Bachelor of Science [B.S] [Chemical Engineering] From University of Arkansas

The profession is quite broad and has traditionally provided the technology for: supplying energy and fuel; synthesizing materials such as plastics, chemicals, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals; and managing environmental and safety concerns of physical and chemical processes. Some new applications of the principles of chemical engineering at nanoscales are being made in sustainable energy production and detection of gene mutations, protein configurations, and virus serotypes as well as thermal destruction of cancer cells.

Chemical engineers have a variety of traditional job opportunities in industries such as petroleum production and processing, chemical manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceutical production, and process equipment manufacturing. Job opportunities may involve research, development, design, manufacturing, sales, or teaching as professional activities. The chemical engineer can also move easily into environmental engineering, nuclear engineering, oceanography, biomedical engineering, pharmacology, law, medicine, or other multidisciplinary fields.

In chemical engineering, students obtain a broad foundation in chemistry, mathematics, physics, communication skills, economics, and the humanities. Courses in material and energy balances, thermodynamics, reaction kinetics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, process control, computer methods, safety, and design provide students with the background and learning skills required of the practicing chemical engineer. The curriculum includes elective courses that enable a student to prepare for immediate employment or further study at the graduate level or the professional level, such as for medical school. The chemical engineering program also serves as an excellent preparation for dental, pharmacy, or law school.