Chemical Engineering Rochester Institute of Technology

Overview

The Chemical Engineering program of Rochester Institute of Technology applies the core scientific disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to transform raw materials or chemicals into more useful or valuable forms, invariably in processes that involve chemical change. 

All engineers employ mathematics, physics, and engineering to overcome technical problems in a safe and economical fashion. 

The chemical engineer provides the critical level of expertise needed to solve problems in which chemical specificity and change have particular relevance. They not only create new, more effective ways to manufacture chemicals, they also work collaboratively with chemists to pioneer the development of high-tech materials for specialized applications. Well-known contributions include the development and commercialization of synthetic rubber, synthetic fiber, pharmaceuticals, and plastics. Chemical engineers contribute significantly to advances in the food industry, alternative energy systems, semiconductor manufacturing, and environmental modeling and remediation. A special focus on process engineering cultivates a systems perspective that makes chemical engineers extremely versatile and capable of handling a wide spectrum of technical problems.

Educational objectives

Graduates of the BS degree in chemical engineering are expected, within a few years of graduation, to have:

• demonstrated an ability to draw upon the fundamental knowledge, skills, and tools of chemical engineering to develop scale-appropriate system-based engineering solutions that satisfy constraints imposed by a global society.

• demonstrated an ability to enhance their skills through formal education and training, independent inquiry, and professional development.

• demonstrated an ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with others, and to have demonstrated leadership, accountability, initiative, and ethical and social responsibility.

• demonstrated the ability to successfully pursue graduate degrees at the master's and/or doctorate levels for those with relevant qualifications.

Plan of study

The core curriculum of the chemical engineering major provides students with a solid foundation in engineering principles and their underlying science. Students choose professional technical electives that provide a more depth examination of the chemical engineering field or provide breadth in other engineering disciplines. These electives may be chosen from those offered within the major, as well as from a department-approved list of engineering courses offered throughout the college. A capstone design experience in the fifth year integrates chemical engineering theory, principles, and processes in a collaborative team environment. Mathematics and science courses, free electives, and liberal arts courses round out the curriculum.

Accreditation

The BS program in chemical engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. Visit the college's accreditation page for information on enrollment and graduation data, program educational objectives, and student outcomes.