The Department of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University offers students a unique opporunity to explore their full potential in a supportive, collaborative environment. Our undergraduate students are encouraged to combine their passion for the field of chemical engineering with their love of problem solving to create products and solutions that contribute to both the field, and the world.
The department offers a B.S. in Chemical Engineering, and an integrated B.S./M.S. degree for undergraduates. Graduates of our chemical engineering program often go on to well-compensated careers in the process industries, cosmetics, petroleum and energy , environmental technologies, and many others. The BS degree in Chemical Engineering has typically earned the highest postgraduate salaries among all bachelor’s level degrees.
The typical response from anyone when you tell them you’re a chemical engineer from Carnegie Mellon is ‘Wow.’ And that's pretty cool.
Elliot Carnevale (ChemE BS ’11), Technical Service Engineer, Shell Gas
Undergraduate students have the opportunity to pursue a variety of associated minors such as those in colloids, polymers, and surfaces or supply chain management. In addition, double degree programs are available with the Department of Biomedical Engineering or the Department of Engineering and Public Policy. The fifth year master’s degree (MChE) program provides students the opportunity to obtain a master’s degree with one additional year of coursework. Some students with sufficient advanced placement are able to complete these requirements in just four years. The department’s educational program also strives to broaden the experience of students by offering a significant number of electives, an active program for undergraduate research, international exchange programs, and opportunities to participate in summer internships.
Our undergraduate curriculum has been developed with extensive feedback from the faculty, alumni, current students, and our advisory board. The curriculum and programs are designed so that our students graduate with the education, skills, and abilities necessary to succeed. The objectives of the department are that graduates will obtain employment or attend graduate school, will advance in their chosen careers, and will be productive and fulfilled professionals throughout their careers.
Get a glimpse of an undergraduate course:
In line with the Criteria for Accrediting Engineering Programs, the ChemE undergraduate program has set the following goals for every student:
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an ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering
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an ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
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an ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability
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an ability to function on multidisciplinary teams
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an ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems
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an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
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an ability to communicate effectively
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the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context
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a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning
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a knowledge of contemporary issues
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an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice
The chemical engineering program of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.