<p>Hi, I'm currently a third-year Chemistry student at a Liberal Arts college. I recently became interested in engineering and would like to pursue ChemE after I graduate. I've been looking into several Masters programs that allow students without an engineering Bachelor's to get the degree (they have to take some core engineering classes beforehand though, extending the time to graduate by a semester or two). </p>
<p>I was pretty set on this path before I came across several threads discussing how having a Bachelor's in engineering is better in the sense that you'll be recognized. So, now I'm wondering what to do... should I pursue a BS in ChemE or MS?</p>
<p>Keep in mind, non-thesis option is a good idea if your employer gives you tuition reimbursement whereas thesis option can get you RAship and TAship.</p>
<p>What does the job market for ChemE in the NYC area look like in the future? Due to family circumstances, I will most likely attend CCNY Grove Engineering (or Columbia, IF I could get in miraculously) and will have to be in the area for a good number of years.</p>
<p>Pure chemical engineering in New York is really suffering. There are some plants in New Jersey but they are closing and there is overcapacity of engineers, primarily due to the tax structure in the region. The only real viable option these days in that area is to find employment in some of the research labs in the area or to seek an alternative career path (banking or consulting).</p>
<p>The real demand for chemical engineers these days are in the Southwest (particularly Texas), North Central (Illinois, Dakotas, Iowa), and California (primarily high tech). </p>
<p>Chemical engineering is a great major, but unfortunately it’s one where you do not get much say on where you will live. You have go to the jobs in that field.</p>