Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering Bachelor's Degree

Combine engineering and chemistry to make the world a better place. It will be the most rewarding decision you ever make.

Become an able and versatile engineer. Solve difficult problems for a wide range of industries. Chemical engineering is a universal degree. Countless fields rely on chemical engineers, from environmental to energy to medical.

Chemicals make up everything around us. Take your interests in engineering, math and chemistry to make a difference in our industries and world. Transform chemicals and raw materials into useful, valuable, and often lifesaving forms.

The Department's Unit Operations Laboratory (UO Lab) is the best in the nation. Two pilot-plant set-ups and many bench-scale processes are available. Get experience using this process simulation and control facility.  You will have the opportunity to learn in a real-world chemical-processing work environment. Get access to two fully automated pilot plants. Learn the operation behind a three-story distillation column and a two-story batch reactor.

Undergraduate research opportunities are plentiful. As early as your sophomore year, you can gain valuable experience. Work with a faculty mentor in diverse research thrust areas such as:

  • Sustainable construction materials and resource recovery
  • Alternative and renewable energy
  • Bioprocessing and biomanufacturing
  • Food, water, and air quality and security
  • Medical sensors and diagnostics
  • Pharmaceuticals and vaccine manufacturing
  • Sustainable chemistry and manufacturing
  • Advanced materials and polymers
  • Waste recovery and recycling
  • No. 13
    Best Public College for Engineering in America (Niche)
  • No. 2
    Best Public School for Internships (The Princeton Review)
  • No. 3
    Best Public College in the US for High Salaries (The Wall Street Journal)
  • No. 9
    for Career Placement (The Princeton Review)

Tomorrow Needs Versatile Chemical Engineers

Design processes that involve chemical or biological transformation. Work in large-scale manufacturing plants. Operate processes with safety, sustainability, and economics in mind.

You could also play an important role in protecting the environment. Invent cleaner technologies and calculate environmental impacts. Study the fates of chemicals in the natural world.

Chemical engineers make real changes that contribute to sustainability in society. They tackle big challenges, such as reducing our carbon footprint. You can help develop emerging technologies:

  • Biofuels and alternative energy
  • Engineered materials
  • Hydrogen fuel cells
  • Nanotechnology
  • Drug and vaccine development
  • Cleaner sources of energy
  • Earth-friendly plastics
  • Greener chemical processes

A chemical engineer's average starting salary is among the highest in the nation. Regional, national, and global corporations recruit our graduates. Our program has a 98-percent placement rate within six months of graduation. 90% of our students participate in a co-op, internship, or Enterprise project while they are here.

Engineering Enterprise Concentration

You can pursue an Enterprise concentration by taking part in Michigan Tech's award-winning Enterprise program. It's a great way to enhance your undergraduate degree. Enterprise is when students work in teams on real projects, with real clients, in an environment that's more like a business than a classroom. Choose from among 25 Enterprise teams on campus to invent products, provide services, and pioneer solutions. Tackle real-world design projects for industry sponsors or take part in a national competition (or both). This concentration can add courses in business and entrepreneurship.

Be Career-Ready

Explore career opportunities for chemical engineers.

Graduate with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Michigan Tech. You will be well prepared to transition to an entry-level job in industry. Our degree provides excellent preparation for graduate school. An advanced degree is desirable for work in academia, research, medical school, or advanced industry.

  • Chemical production or manufacturing
  • Mineral processing and mining
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Biotechnology and bioprocessing
  • Sustainable engineering
  • Food production
  • Consumer goods
  • Alternative energy
  • Process safety
  • Environmental cleanup
  • Design engineering
  • Consulting
  • Medical school
  • Law school

$73,837 mean entry-level salary
Figures from payscale.com, accessed April 2025.

Engineering Salaries

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about studying chemical engineering at Michigan's flagship technological university.

Watch My Michigan Tech: Jake Voss video
Preview image for My Michigan Tech: Jake Voss video
"The Unit Operations Laboratory was something that set Michigan Tech apart from a lot of other schools."Jake Voss, undergraduate chemical engineering student

The Chem Eng Department

At Michigan Tech’s Department of Chemical Engineering, students gain hands-on experience through real-world applications of classroom theory. With access to a world-class Unit Operations Lab and a dedicated learning commons, undergraduates are supported by peers and mentors every step of the way. Our program emphasizes both technical expertise and essential communication skills, ensuring students are well-prepared for academic and professional success.

  • We offer real-world applications of classroom theory.

  • Learn chemical processing in our world-class Unit Operations Lab.

  • A dedicated learning commons is available for undergraduates, their peers, and mentors.

  • We understand the importance of communication skills for your core training.

  • You will receive personal attention and support necessary for academic success.

MTU engineering

Real Engineering. Meaningful Work.

Michigan Tech’s College of Engineering is committed to inspiring students, advancing knowledge, and innovating technological solutions to create a sustainable, just, and prosperous world. With an entering engineering class of about 1,000 students, 18 degrees to choose from, and 160+ engineering faculty alone, our students take part in a world-class education with the trusted reputation of Michigan Tech.

Collaborate and innovate as part of Michigan Tech’s discovery-based learning environment. Explore the endless possibilities of your engineering education in Engineering Fundamentals. Work closely with world-renowned faculty as a research assistant or develop real solutions with industry partners on an Enterprise team or Senior Design capstone project. 

Join the pack and find the support you need. Map your academic career with the help of an academic advisor. Transition to University life with the support of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success or receive academic support in any of the Learning Centers across campus. 

Study abroad, with engineering opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a full year. Focus on problems facing disadvantaged communities in countries around the world. Michigan Tech’s Global and Community Engagement program offers a range of options.

A degree in engineering from Michigan Tech can take you anywhere. After graduating, 95 percent of our alumni find successful employment within six months. Tech engineers work at NASA, Whirlpool, General Motors, Dow, Lockheed Martin, and beyond. With multiple annual Career Fairs and one-on-one advising from Career Services, you can find an internship, co-op, or full-time job where your engineering expertise can make a difference.

Tomorrow Needs Every Engineer

Michigan Tech engineers are at the forefront of change. Using creative ideas and technologies to solve problems in healthcare, energy, transportation, space exploration, climate change, and beyond, Tech engineers are prepared to help people and their communities adapt toward an equitable future. Become an engineer who is ready for what tomorrow needs.

College News

My Story: Katherine Baker, MTUengineer

In August I completed an eight-month co-op with Billerud at their paper mill in nearby Iron Mountain, Michigan. Most of my projects revolved around chemical savings and energy optimization. I worked in a process engineering role on their pulp mill team, and was able to learn from both engineers and operators.

Katherine Baker
Katherine Baker ‘26
chemical engineering

 

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