Chemical Engineering

You've found it—the perfect major for people who like using chemistry and math to solve real-world problems, like helping farmers feed more people, reducing greenhouse-gas emissions, designing longer-lasting artificial organs, delivering more renewable energy and producing life-saving medicines and vaccines. If you love making things work more efficiently and want to use your skills in math and science to make the world a better place, then put chemical engineering at the top of your list.

What will I learn?

At UB, you’ll get a practical education. As one grad said, “I still use the things I learned in that first class.” You’ll start with a solid base of courses and labs in chemistry, as well as some physics and math. Then you'll move on to more advanced classes in topics like thermodynamics, materials and design. (Some students have actually designed part of a chemical plant!) Of course, you’ll also be able to take electives in your specific interests, both within and outside of your major.

What can I do outside of class?

At UB, it’s easy to get real-world practice, meet future employers and explore your interests.

  • Internships, co-ops and experiential learning. We encourage internships (one student called it “a learning experience unlike any I have had in a classroom”) and other hands-on opportunities, including the engineering intramurals.
  • Student groups. Join one of the dozens of engineering student clubs, including groups for chemical engineering students to enter competitions, meet potential future employers and make friends.
  • Research. Faculty members work closely with undergraduates on research in nanoscale science, molecular modeling, bioengineering and other topics; some students have been published as co-authors.
  • Study abroad. If you’re looking for a life-changing experience and international perspective, consider going abroad; UB engineering students have traveled to Australia, Costa Rica, France and many other countries during summer and winter breaks.
Hands On / Experiential Learning
Student Clubs
Research
Study Abroad

What can I do with a chemical engineering degree?

UB chemical engineering grads have found success around the world, including:

  • Co-founding and running a brewery.
  • Helping inventors obtain patents.
  • Overseeing pharmaceutical manufacturing.
  • Serving as CEO of a global chemical company.
  • Studying aircraft tires to make them safer.
  • Working on rapid testing for SARS-CoV-2.

Chemical engineers are employed by nearly any organization that makes a product, uses materials or works with energy. You could be performing experiments in a lab, designing systems on a computer or troubleshooting problems in the field. Whether you want to work in electronics and battery technology, energy, pharmaceuticals, health care, food processing or another area, you’ll appreciate the flexibility throughout your career.

Who will I learn from?

As a student, you want to have exceptional teachers and mentors—which is exactly who you'll find in the chemical engineering program.

Our faculty, which has grown significantly through the years, has included SUNY Distinguished Teaching professors and SUNY Empire Innovation professors, as well as recipients of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. They are here for you during your time at UB and to help you transition to graduate school or a job.

You'll also find that our faculty typically includes some of the most collaborative, highly regarded and top-cited researchers in the field. Members of our faculty have been honored by the National Science Foundation, National Academy of Engineering, AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers), Royal Society of Chemistry and other leading national and international organizations. They have also earned the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities.

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