The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering offers a B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering. For students with interests in the emerging areas of pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and bioprocessing, the department also offers a Minor in Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering.
Research and Real World Experience
Northwestern ChE students reap the benefits of a major research institution with the personalized attention and focus on undergraduate education befitting a prestigious private university. Surveys of graduating seniors indicate that over 50% of ChE students engage in undergraduate research, working directly with faculty to define new frontiers of technology. The Chemical Engineering major has also traditionally maintained a high co-op internship participation at Northwestern — currently around 30% of upper-class students benefit from this juxtaposition of classroom learning and real-world professional experience.
Academics and Employment Outlook
Our curriculum provides students with the core chemical engineering fundamentals, while offering options to specialize in bioengineering, environmental engineering and sustainability, polymer science and engineering, design, or nanotechnology and molecular engineering. Our program offers flexibility for students interested in pursuing minor degrees or certificate programs such as our Minor in Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering or McCormick's Business Enterprise Certificate. Many ChE students have taken the opportunity to study abroad. Our graduates pursue careers in diverse industries such as the pharmaceutical, food, chemical, petroleum, information technology and consulting industries or seek advanced degrees in science and engineering, law, medicine or business.
Questions regarding the undergraduate program may be addressed to Professor Jennifer Cole.
