Chemical Engineering, BS

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Program Details

Location
Akron Campus
Level
undergraduate
Degree/Program Type
Bachelor of Science / major
Format
In-person
Course Info
Curriculum Guide
College
College of Engineering and Polymer Science
School/Department
Department of Chemical, Biomolecular and Corrosion Engineering

Program Contact

Dean's Office: College of Engineering and Polymer Science

Auburn Science and Engineering Center

330-972-6978 Send an Email

Overview

The University of Akron’s chemical engineering program teaches you how to apply math, science and engineering principles to solve real-world problems. You’ll learn the fundamentals of transport phenomena, thermodynamics and chemical reaction kinetics, and how to use them to turn raw materials into useful products that improve everyday life.

Through lab courses and elective options in design or research, you’ll gain hands-on experience with emerging technologies. Exciting work happens in areas like advanced materials, environmental engineering, sustainable energy, catalysis, biochemical engineering, nanomaterials, data science, molecular simulations and biosensing.

Admissions Requirements

  • Students who meet The University of Akron’s admission requirements and choose engineering as their major are directly admitted into the College

  • If you're coming from high school, your high school records will help determine the best first-semester courses for you

Career Outcomes

Chemical engineers use chemical principles to design, build and operate systems that turn raw materials into valuable products through chemical reactions, biological processes and physical separations. They work in industries like polymer production, petroleum refining, environmental cleanup, materials research, process design and operations.

Recent University of Akron graduates with a B.S. in Chemical Engineering have started careers at companies such as DuPont, Bridgestone Americas, Lubrizol, Sherwin-Williams, Synthomer and Westlake Chemical.

Accreditation

The BS in Chemical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the General Criteria and Program Criteria for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular and Similarly Named Engineering Programs. The program has specific educational objectives and student outcomes that prepare graduates to enter the professional practice of engineering.

BS/MS Combined Degree Pathway

You can earn this degree and a master's in five years and at a significant savings. Learn more about the: Combined degree option.

YES, some things just set us apart.

Chemical engineering students in the lab
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Expand Your Expertise with High-Impact Minors

Earn a minor in polymer science and polymer engineering — UA is ranked #1 worldwide for polymer science and plastics engineering. You can also pursue a minor or certificate in corrosion engineering for more career options.

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Hands-On Learning & Paid Co-op Opportunities

Gain hands-on experience through a required series of project management courses where you work in teams on lab-based design projects, plus our paid, flexible co-op program that helps you earn money while you learn.

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Engage, Excel, and Save While You Learn

Join nationally recognized design teams to apply your skills, make friends and travel. Plus, access free tutoring, academic support and many scholarships to help lower your education costs.

Engineering Excellence since 1913.

We’ve been reaching new heights for more than a century — and we’re not slowing down.

Students on co-op

Learn Through Experience

Our engineering students learn through experience. Our famed co-op program, one of the oldest in the country, provides students with paid industry experience. On average, students earn $47K over three co-op rotations, all while completing their degree. Within six months of graduation, our 2024 College graduates launched careers, pursued graduate school, or entered military service, with an average starting salary of $72K.

SIM Project

Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate research opportunities and senior capstone projects empower students to innovate, apply classroom knowledge, and strengthen collaboration skills in professional settings.

Zips Engineered for Success

Exceptional Education

We offer an exceptional education. Our expert professors are not only leaders in their fields but are also deeply committed to your success. They are passionate about helping you achieve great things and are dedicated to supporting every student's journey in engineering.

ChemE Sports Team

Design Teams & Student Organizations

Build medical devices, robots, race cars, rockets and more on our design teams, which rank among the best in the nation and world in competition. Students can also join one of our many student organizations such as American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), Chem-E Car Team, ChemE-Jeopardy, Corrosion Squad and Society of Women Engineers.