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Chemical Engineering

WHAT IS CHEMICAL ENGINEERING?

Chemical Engineering uses a foundation in chemistry, biology, physics, and math to focus primarily on chemical production and the manufacture of products through chemical processes. This includes designing equipment, systems and processes for refining raw materials and for mixing, compounding and processing chemicals to make valuable, environmentally friendly, and economically viable products.

WHAT DOES A CHEMICAL ENGINEER DO?

Chemical Engineers work in a wide variety of industries with most jobs falling into one of two categories, 1) the design, manufacture, and operation of plants and equipment; and 2) the development of new or adapted substances and materials. Some common tasks include: 

  • Improving existing and developing new manufacturing processes and equipment 

  • Performing tests to monitor production processes

  • Ensuring safety and environmental compliance for people, chemicals, equipment, and processes

  • Creating procedures using chemical processes in order to separate liquid and gas components or to produce electrical currents

  • Identifying and correcting issues within manufacturing operations

CONCENTRATIONS

Although not required, MSU Chemical Engineering majors can add a concentration to align with a specific academic or career interest. Concentrations include:

Biochemical Engineering

Bioenergy & Bioproducts

 Biomedical Engineering

Environmental

Food Science

Polymer Science & Engineering

CAREER DATA

Below you will find data collected from graduates for the period 2021 – 2023. The data provides a sampling of industries, companies, and jobs that Chemical Engineering graduates pursue. However, this data set is not the only story. Chemical Engineering graduates work within a variety of industries and jobs. This information is meant to encourage your exploration. It’s your journey and we’re here to help. Connect with a career coach to discuss options and possibilities.  

Common Industries

 

  • Information Tech/Health Informatics

  • Energy

  • Pharmaceutical

  • Mobility/Automotive

  • Food & Beverage

  • Chemical

  • Manufacturing

  • Agriculture

  • Semiconductor

 

 

Top Employer Representation (Companies hiring 3 or more graduates during the period 2021 – 2023)

 

  • Epic Systems     

  • Pfizer

  • Marathon Petroleum

  • Dow

  • General Mills

  • PepsiCo

  • Cornerstone Controls

  • Corteva

  • Ford Motor Company

  • Gallo

  • General Motors

  • Hemlock Semiconductor

 

 

Common Entry-Level Job Titles (Sample job titles from graduates during the period 2021 – 2023)

 

  • Chemical Engineer

  • Process Engineer

  • Technical Solutions Engineer

  • Production Engineer

  • Project Engineer

  • Refining Engineer

  • Chemist

  • Manufacturing Associate

  • Test Engineer

  • Quality Engineer

KEY STATISTICS

Learn about the specific data associated with Chemical Engineering graduates so that you can better understand the average compensation and placement rates within the major. (Represents 2024 data.)  

87.3%
Placement Rate
(Employment/Education)

$75,907
Average Starting
Salary

$25.14/hr
Intern Average
Hourly Wage 

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