176 Engineering
Duluth, MN 55812
United States
About This Program
Chemical engineers are problem-solvers at the forefront of innovation—designing processes and products that improve lives, protect the environment, and power the global economy. This program is an excellent fit if you enjoy tackling complex challenges, thinking analytically, and applying math, chemistry, and data-driven reasoning to real-world problems.
The Chemical Engineering program prepares you to design and optimize systems that transform raw materials into valuable products—from clean energy and sustainable fuels to pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, and food products. You will develop skills in process modeling, data analysis, and modern engineering tools, while gaining experience in sustainability, biotechnology, and process automation.
By graduation, you will be equipped to solve open-ended engineering problems, communicate effectively across interdisciplinary teams, and consider the broader social, environmental, and economic impacts of your work. You’ll also build a strong foundation for lifelong learning in a rapidly evolving field shaped by digital technologies and global challenges.
Graduates pursue diverse careers in industries such as energy, healthcare, manufacturing, environmental engineering, and technology. Common roles include process engineer, product development engineer, data and modeling specialist, and sustainability consultant. Many graduates also advance into leadership, entrepreneurship, or graduate study in engineering, business, or medicine.
Program Highlights
- The BS Chemical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET
- Our cutting-edge facilities and advanced research equipment give you real, hands-on experience—so you can dive into exciting projects and collaborate directly with faculty and industry partners
- Faculty have a wide range of expertise and frequently publish articles with students, and help you develop solid teamwork and presentation skills
- There are opportunities to further specialize your program through minors and certificates in Biochemical Engineering, Quality Science, Environmental Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Energy Engineering, and Project Management
Research & Experiential Learning
- *Faculty work with you through the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) and the Independent Research Elective Course
- Opportunities to work across the University in various programs, such as the Minnesota Technical Assistance Program, Natural Resources Research Institute, and the Advanced Materials Center
- Our program promotes paid industrial internships and cooperative education experiences, providing real-world skills through industrial partners
Student Internships
- Appvion
- SAPPI
- Ahlstrom-Munksjö
- MN Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP)
- Charter Next Generation
- Lake Superior Consulting
- Packaging Corporation of America
- BARR
- 3M
- Boston Scientific
- Medtronic
- General Mills
- POET
Potential Careers
- Process engineer
- Project engineer
- Operations engineer
- Production engineer
- Plant/manufacturing engineer
- Process control & automation engineer
- Renewable energy engineer (biofuels, hydrogen, batteries)
- Carbon capture & decarbonization specialist
- Environmental engineer
- Sustainability consultant
- Water treatment/resource recovery engineer
- Energy systems engineer
- R&D engineer/scientist
- Product development engineer
- Materials scientist (polymers, nanomaterials, composites)
- Formulation scientist (foods, cosmetics, chemicals)
- Catalysis or reaction engineer
Scholarships
Each year, the Swenson College of Science and Engineering awards over $1 million in scholarships. These scholarships range from $1000 to full tuition. The Department of Chemical Engineering also has scholarships specifically for chemical engineering students.
Get Involved
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
- Student Chapter
- Engineers without Borders (EWB)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.
Chemical Engineering B.S.Ch.E. Courses & Requirements