Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (BSChE) Degree

The program leading to the BSChE degree is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET, https://www.abet.org.

s (Student Outcomes) for the BSChE Degree 

Upon completing the BSChE degree, students will be able to demonstrate:

1. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
2. An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
3. An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
4. An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
5. An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
6. An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
7. An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Program Educational Objective BSChE Degree

Within 3 to 5 years of graduation, graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering (BSChE) degree are expected to be:

1. Graduate students, professionals, and entrepreneurs who are moving towards leadership positions as exemplary members of the global workforce; and 
2. Professionals who practice their societal, environmental, and ethical responsibilities.

BSChE Degree 

For general university requirements, see Graduation Requirements. Students pursuing BSChE degree must complete:

• A minimum of 95 credit hours to satisfy major requirements. 
• A minimum of 527 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.
• A minimum of 20 courses (59 credit hours) taken at 300-level or above. 
• one area of specialization (see below for areas of specialization). When students declare major in Chemical Engineering (associated with BSChE degree), students must additionally identify and declare one of five areas of specialization, either in:
  • Biomolecular Engineering, or
  • Computational Engineering, or
  • Energy/Sustainability, or
  • Materials/Nanotechnology, or
  • Engineering Breadth (Engineering Breadth is an area of specialization comprised of electives from a mix of engineering disciplines).  

Because of common core requirements, it is possible for students to change their area of specialization at any time, even after initially declaring major. To do so, please contact the Office of Registrar.

courses listed below satisfy this major. In certain instances, courses not on this official list may be substituted upon approval of major’s academic advisor, or where applicable, department's Director of Undergraduate Studies. (Course substitutions must be formally applied and entered into Degree Works by major's Official Certifier.) Students and their academic advisors should identify and clearly document courses to be taken.

Applicants whose first language is not English are required to demonstrate English proficiency in one of two ways:

1. Completing at least two years of full-time study in an English language curriculum prior to submitting an application.

2. Submitting one of the following official test scores.

• The Coalition Application or the Common Application and Rice writing supplement
• $75 nonrefundable application fee (must be paid online)
• Official high school transcript in English (or a certified English translation)
• Recommendation Letters
  • School Counselor
  • Teacher 5
  • Teacher 2
• Demonstration of English proficiency
• International Student Financial Statement
• Architecture portfolio (Architecture applicants only)