Chemical Engineering Outlook

College Majors Engineering Majors
1

<p>I am a high school senior who is looking to major in chemical engineering. As it stands, I will most likely be attending the University of Maryland or the University of Delaware. Delaware's program for chemical engineering is highly ranked thanks to it's ties with DuPont, but I live in Maryland so the cost to attend will be much higher than if I choose to attend UMD, which I have been told still has a solid chemical engineering program and the overall engineering department is great. A couple of questions I have that I am looking for answers to:</p>

<ol>
<li><p>How much chemistry is actually involved in the major, as I have read that there are a lot more physics and mathematical components instead of just pure chemistry?</p></li>
<li><p>Do I need a "passion" for chemistry to like this major? I like chemistry in general, but I not crazy for it. I was intrigued by the major as it combined various subjects that I liked (chemistry and physics) without focusing entirely on one or the other.</p></li>
<li><p>How difficult has it been to find internships during college and jobs after college, particularly in the eastern United States?</p></li>
<li><p>What does a daily workload consist of for a chemical engineer, if anybody here is currently working as one?</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Miscellaneous information: I am thinking about pursuing a Master's in Biomedical Engineering after I earn a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering. I was advised by a college professor during a visit to not pursue Biomedical during undergraduate study because the chemical engineering degree is more versatile and would still allow me to pursue Biomedical during grad school, whereas just a Bachelor's in Biomedical Engineering would not land me any job offers and would likely force me to go to grad school.</p>

<p>Any feedback is appreciated, thank you!</p>

2

<p>Lot of information there, thank you! If you don’t mind me asking, where did you go to college, assuming you are a chemical engineering major?</p>

3

<p>What is the difference between biochemical engineering and chemical engineering? </p>

4

<p>bump</p>

5

<p>I know some chemical engineering graduates and my D is going to major in it too. From those I know, they are working mostly in pharmaceutical/cosmetic, and petroleum industries. The daily work would depend heavily on which field you are working in. The one works at Shell needs to fly to sites from time to time and works outdoors. Those at pharmaceutical work in the lab, on computer, and/or at manufacturing facility. So it varies a lot. </p>

6

<p>I’m told the ChE field is very broad. Lake Jr. has applied to ChE co-ops in subjects as various as polymer engineering, renewable energy research, and industrial chemicals.</p>

7

<p>my D is also a ChemE major. She applied to UD but decided not to attend. fyi- she received a generous merit scholarship from them making them the cheapest of her options (did not apply to instate public)</p>

8

<p>U of Delaware is one of the very top ChE departments in the U.S., thanks in large part to E.I DuPont.</p>

9

<p>U of Minnesota is also one of very very top ChemE program in the US partly due to 3M in the area.</p>