Program Overview

Chemical Engineering Program

Introduction to Chemical Engineering

The Chemical Engineering program at Vanderbilt University is designed for students with broad interests in science who want to apply their knowledge and curiosity to find solutions to real-life problems. Students who excel in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and computation, and have an interest in biology, are well-suited for this program. The program prepares students for a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as energy, environment, materials, nanoscience, and biotechnology.

Why Study Chemical Engineering?

Students who major in chemical engineering at Vanderbilt will graduate with a wide range of career opportunities. Chemical engineering is a dynamic and rapidly changing field, and students can select from areas such as energy and the environment, materials, nanoscience, and biotechnology. Potential career paths include developing pharmaceuticals, bioengineered materials, specialty polymers, high-strength composites, semiconductors, microelectronic devices, green energy technologies, sustainable processes, ultrapure chemicals, or consumer goods.

Vanderbilt Engineering Advantages

The Chemical Engineering program at Vanderbilt offers several advantages, including:

• A strong foundation in the fundamentals of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics
• Numerous opportunities to sharpen skills and hone knowledge in both the classroom and laboratory
• Hands-on experience working with top minds in the business, including professors who are experts in chemical and biomolecular engineering
• A challenging curriculum that covers material and energy balances, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, chemical and biological separations, kinetics, and reactor design

Special Opportunities at Vanderbilt Engineering

The program offers several special opportunities, including:

• Laboratory research during the summer or semester
• Summer internships with top companies such as ExxonMobil, P&G, or Merck
• Participation in National Science Foundation-sponsored research experiences for undergraduates programs
• Opportunities to work as part of a multi-disciplinary engineering team
• Access to a minor or study abroad experience, with recent students minoring in foreign languages, engineering management, nanoscience, or economics, or spending a semester in Singapore, Australia, or Europe

Career Opportunities

The undergraduate degree in chemical engineering prepares students for a wide range of jobs with government, private consulting companies, and major industries. Major industrial employment areas for chemical engineers include:

• Advanced materials development
• Pharmaceutical production and biotechnology
• Energy production
• Environmental engineering
• Petrochemical production
• Agricultural and food processing
• Process design, development, and evaluation
• Specialty chemical manufacturing
• Natural resource recovery
• Health and safety
• Consumer goods
• Management and consulting

Advanced Degrees

Students who decide to pursue an advanced engineering or professional degree will enjoy a competitive advantage as a Vanderbilt graduate. The department offers master and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering, providing longer-term research opportunities in areas such as materials, nanotechnology, biotechnology, alternative energy, and computer simulation. The curriculum can be arranged for qualified students to achieve both the bachelor and master of science degrees.