Answer: Earn bachelors degree, complete an internship, and complete relevant exams for certification
Explanation: Degrees in chemical engineering exist at the bachelor’s level and will prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the field. In addition to chemistry classes, students also study in physics, biology, mathematics and kinetics through a mix of classroom teaching, laboratory experiments and fieldwork placements.
While a master’s degree isn’t required, it can help students advance their careers to managerial levels or into research positions. It will also help those who completed their bachelor’s degree in a different field get up to speed on necessary skills and knowledge. After covering the same areas of a bachelor’s degree more in depth, students at this level typically complete a research project or fieldwork placement.
PhDs in chemical engineering are reserved for students who wish to work in the most specialized areas of development and production, or teach the discipline at the collegiate level. This degree covers the intricacies and nuances of chemical reactors, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and numerical methods and typically includes a large-scale original research project and comprehensive exams.
While not all chemical engineering degree requirements include an internship or co-op component, these are excellent opportunities for gaining experience and building contacts in the field. Bachelor’s level students typically undertake these during their junior and/or senior years, while master’s and PhD level students can elect to do so after their first year of studies. The American Chemical Society maintains a board of internship and fellowship opportunities.
Though other areas of engineering are more stringent about licensure and certification, chemical engineering is less formal and has only a few mandates for entering the field. For those in the industry seeking to work in respected firms, there are a number of steps they can take to be competitive. These include:
Attend an ABET-accredited institution Undertake the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination directly after completing a baccalaureate degree Complete the Professional Engineering (PE) exam after at least four years of relevant work experience
