Career Profiles: Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals. Many work in the production of chemicals and consumer products. They design equipment and develop processes for manufacturing chemicals in chemical plants, plan and test methods of manufacturing the products and supervise production. Because of the varied nature of the work, chemical engineers study a broad range of subjects including chemistry, physics, mathematics, mechanical and electrical engineering, biotechnology, and computer applications along with chemical engineering science. A bachelor's degree is generally considered the minimum educational requirement for entering the field. For some jobs, however, a master's or even a Ph.D. may be necessary, especially for positions in research, teaching and administration.
Career Possibilities:
Additional experience and/or education may be required
- Absorption/Adsorption Engineer
- Biochemical Engineer
- Chemical Design Engineer
- Chemical Engineer
- Chemical Equipment Sales Engineer
- Chemical Plant Manager
- Chemical Research Engineer
- Chemical Test Engineer
- Consultant
- Environmental Engineer and Consultant
- Process Engineer
- Purchasing Agent
- Quality Control Specialist
- Safety Engineer
- Scientist
- Technical Writer
Where Employed:
- Engineering services
- Environmental consulting firms
- Food Industry
- Manufacturing companies
- Oil Refineries
- Pharmaceuticals
- Producers of electronics
- Research and testing services
Career Research Resources:
- Career exploration, exclusive jobs & internships for CSULB students can be found on CareerLINK
- Guide to career information on Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Career exploration and job analysis - O*Net Online
CSULB College and Department Links:
- College website: College of Engineering
- Academic Advising: Undergraduate Advising Resources
- CSULB Degrees & Options: Colleges & Departments