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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

88% employed or continuing education

76% employed after graduation

12% attending graduate school

$70,588 average starting annual income

Sample employer destinations: ExxonMobil, General Mills, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) View All

Sample grad school destinations: University of Texas at Austin, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign View All

Program Resources

College of Liberal Arts & Sciences Program Webpage Degree Requirements

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 Guide

Graduation & Retention2

4.0 years to degree

94% first-year retention rate

54% four-year graduation rate

82% six-year graduation rate

Annual Program Costs3

Illinois Resident

  • Tuition: $17,976
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,222
  • Total: $41,126

Non-Resident

  • Tuition: $39,736
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses:$18,562
  • Total: $63,226

International

  • Tuition: $42,868
  • Fees: $4,928
  • Expenses: $18,562
  • Total: $66,358

Related Majors

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.

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