Chemical Engineering Degree

The job of the chemical engineer is to bridge the gap between the laboratory and the consumer. Chemical engineers are involved in a variety of efforts that affect our lives in many ways. An individual with a chemical engineering degree was probably involved in the cereal you ate for breakfast or with the gasoline that enabled your vehicle to crank this morning. While these items might sound mundane, the work of the chemical engineer can be exciting and cutting-edge. These members of the engineering field are also deeply involved in the creation of pharmaceuticals and even artificial organs. When there is a cure for a dreaded disease, you can rest assured that a number of chemical engineers were probably involved in the process. Chemical engineering is a broad field which provides the engineer the opportunity to work in a number of interesting careers.

For some years, the highest concentration of chemical engineers was in the petroleum and petrochemical industries as well as in chemical industries. In recent years, the need for individuals with a chemical engineering degree has expanded to include:

• Electronics industry
• Food industry
• Paper and pulp industry
• Textile industry
• Pharmaceutical industry
• Bio-hazard industry
• Consulting services

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported steady job growth for the field of chemical engineers for at least the next decade. Due to the steady demand for individuals with a chemical engineering degree, the qualified chemical engineer should experience little difficulty landing a rewarding job. A career in chemical engineering is a lucrative one. Chemical engineers who have earned a bachelor’s degree reportedly earn in excess of $52,000 annually. As with most professions, additional education and experience lead to greater compensation. Chemical engineers with a post-graduate degree can earn an average annual salary of between $75,000 and $100,000.

A chemical engineering degree is a diverse degree. It combines several areas of study. These areas include:

• Engineering
• Biology
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry

Students can specialize in areas such as:

• Health care
• Environmental protection
• Food processing
• Pharmaceuticals
• Biotechnology

Most chemical engineers possess at minimum a bachelor’s degree. Because of the demand for qualified chemical engineers, this degree will often lead to profitable careers. With this four-year degree, many chemical engineers begin employment in production and process engineering. Individuals preparing to earn a degree in chemical engineering can expect to complete coursework in advanced mathematics and science as well as in engineering.