Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Science Degree

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, but 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.

RIT’s Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering 

The core curriculum of RIT’s chemical engineering BS degree provides you with a solid foundation in engineering principles and their underlying science.

You will choose professional technical electives from within the major, as well as from a department-approved list of engineering courses offered throughout the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. These electives provide an in-depth examination of the chemical engineering field or provide breadth in other engineering disciplines. 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.

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 and 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.

Hands-on Experience in Chemical Engineering

As a student in the chemical engineering BS, you will gain valuable hands-on experience through specific program requirements, including a capstone experience that features two dynamic courses:

• Design with Constraint is taught in a workshop structure with lectures and in-class applications of concepts. You will examine typical constraints on design and their integration with technology.
• Advanced Design Capstone requires you to work in teams to design and simulate a realistic chemical manufacturing plant, drawing upon and integrating the knowledge you have acquired from all of your core chemical engineering courses, electives, and co-op experiences completed over the previous five years of study.

Furthering Your Education in Chemical Engineering

Your degree in chemical engineering opens doors to a variety of options when it comes to furthering your education:

• Pre-Health Professions Program: An advising program designed to help you prepare a competitive application for admission into medical schools and graduate programs in the health professions.
• Pre-Vet Advising Program: An advising program to help you maximize your candidacy for admission to veterinary schools.

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, giving you a competitive advantage. 

• Chemical Engineering BS/MS: Apply core scientific disciplines (e.g., mathematics, physics, and chemistry) to devise ways to transform raw materials into valuable products that span across industries from food and pharmaceuticals to plastic and fuels. You'll also learn broad and specialized tools to tackle the creation of novel materials and processes to ensure a high-tech, clean, and sustainable future, including semiconductors, non-conventional therapeutics, atom-scale green chemical industry, renewable energy systems, battery and alternative energies, and more. You will also learn foundations for lateral migration into non-traditional fields like nuclear energy, marine energy, or technology for space exploration.
• Chemical Engineering BS/Science, Technology, and Public Policy MS: Build a strong foundation in chemical engineering while gaining the policy knowledge needed to navigate and influence the regulatory and societal contexts of scientific innovation. By combining technical and public policy education, you’ll be prepared to lead in industries where science, sustainability, and policy intersect. 
• Chemical Engineering BS/Materials, Science, and Engineering MS: Pairs a solid foundation in chemical engineering with advanced study in materials science and engineering, equipping you to design, analyze, and optimize materials for cutting-edge applications. You’ll graduate with the interdisciplinary expertise needed to drive innovation in industries like energy, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing.
• Chemical Engineering BS/Industrial and Systems Engineering MS: Master chemical engineering fundamentals while gaining advanced skills in systems design, data analysis, and process optimization. You'll learn to improve complex systems across industries—from manufacturing to healthcare.

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 the right major in engineering or engineering technology is more about identifying what you like to do and how you like to do it.