Careers in Chemical Engineering
What is Chemical Engineering?
The elements of chemical engineering are processes, materials, and the environment. Chemical engineers study, design, and operate processes to provide food, water, energy, clothing, medicine, and materials. These processes transform raw materials from the environment into desired products. They also return spent products and by-products to the environment in an ecologically sustainable manner.
Chemical Engineering is one of the most challenging and rewarding careers you can choose. One of the hallmarks of a chemical engineering education is flexibility. Students study chemical processes at the molecular level and the chemical plant level and gain an education deeply grounded in mathematics, chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science . . . not to mention engineering itself. The chemical industry is one of the major driving forces of our nation's economy. From innovations and continual improvements made by chemical engineers flow every new medicine, electronic device and high performance material, plus new technologies for cleaning the environment and feeding and clothing the world's people. Technical knowledge alone is not enough, and chemical engineers must also understand engineering economics, project management, and global business practices. It is not uncommon for major corporations, such as Weyerhaeuser and Intel, to be run by chemical engineers. Our intensive program provides all of the elements of a chemical engineering education, plus the opportunity to become involved in cutting edge research and design projects, in just two short years. Are you ready for the challenge? Let's go!
About the UW's Chemical Engineering Department
The UW Department of Chemical Engineering offers an integrated research and education experience to approximately 120 undergraduate and 75 graduate students. The Department has 15 full-time faculty members who generate annual research expenditures of $3.5 million. Research specialties include biochemical engineering, nanotechnology, nanorheology, polymeric materials, polymer photonics, numerical methods, computational chemistry, electrochemical engineering, environmental remediation, surface and interfacial science, and process control. Interdisciplinary activities are common with joint and adjunct faculty appointments in Bioengineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Paper Science and Engineering.
Information for Prospective and Current Undergraduate Students
Advising
Our Academic Counselor, Devota Madrano, advises prospective and current students on curriculum matters, co-ops and internships, and fellowships and scholarships. Each student is also assigned a Faculty Mentor for advice on professional issues such as course selection, co-op and internship opportunities, career opportunities, fellowships and scholarships, undergraduate research opportunities, and graduate school opportunities. Prospective students are encouraged to consult with our faculty as well. See the links on advising for more details.
Scholarships
The Department offers a large number of scholarships to help with
educational expenses. Currently more than 20 students receive scholarship
support. Applications are available January 1 of each year and are
due to the Undergraduate Advisor (Devota Madrano) in early February.
Students with grade point averages of 3.5-3.6 or better are encouraged
to apply and even those with lower GPAs should consider applying.
If a student requires emergency financial aid, the Department has
a small fund that can provide a short term loan.
Co-ops/Internships
A co-op or internship is one of the best ways to prepare for and get a permanent job. At present more than 30% of our students participate in co-ops or internships. Check out opportunities now and read your e-mail often. It is not uncommon for companies to announce co-op opportunities the day before they visit campus. Also, check out the Engineering Co-op Office on the third floor of Loew Hall.
Broadening Your Education: Research and Design Projects
Research projects (CHEM E 499) and special design projects (CHEM E 497) are an excellent way to make your education real and rewarding. The Department strongly encourages all students to participate in some form of research or design project. Coops and internships (see above) are other excellent ways to broaden your education and gain valuable work experience.
A Career in Chemical Engineering
How do you get the job you want? The most important way is to do well in your studies. However, there's more to employment (and life) than good grades. Get involved with your education. Think about how chemical engineering affects your life and everyone else's. Get involved with the Student AIChE Chapter. There are opportunities for travel to the National AIChE meeting for a lucky few people. The AIChE's web site has a lot of information about jobs and careers. Check out
http://www.aiche.org/careers/
... for a look at chemical engineering careers
http://www.aiche.org/careerservices/
... for help on finding jobs
http://www.aiche.org/careerservices/trends/placement.htm
... for latest job placement trends.
Information for Prospective Graduate Students
The Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Washington has strong research programs in many critical areas of chemical engineering. These are summarized in the following table.
|
Chemical Engineering Research at the University of
Washington |
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| Biochemical Engineering and Bioengineering | Information and Process Technology |
|
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| Environmental Technology | Materials and Interfacial Phenomena |
|
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With such a variety of research projects to choose from, it's no wonder that graduate school can be such a rewarding experience. Graduate students work closely with their research advisors, fellow students, and post-doctoral scientists to examine one of these topics in depth and breadth.
The hallmark of a graduate education is the ability to "learn how to learn," that is, the ability to become an expert in just about anything. Students obtain this by developing their research skills and critical and analytical thinking skills as part of their research project. Many graduate students present their work at national conferences and have the opportunity to meet with other colleagues in their field. Some students engage in interdisciplinary work in which they do lab rotations with other groups, professional and government laboratory internships, or even assist in K-12 education. The UW Chemical Engineering Department also participates with the Center for Nanotechnology, enabling students to earn a Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering and Nanotechnology.
In the end, the writing of one's thesis provides the ultimate test and opportunity to see how all of the specialized research fits into a common theme. This gives students the opportunity to generalize their training and thus be able to work effectively in a variety of technical disciplines. The University of Washington provides a fertile ground for an exciting education in chemical engineering. We hope you'll join us!
