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.
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.
At UB, it’s easy to get real-world practice, meet future employers and explore your interests.
UB chemical engineering grads have found success around the world, including:
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.
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.