Chemical engineering
With a degree in chemical engineering, you will be prepared to work in a wide range of industries or further your studies in different fields of engineering, medical school, or patent and environmental law.
Major highlights
Wide-ranging topics: Fundamental courses include thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer kinetics, and reactor design.
Faculty teams: Core classes are team-taught by world-class professors.
Industry tools: Our research labs are equipped with state-of-the-art scientific instruments and pilot-scale chemical engineering equipment.
Second major: You can add a chemistry or materials science major.
Student groups
There are many you can join as a chemical engineering major at the University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering, including the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE). See cse.umn.edu/studentgroups.
Career Examples
- Polymer manufacturing engineer
- Petrochemicals engineer
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing engineer
- Research and development engineer
- Quality control/Regulatory affairs engineer
For more info on career prospects, visit: What can I do with a major in chemical engineering?
"The U has a really good chemical engineering and materials science program and is well-known for polymers research. It was a no-brainer, good choice for me."—Michelle Quan, double major chemical engineering and materials science
Read Michelle's story on our CSE News site.
Hear from two students in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science (CEMS) at the University of Minnesota.
“Knowing how to approach problems and solve them has been the biggest takeaway from my classes.”—Nibir Sarma, 2020 Jeopardy! College Champion