Chemical Engineering Careers

Chemical engineers work in the petrochemical, specialty chemical, coatings, adhesives, polymer, pharmaceutical, energy, biomedical, materials, environmental, and many other industries. Graduates work in careers such as process engineer, manufacturing engineer, production manager, project manager, quality control, environmental health and safety, research and development. 

The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates Ohio has one of the highest employments for chemical engineers, with 1,100 employed as of 2024. There is high demand for chemical engineers as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% increase from 2023-2033, much faster than average for all occupations.

Student Organizations

There are three chemical engineering student organizations within the Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. Our organizations are a tight-knit community that provides opportunities for students to connect with like-minded individuals. Student organizations empower students by providing resources, collaboration, and networking opportunities. Student organizations often host events, meetings, and fun activities that welcomes every student. Within our department, our chemical engineering student organizations include: American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), Chem-E Car Club, and Association for Biomedical and Chemical Engineers (ABCE).

Learn more about student organizations

Program Curriculum

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering program are required to take courses in mathematics, sciences, engineering sciences, chemical engineering, and core curriculum.  Please see the degree map for details.
 

Honors Program/University Scholars

The Upper-Division Honors and University Scholars program in Chemical Engineering is to be tailored for each individual student, in order to address the student’s specific educational goals (e.g. preparation for industry, graduate school, medical school, professional schools). Students will select, or be assigned, an Upper Division adviser who will assist the student in formulating a “Plan of Study” designed to achieve the student’s educational goal. This plan of study must be formulated by the first semester of the student’s junior year, and filed with the student’s academic records and the Honors and University Scholars Programs Office. For more information, visit the Honors Program and the Scholars Program page.

Upper-Division Honors/Scholars Research Opportunities
 

Accelerated Master’s Program

Accelerated Master's B.ChE/MS ChE

The Department of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering offers an accelerated program that enables students to earn the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and the Master of Science in Chemical Engineering in approximately 5 years. Students are eligible to apply for the program after they have completed sixty-five (65) credit hours, typically at the end of the sophomore year (with at least 30 credit hours at CSU), and they have shown appropriate progress in their degree program.

Accelerated Master's B.ChE/MS BME

The accelerated program in biomedical engineering enables students to earn both the Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and the Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering at CSU in approximately 5 years. Students are eligible to apply for the program after they have completed 65 credit hours, typically at the end of the sophomore year (with at least 30 credit hours at CSU), and they have shown appropriate progress in their degree program. 

Learn more about the Accelerated Master's Program

Faculty Research

The 40+ faculty include members from the Departments of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics at CSU, and Cleveland Clinic adjunct as well. The Michael Schwartz Library provides a research guide for faculty and students in Chemical Engineering. Our focus areas in chemical engineering include Electrochemistry, Food Safety, Nanomaterials, and Reaction Engineering. Chemical engineering students also engage in biomedical engineering areas for research, such as Biomaterials; Biomechanics; Medical Devices; and Tissue Engineering.

Learn more about chemical and biomedical research here

Financial Aid & Scholarships

There are a variety of scholarships available for incoming freshman and transfer students. Please see details below about how to apply for these scholarships.  We also provide a Roadmap to Financial Aid that simplifies the process. Students are encouraged to fill out the FAFSA form for consideration of all types of financial aid.

Learn more about scholarships here

Learn More About CSU's Bachelor of Chemical Engineering

Embark on a journey of discovery and innovation with Cleveland State's Bachelor of Chemical Engineering program. Our undergraduate chemical engineering students enjoy the benefits of small class sizes, student-faculty interaction, recently renovated labs (including a new pilot-scale distillation column), active student organizations, and an accredited Cooperative Education program. For more information, please contact the program director.

Apply here!

Program Director

Nolan B. Holland, PhD
Chair and Professor, Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
Fenn Hall 455
(216) 687-2571
n.holland1@csuohio.edu