Metadata
Title
Chemical Engineering
Category
undergraduate
UUID
00aa4df96df744acb556da89c9edb495
Source URL
https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/chemical-engineering/
Parent URL
https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/civil-engineering/
Crawl Time
2026-03-16T03:22:22+00:00
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Chemical Engineering

Source: https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/chemical-engineering/ Parent: https://admissions.purdue.edu/majors/civil-engineering/

Home / Academics / Majors / Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Use innovative ideas to transform raw materials into high-value products and processes. As a chemical engineer, you’ll harness chemistry and chemical properties to solve real-world problems — fueling cleaner energy, better medicine and smarter manufacturing.

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Program Summary

Apply the principles of chemistry and physics to design equipment and processes for manufacturing products such as fuel, detergents, paper and food. As a chemical engineer, you will apply innovative technology and research to transform laboratory processes into efficient, full-scale operations.

Combine strong problem-solving skills and a solid foundation in math, physics, chemistry and biology with hands-on research experiences to solve complex industrial problems. Our chemical engineer graduates also are among the top earners right out of college with a bachelor’s degree.

Quick Facts

Why Purdue?

96%

Average placement rate

in industry or graduate school

$81,419

Average starting salary within six months of graduation

Applying

Applying to engineering in West Lafayette

To study chemical engineering at Purdue, you will apply to the first-year engineering program. All engineering students in West Lafayette build a foundation for success by completing core first-year engineering curriculum before transitioning to a specialty major in the second year. Core curriculum includes courses in math, chemistry, physics, computer programming and communication skills, as well as introductory engineering coursework that explores career options to help you identify which specialty major is the right fit.

The priority application deadline for first-year engineering is Nov. 1. Applications received after Nov. 1 for this competitive major will be evaluated based on available space.

Possible Careers

With a degree in chemical engineering, our students are prepared to succeed in high-impact careers across industries like pharmaceuticals, product development and energy including:

Internships and Graduate Hires

With hands-on research experience and world-class instruction, our graduates launch careers at top companies such as:

**High School Course Recommendations****

You should pursue the most rigorous high school curriculum available to you. Succeeding in challenging courses will make you a stronger candidate for Purdue’s competitive admission process and better prepare you for college success.

Minimum high school coursework (many applicants exceed these minimums):

In addition to meeting or exceeding the minimum high school course requirements, our holistic review process places particular emphasis on key academic courses such as:

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College of Engineering

Explore nearly 20 majors in one of the best engineering schools in the country for academics and career preparation.

Contact

Office of Future Engineers\ (765) 494-3975\ future-engineers@purdue.edu

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Experience for yourself all that Purdue has to offer with opportunities to explore in-person or virtually.

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Ready to take the next step? Apply to begin your journey at Purdue in engineering.

**Transfer to**** Chemical Engineering

Purdue admits to individual majors. Transfer students must meet Purdue’s overall transfer criteria, as well as any major-specific requirements. Before you apply, check the closed programs page to confirm this major is open to transfer students. If it is, refer to the information below for major-specific transfer criteria.

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