Training and Education Requirements Potential chemical engineers must have at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or an equivalent field. Employers also highly value practical experience during the first two years of employment. This may involve working at a fabrication shop or applying for a job as a research chemical engineer. Many graduates elect to attend graduate school to earn a master’s degree in chemical engineering. During the graduate program, students will study and complete several specific courses that provide them with the skills and knowledge to become successful graduates.
Graduate Programs Chemical engineers must select from two graduate programs. One is the MSW program, which is a joint graduate-training program between a school and a lab. Students must complete a series of laboratory classes, culminating in a final project in the final year of their degree program. The other popular graduate program is the PhD program, which takes five years to complete. In this way, chemical engineering students are able to expand their knowledge while completing their studies.
Graduate Work Experience Most graduate schools require that graduates accept jobs in industry after graduation. These include working in the laboratories of various universities or state colleges, but may also require workers in government labs and industrial facilities. Students can tell if a company needs graduates by looking at its requirements for hiring and the types of training and experience the company offers.
Completion Of A Bachelor’s Degree In addition to the general education requirements of a chemical engineering student, he/she must also complete a four-year bachelor’s degree. For most chemical engineers, this means going straight to a four-year university to earn a four-year degree. Once a student has earned a Bachelor’s degree, they can pursue a Master’s or Doctoral degree.
Entry-Level Salaries Starting at the entry-level can be challenging for a chemical engineer because these positions pay very little. As a result, some students choose to enter the workforce sooner rather than later. For this reason, many chemical engineering students find the earning potential of a chemical engineering field to be appealing. Graduates will find that these jobs pay well and have room for progression, especially with the aid of a Master’s degree or higher. In some cases, an entry-level salary of $40,000 may not be enough to motivate a young person into moving up in the ranks.
Work Environment Salaries vary depending on where a chemical engineer works. Some positions are more physically strenuous than others. Some areas, such as the combustion process field, require additional lab work, and others, such as polymer processing, will not. For this reason, a number of engineering jobs will not require a bachelor’s degree, although a Master’s degree will provide additional skills and experience that will help the engineer in his or her new position.
The career outlook for this field is positive. With technology continuing to advance, the number of job opportunities for chemical engineers will grow as well. The rising demand for chemical engineering specialists opens the door for exciting positions in a variety of fields.
One of the most popular fields to get into is polymer processing. This is a growing industry that focuses on developing new materials that can be used in a wide range of industries. For example, some companies develop polymers that can replace traditional coatings in electronics, buildings, and other areas. Polymer processing engineers test the material to ensure that it has the correct strength and durability for the job. Engineers test different polymers to determine which one will produce the best results based on its conductivity, electrical and physical properties, and other traits.
There are many jobs available for those with a chemical engineering degree. A few examples include research scientist positions in biotechnology firms, nanotechnology companies, and other institutions. These positions generally require a master’s degree in order to qualify. However, because there is a high demand for graduates, there are a number of alternatives for those hoping to enter the field of engineering.
Online programs are available for those looking to get a bachelor’s degree in the field of chemistry without having to abandon their current careers. An online program allows these professionals to continue working with their current employers while obtaining their graduate degree at the same time. These programs provide easy access to lectures, video conferencing, and online counseling. Online chemical engineering degrees are perfect for those interested in pursuing graduate studies but have busy lives that prevent them from attending traditional college classes.
