Program Overview
Chemical Engineering, BS
The Chemical Engineering, BS program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is designed to provide students with a rigorous education in the fundamental chemical engineering sciences. As a chemical engineering major, students will be part of a vibrant community of engineers and join a network of alumni who are shaping the modern chemical economy and creating positive impact in society.
Program Overview
The program capitalizes on advances in chemistry and biology to create new products, design chemical processes, develop energy resources, and protect the environment. With a degree in chemical engineering from UW-Madison, students will have access to many exciting career paths and be prepared for a wide range of career opportunities, including:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Personal/beauty care products
- Food processing
- Public health
- Energy and materials
- Air and water quality
- Artificial intelligence
- Manufacturing
- Plastics & materials recycling
- Environmental sustainability
Admission Criteria
To be admitted to the program, students must meet the admission requirements for the College of Engineering. This includes indicating an engineering major as their first choice and meeting progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in the program.
Curriculum
The curriculum for the Chemical Engineering, BS program includes:
- Mathematics: 16 credits
- Physics: 10 credits
- Chemistry: 17 credits
- Life Science: 3 credits
- Advanced Science: 6 credits
- Core Engineering Requirement: 52 credits
- Professional Breadth: 6 credits
- Communication Skills: 6 credits
- Liberal Studies Requirement: 16 credits Total Credits: 132
Course Requirements
The program includes a range of courses, such as:
- Introduction to Chemical Engineering
- Process Synthesis
- Chemical Process Thermodynamics
- Transport Phenomena
- Chemical Kinetics and Reactor Design
- Process Design
- Process Dynamics and Control
Professional Breadth
Students must select 6 credits of professional breadth courses from a range of options, including:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Engineering Mechanics and Astronautics
- Engineering Professional Development
- Geological Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics
Communication Skills
Students must complete a communication skills course, such as:
- Introduction to College Composition
- Introduction to Speech Composition
- Science and Storytelling
- Academic Writing II
Liberal Studies Electives
Students must complete 16 credits of liberal studies electives, including:
- Humanities: 6 credits
- Social Science: 3 credits
- Ethnic Studies: 3 credits
Honors in Undergraduate Research Program
The Honors in Undergraduate Research Program is designed for students who wish to have a more in-depth research experience. To be accepted into the program, students must have completed at least two semesters on the UW-Madison campus with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and find a faculty mentor.
Accreditation
The Chemical Engineering, BS program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular, and Similarly Named Engineering Programs.
Program Educational Objectives
The program educational objectives for the Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering are:
- Continue to exhibit strong skills in problem solving, leadership, teamwork, and communication.
- Use these skills to contribute to the various communities, both local and global, within which they work, live, and function.
- Make thoughtful, well-informed career choices.
- Demonstrate a continuing commitment to and interest in education (their own and others).
Learning Outcomes
The learning outcomes for the Chemical Engineering, BS program are:
- An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
- An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
- An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
- An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
- An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
- An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
- An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Four-Year Plan
A sample four-year plan for the Chemical Engineering, BS program is provided, outlining the courses and credits required for each semester.
Advising and Careers
Every College of Engineering undergraduate has an assigned academic advisor who supports and coaches students through their transition to college and their academic program. Engineering Career Services assists students in finding work-based learning experiences, exploring and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment.