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Overview - Preparation - Day in the Life - Earnings - Employment - Industries - Professional Development - Career Path Forecast - Professional Organizations 

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, biology, physics, and math to solve problems that involve the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations.

Chemical engineers work in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, design and construction, pulp and paper, petrochemicals, food processing, specialty chemicals, polymers, biotechnology, and environmental health and safety industries, among others.  Within these industries, chemical engineers rely on their knowledge of mathematics and science, particularly chemistry, to overcome technical problems safely and economically. And, of course, they draw upon and apply their engineering knowledge to solve any technical challenges they encounter.

Specifically, chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals and other products. They design equipment and processes for large-scale chemical manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production. In addition, their expertise is also applied in the area of law, education, publishing, finance, and medicine, as well as many other fields that require technical insights.

Chemical engineers also work in a variety of manufacturing industries other than chemical manufacturing, such as those producing energy, electronics, food, clothing, and paper. In addition, they work in healthcare, biotechnology, and business services. Chemical engineers apply principles of physics, mathematics, and mechanical and electrical engineering, as well as chemistry. Some may specialize in a particular chemical process, such as oxidation or polymerization. Others specialize in a particular field, such as nanomaterials, or in the development of specific products. They must be aware of all aspects of chemical manufacturing and how the manufacturing process affects the environment and the safety of workers and consumers.

Chemical Engineering Resources

Online

Overview:
Overview of the field of Chemical Engineering
Preparation:
Undergraduate Courses, Electives, Computer Literacy, Coops/Internships, Graduate School
Day in the Life:
What to expect; typical job functions
Earnings:
Salaries and salary data
Employment:
Geographic concentrations, international experience
Industries:
Industries employing chemical engineers
Professional Development:
Advancement, Mentors, Networking, Licensing
Career Path Forecast:
Predictions
Professional Organizations:
Resources, Networking, Support
Internet Resources:
American Institute of Chemical Engineers

AIChE Student Chapters
Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
European Federation of Chemical Engineering
Institution of Chemical Engineers

Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
 


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