Chemical Engineering

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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

97% employed or continuing education

79% employed after graduation

18% attending graduate school

$83,766 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: PepsiCo, Honeywell, Eli Lilly and Company, General Mills, Procter & Gamble, Cargill, BP, Air Liquide, UL Solutions, AbbVie View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois Chicago, Columbia University, Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, Rutgers University–Newark View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

Review Criteria

First-Year Major-Specific Criteria

Strong math and science coursework and performance
Calculus preferred (if available at high school)
4 years of science
Demonstrated understanding of and interest in the major

View All Review Criteria

Transfer Criteria

Transfer Handbook

Graduation & Retention²

4.1 years to degree

97% returned for second year

63% graduated within 4 years

89% graduated within 6 years

Annual Program Costs³

Illinois Resident

Tuition: $18,740
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,558
Total: $43,480

Non-Resident

Tuition: $44,340
Fees: $5,182
Expenses:$19,898
Total: $69,420

International

Tuition: $47,800
Fees: $5,182
Expenses: $19,898
Total: $72,880

Related Majors

Biochemistry - LAS

Bioengineering - ENG

Chemistry - LAS

Integrative Biology - LAS

Molecular and Cellular Biology - LAS

¹ Post-graduate data was collected through the Illini Success initiative, which primarily relies on self-reported survey data sources. Statistics are aggregated from the past three years. Please note that total compensation may be greater than annual salary as other forms of compensation (e.g., signing bonus, commission, benefits) are not included. For more information on Illini Success data and methods, please visit the Illini Success website. For average wage or salary information five years after entry into an occupation, visit the Post-Secondary Employment Outcomes Explorer.

² Graduation and retention data comes from several majors within a similar interest area. Data may not yet be available for newly created programs. Years-to-degree data is only available for programs from which you can earn a degree. Retention and graduation rates are only available for programs that you can apply directly into. Retention rates reflect retention to the university, not necessarily retention within the major.

³ "Expenses" are estimated and include books, supplies, housing, and other living expenses. The exact amount you’ll pay depends on where you decide to live, the meal plan you choose, and your overall lifestyle. To learn more about costs, please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website. To learn the average monthly student loan payment over a period of 20 years based on estimated cost, visit the Illinois College2Career website.