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Does chemical engineering typically fall more into schools of science or schools of engineering?
I'm first looking for a major in Chemistry, but am thinking of specifying into Chemical Engineering. How am I meant to get there?
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Robert Rossi
Many things! But mostly chemistry and chemical engineering
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Robert’s Answer
Chemistry and chemical engineering differ far more than most people think! While there is a lot of training overlap in the first year or two of their degree programs, the last two years differ wildly, and have little overlap. Chemical engineering is definitely something you can only learn in engineering school! First make sure you understand the difference:
Chemical engineering can be something of a "gotcha" field, because how it is named is not consistent with other engineering fields. Most people assume that chemical engineers design and develop chemicals, the way electrical engineers do electronics and structural engineers do structures (but it's actually chemists who "design and develop" chemicals). Chemical engineers work on mass-production systems and scale-up. They design, develop, and operate large plants and highly integrated systems. Chemical engineering is the most interdisciplinary engineering field of all (save perhaps industrial engineering, which I don't think is really engineering at all: it's management!): the first two years of the ChE degree program are like a liberal arts in the sciences and engineering, but then in the latter half you learn how to size pumps, cooling towers, and reactors. It is very mathematical. The largest single sector in which chemical engineers work is the petroleum industry: refining petroleum, cracking hydrocarbons, and making polymers and pharmaceuticals, but some of my friends work in almost every industry that mass-produces its products, from computer chips and cars to soda pop and potato chips. One of my friends makes Depends undergarments, another makes Velveeta, a third makes laser printer toner. In most cases, a chemical engineer sees a production line through from start to finish: they design the production plant; oversee the acquisition, installation, assembly, and integration of the equipment; and then oversee the line (manage its operation and maintenance) for as long as it remains relevant. ChE pays extremely well and it is easy to get a job in, but you are on call at all hours once the line launches because you are the expert on the big picture, and get called when it isn't working right and nobody else can figure out why in the wee hours of the night. (Some ChE specialize in just design, build, or operate, though.) Research in ChE mostly relates to making production lines (and their construction) more efficient, in terms of speed, reliability, and economics. The vast majority of ChEs work for large companies.
Chemists work to understand chemicals, design and make (small amounts of) new chemicals, and measure chemicals. They work for companies of all sizes and at a huge range of payscales and responsibility levels. Some discover stuff, others measure stuff, but few design things or worry much about economics. There are many chemistry sub-fields, but chemical engineering really is not one of them. Chemical engineering is a sub-field of engineering rather than of chemistry.
More generally, science and engineering are quite distinct, with the former constantly hunting for the novel (without regard to whether it is useful) while the latter is focused on what is known (and what it can be used for). If you want to be a chemical engineer, pursue it directly in a chemical engineering degree program, do not try to get a chemistry degree first! (The same goes for the reverse - that is what I did, and it was hard!) The easiest way for me to describe it is if you find yourself asking "Why is that?" or "What's out there?" you are a scientist while if you ask "What's it good for?" or "How can we apply that?" you are an engineer. Chemists discover stuff (like a new molecule, how to make it, and what it does), chemical engineers put it into practice (like designing a system to produce tons of the chemical in a safe and cost-effective manner, which the method the chemists came up with almost never is).
I hope this helps! Good luck!
Chemical engineering can be something of a "gotcha" field, because how it is named is not consistent with other engineering fields. Most people assume that chemical engineers design and develop chemicals, the way electrical engineers do electronics and structural engineers do structures (but it's actually chemists who "design and develop" chemicals). Chemical engineers work on mass-production systems and scale-up. They design, develop, and operate large plants and highly integrated systems. Chemical engineering is the most interdisciplinary engineering field of all (save perhaps industrial engineering, which I don't think is really engineering at all: it's management!): the first two years of the ChE degree program are like a liberal arts in the sciences and engineering, but then in the latter half you learn how to size pumps, cooling towers, and reactors. It is very mathematical. The largest single sector in which chemical engineers work is the petroleum industry: refining petroleum, cracking hydrocarbons, and making polymers and pharmaceuticals, but some of my friends work in almost every industry that mass-produces its products, from computer chips and cars to soda pop and potato chips. One of my friends makes Depends undergarments, another makes Velveeta, a third makes laser printer toner. In most cases, a chemical engineer sees a production line through from start to finish: they design the production plant; oversee the acquisition, installation, assembly, and integration of the equipment; and then oversee the line (manage its operation and maintenance) for as long as it remains relevant. ChE pays extremely well and it is easy to get a job in, but you are on call at all hours once the line launches because you are the expert on the big picture, and get called when it isn't working right and nobody else can figure out why in the wee hours of the night. (Some ChE specialize in just design, build, or operate, though.) Research in ChE mostly relates to making production lines (and their construction) more efficient, in terms of speed, reliability, and economics. The vast majority of ChEs work for large companies.
Chemists work to understand chemicals, design and make (small amounts of) new chemicals, and measure chemicals. They work for companies of all sizes and at a huge range of payscales and responsibility levels. Some discover stuff, others measure stuff, but few design things or worry much about economics. There are many chemistry sub-fields, but chemical engineering really is not one of them. Chemical engineering is a sub-field of engineering rather than of chemistry.
More generally, science and engineering are quite distinct, with the former constantly hunting for the novel (without regard to whether it is useful) while the latter is focused on what is known (and what it can be used for). If you want to be a chemical engineer, pursue it directly in a chemical engineering degree program, do not try to get a chemistry degree first! (The same goes for the reverse - that is what I did, and it was hard!) The easiest way for me to describe it is if you find yourself asking "Why is that?" or "What's out there?" you are a scientist while if you ask "What's it good for?" or "How can we apply that?" you are an engineer. Chemists discover stuff (like a new molecule, how to make it, and what it does), chemical engineers put it into practice (like designing a system to produce tons of the chemical in a safe and cost-effective manner, which the method the chemists came up with almost never is).
I hope this helps! Good luck!
Updated
William’s Answer
Hi Marco!
I’m a chemical engineer, and let me tell you—it’s an awesome field!
Chemical engineering is usually part of schools of engineering, not science. It’s all about using chemistry and engineering together to solve real-world problems, like making cleaner fuels, developing new medicines, or even improving food production.
Here’s how you can get there:
Start with Chemistry: A solid foundation in chemistry is a must. Focus on learning the basics like chemical reactions, equations, and lab skills. If your school offers AP Chemistry or advanced courses, go for it!
Major in Chemical Engineering: When you’re picking colleges, look for ones with strong chemical engineering programs. These programs will be part of their engineering departments.
Build Your Skills: Be ready to dive into math (like calculus and differential equations), physics, and engineering subjects like thermodynamics and process design. It’s challenging but super rewarding.
Teamwork is Key: In chemical engineering, you’ll work on projects with teams, so being a good team player and a problem solver is a huge plus. It’s not just about the science—it’s about working together to make big ideas happen.
Get Hands-On Experience: Internships and research opportunities during college are golden. They let you see what it’s like in the real world and help you figure out what areas excite you most.
Problem-Solving is Everything: One of the coolest parts of chemical engineering is tackling problems. Whether it’s designing a more efficient process or fixing something that’s broken, you’ll always be challenged to think creatively.
If you love chemistry, problem-solving, and working with others, this might just be the perfect fit for you.
Chemical engineering has so many pathways, and trust me, it’s worth it.
Best,
William Oliveira
I’m a chemical engineer, and let me tell you—it’s an awesome field!
Chemical engineering is usually part of schools of engineering, not science. It’s all about using chemistry and engineering together to solve real-world problems, like making cleaner fuels, developing new medicines, or even improving food production.
Here’s how you can get there:
Start with Chemistry: A solid foundation in chemistry is a must. Focus on learning the basics like chemical reactions, equations, and lab skills. If your school offers AP Chemistry or advanced courses, go for it!
Major in Chemical Engineering: When you’re picking colleges, look for ones with strong chemical engineering programs. These programs will be part of their engineering departments.
Build Your Skills: Be ready to dive into math (like calculus and differential equations), physics, and engineering subjects like thermodynamics and process design. It’s challenging but super rewarding.
Teamwork is Key: In chemical engineering, you’ll work on projects with teams, so being a good team player and a problem solver is a huge plus. It’s not just about the science—it’s about working together to make big ideas happen.
Get Hands-On Experience: Internships and research opportunities during college are golden. They let you see what it’s like in the real world and help you figure out what areas excite you most.
Problem-Solving is Everything: One of the coolest parts of chemical engineering is tackling problems. Whether it’s designing a more efficient process or fixing something that’s broken, you’ll always be challenged to think creatively.
If you love chemistry, problem-solving, and working with others, this might just be the perfect fit for you.
Chemical engineering has so many pathways, and trust me, it’s worth it.
Best,
William Oliveira