Chemical Engineering (B.S.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • We have a student-to-faculty ratio of 15-to-1.
  • About half of our undergraduate students co-op at companies such as BASF, Dow Chemical, Kimberly-Clark, Michelin, Milliken, Eastman Chemical and General Electric.
  • The average starting salary for chemical engineering Bachelor of Science graduates is $66,000.
  • More than 20 percent of our undergraduate students participate in some type of research during the school year.
ABOUT.

If you find it fascinating how tiny fibers in a bulletproof vest can stop a speeding bullet, or wonder how biofuels are produced, or you simply have a love of science and math, chemical engineering at Clemson combines your two avenues of interest into one exciting course of study. Chemical engineering uses science, math and engineering principles to solve technical problems that face the world today. This major also offers unique research and study abroad opportunities that give you hands-on experience. Working with chemical and biological systems provides the building blocks of advanced materials, a sustainable environment, nanotechnology, biomedical devices and much more. With a degree in chemical engineering you will be making contributions to the development of mankind.

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

Freshmen who major in engineering at Clemson are initially admitted into our general engineering program, giving you a chance to explore different types of engineering before you select your specialty.

Chemical engineering courses include a blend of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics. Combined classroom and laboratory activities provide hands-on learning and small class sizes. To help you further specialize your training, we offer both a concentration in biomolecular engineering and a broad scope of emphasis areas:

  • Environmental Engineering and Science
  • Polymeric Materials
  • Energy Studies
  • Business Management
  • Applied Engineering, Mathematics and Science
  • Biomolecular Science and Engineering

Biomolecular Engineering Concentration: This concentration addresses the purposeful manipulation of biological molecules and processes applied to problems and issues in the life sciences, biotechnology and medicine. Learn about various biomolecules, biochemical pathway engineering and cell growth.

Combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Plan: Get a jump-start on either your Master of Science in chemical engineering or your Master of Science in environmental engineering while completing your bachelor’s. In our dual-degree program, you can apply graduate credits to both degrees.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

As a chemical engineering major you’ll have numerous outlets for hands-on learning, applying what you’ve already learned to real-world situations and networking with professionals already practicing in the field.

Internships and Research Projects:

REU:
Spend a summer working in research teams to create membranes for protein chromatography, energy storage, CO2 capture and water purification, as well as responsive membranes with switchable surface properties and controllable barrier properties.
CO-OP:
Our voluntary co-op program creates job opportunities for you when you alternate periods of academic study with periods of related work at a participating business, industry, agency or organization.
RESEARCH:
You’ll be able to conduct computation- and laboratory-based research through the Honors program or through Creative Inquiry teams.
TRAVEL:
Live in Austria for a summer and “off-load” the demanding senior lab from your senior schedule. Excellent lab facilities provide you with an academically rigorous experience while you develop your research and communication skills.

Connect with Other Students:

  • American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE)
CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

59%

Employed

24%

Grad School

16%

Seeking Employment

0%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • ExxonMobil — Engineer
  • BASF — Professional Development Program, Engineer
  • Eastman Chemical — Process Improvement Engineer

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • MIT — Ph.D.
  • North Carolina State University — Ph.D.
  • University of California, Berkeley — Ph.D.

Common Career Areas**

  • Administration
    • Design and Construction
    • Project Engineering
    • Control Systems
    • Field Engineering
    • Process Engineering
  • Operations/Production
    • Environmental and Waste Management
      • Development
      • Design
    • Production
      • Sales and Marketing
        • Management
          • Consulting
            • Research and Development
              • Teaching
                • Law
                *Represents 37 of 88 Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin® Career Center surveys from 2010 to 2012.
                **Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
                FIND OUT MORE.

                Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

                Christopher Porter, CES Undergraduate Recruitment Director
                864-656-7870 — cporter@clemson.edu