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Chemical Engineering

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

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What is Chemical Engineering?

This major focuses on the chemical transformation of substances to products and energy for society. Chemical Engineering is rooted in chemistry. As a Chemical Engineering student, you’ll develop knowledge in physics, math, and chemistry. You'll learn about momentum transfer, separations, and reactor design. You’ll also apply this knowledge to real-world projects in lab and design classes in a way that will safely operate chemical processes. You can choose from two concentrations: Chemical Engineering and Biomolecular Engineering. 

This major is housed within our College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and maintains close ties with The Grainger College of Engineering. Students take advantage of resources and programs in both colleges.

Career Options

  • Advanced materials
  • Consumer products
  • Food and beverage
  • Fuels and energy
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Plastics

Post-Graduation Success1

95% employed or continuing education

75% employed after graduation

20% attending graduate school

$74,729 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: PepsiCo (5), ExxonMobil (4), PepsiCo (4) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Northwestern University, Georgia Institute of Technology View All

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

  • Calculus preferred (if available at high school)
  • Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention2

3.9 years to degree

92% first-year retention rate

59% four-year graduation rate

85% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $18,372
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $18,884
  • Total: $42,310

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $41,444
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses:$19,224
  • Total: $65,722

International

  • Tuition: $44,688
  • Fees: $5,054
  • Expenses: $19,224
  • Total: $68,966
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