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Degrees and Schools
Bachelor's degree programs in engineering are offered by many colleges and universities, although programs that offer concentrations in chemical engineering are less common.
Programs in engineering can be structured in a variety of ways. Here are the most common:
- Traditional bachelor's degree - Programs provide a general foundation and introduction to engineering during the first 2 years. The remaining 2-3 years emphasize engineering with courses in chemical engineering.
- Double bachelor's degree - The first 3 years of courses are taken at liberal arts schools, including required pre-engineering courses. Core subjects are then taken over the next 2 years at engineering schools. Each school awards a degree.
- General engineering degree programs - These programs focus on engineering in general and usually last 4 years. Specialty areas are developed on the job or in graduate school.
- Partnership degrees - College and university engineering programs partner with two-year community colleges and vocational schools. Once students have completed two years of engineering courses, they are automatically admitted into the university's engineering program to complete remaining courses for a bachelor's degree.
- Cooperative program degree - Students finance some of their education by combining practical work experience with classroom study. Programs last 5-6 years.
- Five-year master's degree - Also called "accelerated degrees", these programs allow students to apply once for both their bachelor's and master's degrees, which are earned sequentially.
Compared to traditional engineering degree programs, engineering technology degree programs, which can be earned in either 2 or 4 years, emphasize hands-on learning and preparing graduates for employment or certification.
Because they recognize that most engineering principles can be applied in different specialties, employers may not require a degree or concentration in chemical engineering.
Engineering degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). In all states, licensure requirements include graduation from an ABET-accredited program.
Coursework
For the first two years, students in engineering programs typically study introductory engineering, mathematics, humanities, and physical and life sciences. (See the different program structures described above.) Courses specific to chemical engineering are frequently taken in the remaining years.
Engineering programs tend to be more theoretical and scientific, with fewer laboratory courses than engineering technology degree programs, which emphasize hands-on learning.
Online Classes and Programs
Bachelor's degree programs in engineering are well-suited for online learning, and are easily found. The majority of programs are provided by bricks-and-mortar colleges and universities. Others are offered by Web-based schools. ABET-accreditation is required of graduates in order to be state licensed, so is important for any online engineering degree program. Online courses should also be part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).
Employment Requirements
A bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering technology is the minimum requirement for entry-level chemical engineering jobs. Applicants to undergraduate engineering program must demonstrate a well-developed background in math, science, the humanities, social studies, and English.
All states require that chemical engineers that provide services directly to the public be licensed professional engineers (PEs). Licensure requirements include:
- Graduation from an engineering program that is ABET-accredited
- Passing score on a state licensing exam
- A minimum of 4 years of related work experience
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) is the first part of the exam, and is taken by recent graduates in order to be able to work as interns (EIs) or engineers in training (EITs). The second part of the exam, Principles and Practice of Engineering, is taken once enough work experience is accumulated.
Although engineering technology graduates are eligible for the same kinds of jobs as engineering graduates, they are not qualified for licensure. Employers usually hire them in positions that fall somewhere between the roles of technician and engineer.
Certification from professional organizations like the American Chemical Society or the AmericanInstitute of Chemical Engineers can provide competitive advantage.
How to Evaluate Schools
Aspiring chemical engineering students who are comparing four-year degree programs should consider:
- Type of degree - Are the career goals of the student best supported by a degree in engineering technology or a degree in engineering?
- Program type - Of the different program structures available, which suits the student best? Are there colleges located in geographic areas that are centers for chemical manufacturing, such as New Jersey and Delaware?
- Accreditation - Has ABET and either the USDE or CHEA accredited the program?
- Program resources - Is there a coordinated internship program, and if so, are the opportunities varied and plentiful? Are there research projects of particular interest taking place at a given school? Do computer labs and chemistry labs offer the latest equipment?
- Financial aid - Does the school have a well-developed program that helps students find loans, scholarships, grants, and work study opportunities?
- Career search - Are chemical engineering careers represented well at school job fairs? What job placement assistance is available, and what are former graduates doing now?
Chemical Engineer Job Description
Chemical engineers create products from chemicals, and develop manufacturing machines to handle chemicals. Although they frequently work in the chemical manufacturing industry, they also work in other industries that rely on manufacturing, such as electronics, food, paper, clothing, and energy. Chemical engineers are increasingly becoming involved in projects for service industries such as biotechnology, healthcare, and business services. They may specialize in particular fields, develop particular kinds of products, or specific chemical processes.
Job responsibilities typically involve:
- Researching, conceptualizing and developing new products, often as solutions to problems
- Designing processes and equipment for large-scale chemical manufacturing
- Estimating costs of production
- Developing methods for testing products and treating byproducts
- Supervising employees, equipment and processes involved in production
- Incorporating principles of chemistry, mathematics, physics, and electrical and mechanical engineering
- Documenting project requirements
- Analyzing and improving processes to increase the efficiency of production
- Anticipating and preventing negative effects on the environment
- Ensuring safety for workers and consumers
- Complying with government regulations
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