The Advantages To Earning A Chemical Engineering Degree
Chemical engineering degree programs offer students a versatile educational basis necessary for a variety of employment options within scientific fields. Chemical engineering degree programs provide students with general knowledge based in chemistry, mathematics, computer science, statistics, and research methods. Students who participate in chemical engineering programs gain the skills and analytical abilities to develop safe, economical, and effective chemicals for use within manufacturing, research, health care, commercial, and business industries. Chemical engineering programs offer specialized knowledge regarding particular fields of chemistry and include courses in materials science, environmental engineering, biochemistry, nanotechnology, thermodynamics, mathematics, and chemical processing.
As many students manage work and family responsibilities in addition to educational obligations, most colleges and universities have extended instruction to online programs. Obtaining an online degree offers students virtually the same educational experiences, materials, and instruction as traditional, on-campus programs. Online programs offer students the added benefits of a more personalized degree with smaller classes, in groups of 25 students or less, as well as increased interactions between other students and professors through one on one Internet chats Online programs also provide students with an added flexibility in course scheduling and 24 hour access to class materials. Online degree programs are often one of the most efficient, affordable, and convenient means of expanding education necessary for personal and professional success.
What Students Learn Within Chemical Engineering Degree Programs
Students within chemical engineering degree programs gain the knowledge and means of strengthening skills necessary to advance to a number of career options within a growing field. Chemical engineering programs offer students instruction in a variety of fields including courses in biochemistry, organic chemistry, mathematics, and fluid mechanisms. Chemical engineering courses also offer students the ability to participate in research intensive and laboratory experiences. Most chemical engineering professionals are required to complete a minimum of a bachelor’s degree to qualify for entry level employment though many employers prefer candidates with graduate degrees. Several students begin studies within associate degree programs to gain a basic understanding of the field. Courses at an associate level include: English composition, college Algebra, introduction to biology, introduction to psychology, art history, introduction to philosophy, microbiology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, precalculus, calculus and analytic geometry, general cell biology, laboratory math for chemical engineering, bioprocess technology, hazardous materials, biosafety, cell culturing, protein bioseparation methods, contemporary American society, environmental issues, basic statistics, fundamentals of speech, microeconomics, macroeconomics, and an internship. Graduates who complete studies within associate degree programs may advance to entry level employment or continue studies within a bachelor degree program.
Bachelor degree programs offer students the ability to expand knowledge and increase abilities within the discipline of chemical engineering. Bachelor level courses include: introduction to chemical engineering, organic chemistry, biological chemistry, general biochemistry, thermodynamics and kinetics, chemical and biological engineering thermodynamics, calculus, physics, fluid mechanics, transport processes, separation processes, chemical kinetics and reactor design, integrated chemical engineering, integrated chemical engineering topics, differential equations, materials laboratory, biochemistry and organic laboratory, expression and purification of enzyme mutants, kinetics of enzyme inhibition, organic structure determination, micro/nano processing technology, polymer science laboratory, introduction to experimental biology and communication, energy engineering, and biological engineering and an internship experience. Bachelor degree graduates may advance to employment or continue studies within graduate programs.
Master’s degree programs offer students specialized knowledge in the field of chemical engineering. Master’s degree courses include: numerical methods applied to chemical engineering; chemical engineering thermodynamics; analysis of transport phenomena; chemical reactor engineering; kinetics of biological and chemical systems; systems engineering; thermodynamics and kinetics of materials; electronic and mechanical properties of materials; materials processing for micro and nano systems; materials selection, design, and economics; computational engineering; optimization methods; particle methods and systems biology; manufacturing systems technology; management in engineering; master’s research; master’s thesis; and an internship. Graduates who complete studies within master’s degree programs may gain employment or continue studies within doctoral degree programs.
Doctoral degree programs offer candidates the ability to be considered experts in the field of chemical engineering. Doctoral level courses include: research methods in chemical engineering, catalysis and catalytic processes, particle technology, colloids and surfaces, chemical process dynamics and control, novel separations, knowledge based systems in engineering, chemical engineering processes, biochemical engineering fundamentals, biotechnology and bioprocess engineering, biomedical nanotechnology, air pollution control, principles of sustainable engineering, polymer membranes, rheology of fluids, principles of polymer conversion operations, chemical engineering experimental design, chemical engineering and optimization, process modeling and simulation, advanced special problems in chemical engineering, advanced chemical engineering thermodynamics, advanced chemical engineering kinetics, advanced heat transfer, advanced momentum transfer, new or unusual chemical engineering operations, dissertation research, dissertation, and a clinical experience. Graduates who complete doctoral degree programs advance to positions as experts in the field.
Prospective Jobs For Chemical Engineering Degree Graduates
Graduates who complete chemical engineering degree programs gain the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and research abilities to advance to a number of occupations within the field. Prospective employment for graduates with a chemical engineering background is based upon factors like level of education, area/s of speciality, and related work experience. Most graduates with bachelor degrees qualify for entry level positions within chemical engineering occupations though many employers prefer candidates with a master’s degree for research or administrative positions. Graduates who complete associate degree programs in chemical engineering often gain entry level employment as engineering technicians, research assistants, chemical technicians, or science technicians. Bachelor degree graduates may advance to employment as entry level chemical engineers, clinical researchers, or chemical engineering consultants. Graduates who complete master’s degrees generally begin employment as engineering supervisors or within entry level administrative, consulting, teaching, or research positions within a variety of firms, vocational schools, or research facilities. Doctoral degree graduates advance as expert researchers, consultants, or instructors within research facilities, public or private organizations, or colleges and universities.
Salary Range For Graduates With Chemical Engineering Degrees
Chemical engineering graduates gain knowledge, technical abilities, and refined skills necessary to establish long term, and often lucrative, careers within a rapidly evolving field. Earnings for graduates with chemical engineering degrees are based upon factors like: education level, organization of employment, area/s of speciality, and related work experience. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports average earnings for chemical engineers range from $70,940 to $112,630 annually. Associate degree graduates who work as research assistants generally earn salaries ranging from $27,910 to $47,480 annually. Graduates with bachelor degrees who gain employment as chemical technicians earn $32,490 to $54,100 annually. Master’s degree graduates who advance to positions as engineering supervisors earn salaries of $67,420 to $105,000 annually. Graduates with doctoral degrees earn $66,650 to $120,000 annually as college or university instructors. As with most occupations, graduates who continue or advance education, gain work experience, and specialize training often earn higher earnings than graduates with less education, experience, and training.
Career Outlook and Advancement Opportunities For Chemical Engineering Degree Graduates
Graduates who complete chemical engineering degree programs gain the educational basis necessary to establish careers as professionals within a dynamic and changing field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports job growth for chemical engineers will increase by 11 percent through 2018 at an average rate in comparison to other occupations. Competition for jobs will be high for graduates without advanced degrees as growth within manufacturing industries declines, technology advances, and companies globalize. Demand for qualified chemical engineering degree graduates will continue as organizations and businesses seek candidates to develop and research new chemicals as well as seek means of increasing efficiency of existing chemicals. Graduates who specialize skills in service based industries, biotechnology, nanotechnology, and professional, scientific, or technical consulting will find increased employability in comparison to other candidates. Most graduates with associate or bachelor degrees gain employment within entry level positions working closely with more experienced engineers, gain work experience, participate in formal training, and advance to positions with less supervision, greater responsibility, and higher salaries. Most master’s degree graduates begin employment within entry level technical or project specialist positions and advance to administrative positions supervising teams of technicians and other engineers upon gaining relevant training and experience. Doctoral degree graduates often begin employment as instructors or researchers within smaller educational institutions or firms and advance to positions with greater prestige at larger institutions or organizations upon gaining adequate experience. Many graduates also establish self owned consulting or research businesses upon securing adequate funding, gaining relevant experience, and fulfilling educational requirements.
