Chemical Engineering
You've found it—the perfect major for people who like using chemistry and math to solve real-world problems, like helping farmers feed more people, reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, designing longer-lasting artificial organs, delivering more renewable energy and producing life-saving medicines and vaccines. If you love making things work more efficiently and want to use your skills in math and science to make the world a better place, then put chemical engineering at the top of your list.
What will I learn?
At UB, you’ll get a practical education. As one grad said, “I still use the things I learned in that first class.” You’ll start with a solid base of courses and labs in chemistry, as well as some physics and math. Then you'll move on to more advanced classes in topics like thermodynamics, materials and design. (Some students have actually designed part of a chemical plant!) Of course, you’ll also be able to take electives in your specific interests, both within and outside of your major.
What can I do with a chemical engineering degree?
UB chemical engineering grads have found success around the world, including:
- Co-founding and running a brewery.
- Helping inventors obtain patents.
- Overseeing pharmaceutical manufacturing.
- Serving as CEO of a global chemical company.
- Studying aircraft tires to make them safer.
- Working on rapid testing for SARS-CoV-2.
Chemical engineers are employed by nearly any organization that makes a product, uses materials or works with energy. You could be performing experiments in a lab, designing systems on a computer or troubleshooting problems in the field. Whether you want to work in electronics and battery technology, energy, pharmaceuticals, health care, food processing or another area, you’ll appreciate the flexibility throughout your career.
By the Numbers
Check out salary ranges and career outlooks straight from the U.S. Department of Labor to see the return on investment for your degree.
| Occupation Title | Mean Annual Wage | Mean Hourly Wage | Future Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $113,360.00 | N/A | Rapid Growth |
| Chemical Engineers | $112,330.00 | $54.01 | Rapid Growth |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $65,040.00 | $31.27 | Rapid Growth |
Data provided by the and DOL data from 2024.