Chemical engineering
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
The process that transforms raw to useful
On an average day in the U.S., nine million barrels of gasoline, four million barrels of diesel, 63,000 tons of fertilizer, 350,000 tons of paper and 74,000 tons of plastics are consumed. Chemical engineers play a crucial role in the production of these high-demand products.
In this program, you will study and analyze the fundamentals of industrial chemical processes that transform raw materials into useful products. You will learn how to apply this knowledge to create and optimize chemical processes and products that are efficient, high-quality, environmentally safe and improve society.
The program offers special opportunities to design and conduct experiments using modern lab equipment for chemical spectroscopy and separations, surface science and analysis, advanced battery fabrication and testing, and nuclear fuel cycle studies. You will also apply your new skills to design and build a small chemically powered car, compete in national competitions and solve practical industry problems.
Overview
Related Topics
Fuel the future with chemistry
Degree fit
This program could be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy solving complex problems
- Are strong in chemistry, math and physics
- Like to be challenged intellectually
- Enjoy doing experiments
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,385 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary Engineering Teachers
$48,689 - Architectural and Engineering Managers
$122,156 - Nanosystems Engineers
$67,828 - Nanotechnology Engineering Technicians
$51,260 - Biomedical Engineers
$68,523
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Scholarships
Unlock scholarship opportunities at University of Idaho! When you apply to U of I, you're automatically considered for scholarships. We also offer a variety of scholarships based on experience, background and academic programs that students can apply for to help pay for college.
Explore available scholarships on our Scholarships website.
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Hands-on learning
All U of I College of Engineering students, especially undergraduates, participate in hands-on activities through:
- Idaho’s only Grand Challenge Scholars Program — preparing undergraduates to solve the biggest challenges facing society in the 21st century.
- Nationally-ranked Senior Capstone Design Program — emphasizing the design process and creation of a thoughtfully engineered, tested and validated outcome or prototype. Interdisciplinary teams showcase their work at our annual Engineering Design EXPO.
Clubs and organizations
Our college offers 20+ clubs and organizations tied to international and national engineering organizations, including national competition teams.
Learn about clubs related to your major:
- American Institute of Chemical Engineers (ASABE)
- Humanitarian Engineering Corps (HEC)
- Material Advantage (MatAdv)
- National Organization for Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCCHE)
- National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
- Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
- Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
- Tau Beta Pi - Engineering Honor Society (TBP)
- Vandal Clean Energy Club
Application information
Undergraduate applications open each September and admissions are processed on a rolling basis. Qualified students are admitted and considered for scholarships and financial aid as applications are received.
Explore admission requirements and apply on our Admissions website.