Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is a broad discipline based on chemistry, mathematics, physics and biology that applies the principles of engineering science and process systems engineering to the development and commercialization of new products and processes. Engineering science provides experimental and theoretical models for predicting the behavior of fluid flow and heat and mass transfer in materials and biological systems, as well as chemical reactions that take place in multi-component mixtures. Process systems engineering provides methodologies for the systematic design and analysis of processes, including their control, safety, and environmental impact. The department emphasizes the basic principles of engineering science and process systems engineering through problem solving, and it strives to broaden the experience of students by offering a significant number of electives, undergraduate research projects, an integrated masters degree, industrial internships and study abroad programs, all of which benefit from our strong industrial ties.

A career in chemical engineering offers challenging and well-compensated positions in a wide variety of growth industries. Graduates may supervise the operation of chemical plants, redesign chemical processes for pollution prevention, or be involved in the research and development of new products or processes in high technology areas. These activities require knowledge of chemical reactions and catalysis, separation technologies and energy recovery systems, all of which are thoroughly presented in our curriculum. For example, well-trained chemical engineers are in great demand in the chemical manufacturing and energy sectors.  A significant number of chemical engineers are also hired by industries associated with colloids (fine particles), polymers (plastics and resins), and coatings (e.g., paint, integrated circuits). Opportunities exist in biotechnology, the computer industry, environmental firms, and consulting companies. Other examples include the processing of advanced polymeric systems, thin films for the semiconductor and data storage industry, and chip fabrication. A growing number of consulting companies hire chemical engineers to develop computer software for the simulation and real-time optimization of chemical processes, for predicting how toxic chemicals are dispersed and degraded in soils and in the atmosphere, and for evaluating the economic feasibility of industrial projects. The diversity of career opportunities arises from the depth and breadth of the curriculum. For instance, the pharmaceutical industry recruits chemical engineers who possess a combined expertise in process engineering and biochemistry/molecular biology.

The curriculum emphasizes the fundamentals of physical, chemical, and biological phenomena, mathematical modeling, exposure to biotechnology and problem solving techniques. These provide rigorous preparation for immediate employment after graduation, or a strong basis for graduate school. The depth and breadth of coursework makes chemical engineering an excellent major for students interested in either medical or business schools. Computing is integrated throughout the curriculum, and extensive use is made of mathematical modeling and simulation software in the department's Gary J. Powers Educational Computer Lab. The Robert Rothfus Laboratory and Lubrizol Analytical Laboratory feature state-of-the-art experiments that illustrate applications in safety, environmental, product development, and computerized data acquisition and control.

First Year

Second Year

* Computer Science/Physics II: Students should complete 15-110 Principles of Computing or 15-112 Fundamentals of Programming and Computer Science as well as 33-142 Physics II for Engineering and Physics Students by the end of the Sophomore year. The recommended sequence is 33-141 /33-142 for engineering students, however, 33-151/ 33-152 will also meet the CIT Physics requirement.

For those students who have not taken 06-100 as one of the two Introductory Engineering Electives, 06-100 should be taken in the Fall Semester of the Sophomore year. The General Education Course normally taken during that semester may be postponed until the Junior year. These students should consult with their faculty advisors as soon as possible.

At the end of the Sophomore year, a student should have completed the following required basic science and computer science courses:

Third Year

Fourth Year

• Common Application
• $75 application fee*
• Official high school transcript (please review our Academic Requirements)**
• Secondary School Counselor Evaluation
• Teacher Recommendation
• Common Application essay and personal statement
• All fine arts applicants to the Schools of Architecture, Art, Design, Drama and Music are required to arrange an audition or portfolio review.
• Home schooled applicants should submit an academic portfolio/transcript consistent with their state guidelines and a list of all textbooks used.
• Applicants must provide proof of meeting all requirements for an official high school diploma, by the end of May of the year of graduation, and submit an official final transcript, GED or certificate of completion from your local school district or state board of education by the end of July of the year of matriculation.
• The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is required if your native language is not English. Carnegie Mellon requires TOEFL scores of 102 or better on the internet-based TOEFL (as of Fall 2010) or an IELTS score of 7.5 and above. Carnegie Mellon carefully reviews the sub-scores of each of these exams and considers those candidates with reading, listening, speaking and writing sub-scores of 25 or more on TOEFL and 7.5 or more on IELTS to be candidates with high levels of English proficiency. Please arrange to have these scores sent no later than January 1st. Carnegie Mellon's TOEFL code is 2074.
• InitialView interviews are recommended for non-native English speakers but are not required. Often these interviews can measure readiness for engagement in the classroom and also showcase a student’s personality, likes and dislikes as well as the area of intended major. InitialView interviews can show English language proficiency while also corroborating the application with more details about the student.
• If your secondary school transcript or any other admission document is written in a language other than English, it should be accompanied by an official translation and verified by a counselor or school official to be true copies of the original.
• If you are preparing for the International Baccalaureate or the General Certificate of Education (GCE) A-level examinations, please send your expected exam results.