- Four required blocks of co-op mean nearly a year of hands-on, full-time paid work experience in industry.
- Companies hiring our students for co-ops include Bausch & Lomb, Boston Beer Company, Bristol Myers Squibb, Canon Virginia, Inc., Corning Incorporated, Eastman Kodak Company, Global Tungsten and Powders, Northrop Grumman, Onsemi, Rich Products, RoviSys, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, and The Hershey Company, to name a few.
Chemical engineering applies the core scientific disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to transform raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms, invariably in processes that involve chemical change. All engineers employ mathematics, physics, and engineering to overcome technical problems in a safe and economical fashion. A chemical engineer provides the critical level of expertise needed to solve problems in which chemical specificity and change have particular relevance. They not only create new, more effective ways to manufacture chemicals, they also work collaboratively with chemists to pioneer the development of high-tech materials for specialized applications. Well-known contributions include the development and commercialization of synthetic rubber, synthetic fiber, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. Chemical engineers contribute significantly to advances in the food industry, alternative energy systems, semiconductor manufacturing, and environmental modeling and remediation. A special focus on process engineering cultivates a systems perspective that makes chemical engineers extremely versatile and capable of handling a wide spectrum of technical problems. Students develop a firm and practical grasp of engineering principles and the underlying science associated with traditional and emerging chemical engineering applications.
How is Chemical Engineering Different from Chemistry?
Virtually every aspect of a modern industrial economy is critically dependent upon chemical engineering for manufacturing bulk and specialty chemicals and high-tech materials needed to create a limitless array of value-added products. Chemical engineering applies the core scientific disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to transform raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms, invariably in processes that involve chemical change. They work in multidisciplinary teams to create novel materials that are at the heart of virtually every product and service that enhances our quality of life. Examples include nano-scale composites, pharmaceuticals, plastics, fibers, metals, and ceramics. Key applications include the development of alternative energy systems, biomedical materials and therapies, and strategies to minimize the environmental impact of technological advancements.
The line between the functions of chemists and chemical engineers can be blurred, but a general distinction can be made between the function of the two disciplines. Perhaps the clearest distinction can be made in the area of chemical transformation. Typically, chemists develop new molecules via chemical reaction, examine the underlying mechanisms involved, and make precise measurements of both physical and organic chemistry parameters on a bench scale in small volumes. Chemical engineers utilize the work of chemists to build processes to manufacture and purify chemicals and new materials on a larger scale. Using their knowledge of scientific principles (physical and organic chemistry integrated with physics, mathematics, and biology) and design constraints (such as economics, environmental requirements) chemical engineers develop processes to manufacture raw materials with desired purity on a scale that meets the demands of virtually every industry in our modern society.
Chemical Engineering Curriculum
The core curriculum of the chemical engineering major provides students with a solid foundation in engineering principles and their underlying science. Students choose professional technical electives that provide a more depth examination of the chemical engineering field or provide breadth in other engineering disciplines. These electives may be chosen from those offered within the major, as well as from a department-approved list of engineering courses offered throughout the college. A capstone design experience in the fifth year integrates chemical engineering theory, principles, and processes in a collaborative team environment. Four blocks (approximately one year) of cooperative education experience, mathematics and science courses, free electives, and liberal arts courses round out the curriculum. Learn more about the Student Learning Outcomes and Program Educational Objectives for the chemical engineering BS degree.
Capstone Experience
Students complete a capstone experience that includes two courses: Design with Constraint and Advanced Design Capstone.
Design with Constraint is taught in a workshop structure with lectures and in-class applications of concepts. Students examine typical constraints on design and their integration with technology. Economics, environmental considerations, hazards analysis, ethics, and globalization and supply chain management are considered. Modern examples that integrate knowledge of unit operations and processes with design constraints are also discussed.
In Advanced Design Capstone students work in teams to design and simulate a realistic chemical manufacturing plant. An assigned project requires students to draw upon, and integrate, the knowledge they have acquired from all core chemical engineering courses taken over the previous five years. The course is taught in the Chemical Engineering Computer Lab and makes extensive use of both chemical process simulation software (ChemCad), software for drawing piping and instrumentation diagrams (P&ID's), and online resources that chemical engineers use to size and select parts and equipment. The course constitutes a project-based application of concepts and skills developed throughout the curriculum.
Engineering vs. Engineering Technology
Two dynamic areas of study, both with outstanding outcomes rates. Which do you choose?
What's the difference between engineering and engineering technology? It's a question we're asked all the time. While there are subtle differences in the course work between the two, choosing a major in engineering vs. engineering technology is more about identifying what you like to do and how you like to do it.
Premedical and Health Professions Advisory Program
Medical schools and graduate programs in the health professions (e.g., physician assistant, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc.) welcome applications from students majoring in a wide range of academic programs. Acceptance into these programs requires the completion of pre-med requirements such as course work in biological and physical sciences, a strong academic record, pertinent experiences in the field, and key intrapersonal and interpersonal capabilities. Learn more about how RIT's Premedical and Health Professions Advisory Program can help you become a competitive candidate for admission to graduate programs in the medical and health professions.
Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees
Today's careers require advanced degrees grounded in real-world experience. RIT's Combined Accelerated Bachelor's/Master's Degrees enable you to earn both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years of study, all while gaining the valuable hands-on experience that comes from co-ops, internships, research, study abroad, and more.
+1 MBA: Students who enroll in a qualifying undergraduate degree have the opportunity to add an MBA to their bachelor's degree after their first year of study, depending on their program. Learn how the +1 MBA can accelerate your learning and position you for success.
Join us for a virtual admissions event
A perfect first-look for high school sophomores, juniors, and their families.
Learn more and register