.org.
Chemical engineering is concerned with the design, development, and management of facilities that convert raw materials into useful products. The engineer must assume responsibility for the economical use of the raw materials, preservation of the environment, and profitability of the operation. The chemical engineering program has been designed to provide both the engineering competence and the professional skills necessary to succeed in this endeavor.
Program Overview
Gain a strong foundation in chemical and biological engineering fundamentals to prepare for a career in professional practice or to further advance your studies. Learn about equipment design, control-system design, fluid mechanics and heat-transfer operations, mass-transfer operations, and chemical reaction engineering.
Career Opportunities
Our accredited chemical engineering program will prepare you for such careers as:
- Chemical engineer
- Manufacturing engineer
- Design engineer
- Process engineer
Illinois Tech’s undergraduate chemical engineering curriculum emphasizes basic knowledge and applications of transport processes; thermodynamics and kinetics of processes; automatic control and design; as well as fundamental sciences, mathematics, and engineering sciences.
Students of this program must be admitted to Illinois Tech. If interested in transferring to this program, students should consult their academic adviser.
Program Specializations
Abigail Gunderson says Illinois Tech helped her develop an innovation-focused mindset.
Abigail Gunderson (CHE ’22)
Using data to create better conversations.
Oscar Guzmán (CHE ’18)
Lizz Elliott received a United States Department of Energy scholarship to continue her nuclear energy research.
Lizz Elliott (CHE 4th Year)
As a student president, Jessica Forbes is building the skills to one day run her own business.
Jessica Forbes (CHE ’22)
Through IPRO and undergraduate research, Derek Bergstedt prepares for a chemical engineering career.
Derek Bergstedt (CHE, M.A.S. CHE 4th Year)
Kylie Lancor’s fun start to college paved the way for four years of success.
Kylie Lancor (CHE 4th Year)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much math and physics are required for a B.S. in Chemical Engineering?
Math and physics are the basis of engineering, and students are required to take four mathematics courses during the bachelor's in chemical engineering program (Calculus I, II and III plus differential equations) and two physics courses.
What courses will I take during the B.S. in Chemical Engineering?
The chemical engineering curriculum at Illinois Tech contains a combination of coursework and professional training. Some sample courses include Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, and Process Modeling. Since engineering is a team effort, the program develops the student's ability to work effectively as a team member. Laboratory course and capstone design course projects are conducted by teams of students.
Do you need a master’s degree to be a chemical engineer?
A master’s degree is not necessary to develop a good career in chemical engineering. Upon graduating from Illinois Tech's B.S. in Chemical Engineering, students are prepared for careers such as chemical engineer, manufacturing engineer, or design engineer.
Receiving a master's degree can open more opportunities if a student is interested in furthering their education. Illinois Tech's Master of Science in Chemical Engineering prepares students for more senior roles in chemical engineering.