Should I major in chemistry or chemical engineering?

<p>Hello. Preparing for college. However, I can't decide between chemical engineering or chemistry. I have a school picked out, it has a very good program for both. I took a chemistry class in high school and I absolutely loved it, it was probably one of the best classes I have taken, which is why I want to pursue something in chemistry. But then I also excel so much in math, which is why I have also chosen chemical engineering. I have done a lot of research on both topics, however, can anyone give me more of a personal opinion?</p>

<p>It is typically easier to transfer from a engineering class to a science class. If you are really good in math then engineering might be for you. However, if you are a whole lot better in science then chemistry might be better for you. Also, according to the US’ B.L.S. chemistry jobs are growing very slow compared to the national average, but if you really love chemistry maybe that job growth rate does not matter that much.</p>

<p>I have found that, in general, chemistry engineering majors are more employable after graduation at it is in a higher demand than something like chemistry, which could lead to lab work or education as a possible career path. The above is mostly hearsay though, I don’t have much personal experience with the topic</p>

<p>Chemistry the major is a lot more like the high school chemistry class, while engineering is not much like that; chemical engineering puts a lot more emphasis on the “engineering” side of things than on the “chemical” side, and most of your classes will have little to nothing to do with chemistry. Both require a fairly strong base in math; chemistry majors have to understand physical chemistry, and engineering majors need calculus etc. for understanding engineering. </p>

<p>Which pays more? Chemical engineering, by a pretty decent margin. Nevertheless, chemistry isn’t a bad major in terms of employment (unless your specialty is biological chemistry, which would be rather unfortunate), and you can find something good within or outside of your field. I personally think you would enjoy chemistry more, especially if you took the time to learn programming/scientific computing (useful skills that are also very employable), but in engineering you would also learn a lot of chemistry. Both fields have a few nasty aspects to them that you have to be aware of though.</p>

<p>Thank you guys for your replies. I think right now I am leaning a bit more towards Chemical Engineering. Mostly because of the job market. </p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

<p>Good choice!</p>

<p>As a Chemistry graduate I’ve seen that options are very limited for us. Even research/lab tech jobs are scare…</p>

<p>Graduate school is almost a must for us nowadays. </p>

<p>Chemical Engineering certainly offers better job prospects that Chemistry with a B.S. however, don’t make the mistake of equating Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. I would say that Chemical Engineering is possibly closer to Physics than Chemistry. Look at the courses that you will need to take and then decide based on your interests.</p>