CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
WHAT IS CHEMICAL ENGINEERING?
Chemical Engineering uses a foundation in chemistry, biology, physics, and math to focus primarily on chemical production and the manufacture of products through chemical processes. This includes designing equipment, systems and processes for refining raw materials and for mixing, compounding and processing chemicals to make valuable, environmentally friendly, and economically viable products.
WHAT DOES A CHEMICAL ENGINEER DO?
Chemical Engineers work in a wide variety of industries with most jobs falling into one of two categories, 1) the design, manufacture, and operation of plants and equipment; and 2) the development of new or adapted substances and materials. Some common tasks include:
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Improving existing and developing new manufacturing processes and equipment
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Performing tests to monitor production processes
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Ensuring safety and environmental compliance for people, chemicals, equipment, and processes
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Creating procedures using chemical processes in order to separate liquid and gas components or to produce electrical currents
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Identifying and correcting issues within manufacturing operations
CONCENTRATIONS
Although not required, MSU Chemical Engineering majors can add a concentration to align with a specific academic or career interest. Concentrations include:
Biochemical Engineering
Bioenergy & Bioproducts
Biomedical Engineering
Environmental
Food Science
Polymer Science & Engineering
TOP INDUSTRIES
Explore the most common industries associated with MSU Chemical Engineering graduates. Determine which industries fit you best in order to guide your search for job titles and companies you may want to work for!
Manufacturing
Automotive
Consumer Packaged Goods
Food and Beverage
Utilities and Renewable Energy
Internet & Software
Pharmaceuticals
Oil & Gas
Number of ChE graduates placed per industry from 2018-2020.
COMMON JOB TITLES
Learn about some of the most common job titles among MSU Chemical Engineering graduates. Utilize Handshake to search for the specific job titles that interest you the most and see the specific skills and experiences employers are looking for so that you can start developing them now!
Process/Production Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Associate Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
Field Engineer
Quality Engineer
Project Engineer
Number of ChE graduates placed for each of the top job titles from 2007-2020. Descriptions via The Center
TOP EMPLOYERS
Discover the most common employers of MSU Chemical Engineers. See which companies interest you the most and start connecting with them via Handshake, LinkedIn or on their website!
General Motors
Dow
Mars, Inc.
Gerdau
Epic
Whirlpool
Cargill
Amway
PepsiCo
General Mills
DESTINATION DATA
Learn about the specific data associated with Chemical Engineering graduates so that you can better understand the average compensation and placement rates within the major.
97.7%
Placement Rate
(Employment/Education)
$67,817
Average Starting
Salary
$19.11/hr
Intern Average
Hourly Wage
LEARN MORE
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
Connect with other engineering students by joining a student organization! Some of the organizations related to the ChE major include:
American Institute for Chemical Engineers
Omega Chi Epsilon
Solar Car Team
DEPARTMENT WEBSITE
ADVISING APPOINTMENT
Schedule an appointment with one of our career advisors to learn more about ChE degree outcomes and career paths