Chemical Engineering

Home Department: Chemical Engineering

Department Head:

Susan Farhat, Ph.D.
 

Program Overview

Chemical engineers apply the principles of chemistry, math, and physics to the design and operation of large-scale chemical manufacturing processes.  They translate processes developed in the lab into practical applications for the production of products such as plastics, medicines, detergents, and fuels; design plants to maximize productivity and minimize costs; and evaluate operations for performance and product quality.  Due to the diversity seen in the field, chemical engineers have a broad knowledge of engineering science and environmental regulations, and as a consequence are prepared to manage large scale, multi-disciplinary projects.

The BS in Chemical Engineering is designed to prepare graduates with an understanding of advanced chemistry topics; fundamental material and energy balances for chemical processes; thermodynamics; fluid dynamics and heat transfer; chemical reaction engineering; separations and mass transfer technology; and process design, optimization, and control. Students are also exposed to experimental and computational methods related to chemical engineering, in a sequential set of courses beginning in their sophomore year.  Many of these laboratory courses require students to work in teams to submit written and oral reports or apply computational software to complete their projects. In their senior year, students take part in a capstone design course which allows them to integrate the knowledge acquired from their prior foundational courses. Throughout the curriculum, process safety and health as well as environmental and ethical issues in engineering are incorporated.  Chemical engineering elective courses are designed to expose students to applications of chemical engineering - including polymer science and engineering, sustainable engineering design, battery technology, and process safety.   

Graduates of this program are working in a wide range of industries including petrochemicals, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, alternative energy, food, electronics, health, automotive, aerospace, and the environment. Many of them work in product and process engineering, research and development, operations, technical sales, engineering systems design, plant or corporate management, and manufacturing. Common minors that complement the BS in Chemical Engineering degree include Sustainability, Business, Manufacturing, PreMed, and Statistics.

Kettering University’s Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering is a strong interdisciplinary program which draws on the strengths of our exceptional faculty, curricula, laboratories, and unique co-op component.

The Chemical Engineering program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET.

Program Educational Objectives

The Chemical Engineering program is designed to provide its graduates a solid educational foundation on which they can build successful and sustainable careers in chemical engineering or a related field.  In particular, all graduates of the Chemical Engineering program will:

• Be employed or pursuing an advanced degree in the field of chemical engineering or other related disciplines.
• Be productive members of interdisciplinary teams.
• Assume leadership positions in their industry, their continuing education, or in their communities, as their careers develop.
• Continue their professional development and engage in the life-long learning necessary for a sustainable career.