CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

Our program lets you pursue independent research projects on a variety of topics from surfactants to optimization of heat exchanger networks and phase equilibria of polar fluids. You'll get hands-on, personalized experience in our labs, and you can choose from many specializations to tailor your learning experience.

 

Real-world experience

Our department has earned global respect by providing a world-class hands-on education with personal attention for decades.

As a Chemical Engineering major, you'll conduct research in our state-of-the-art labs beginning your first year. And you can select from several areas of concentration, including chemical engineering analysis and energy production and utilization. 

Rose-Hulman awarded the nation's first chemical engineering degree back in 1889 and has been educating the world's best chemical engineering professionals ever since. Our career placement rate is always near 100 percent and our graduates go on to great jobs at companies such as Anheuser Busch, Archer Daniels Midland, Cook Medical, Frito Lay, Koch Industries and Eli Lilly.

Our program is ranked No. 1 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.  To view more of our department rankings, visit this page.

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING BROCHURE

 

Watch this short video to learn more about our Chemical Engineering program.

MAJORS & MINORS

Because of its breadth of technical and scientific foundation, a chemical engineering degree will prepare your for a variety of fields. You can also choose areas of concentration to enhance your knowledge. Non-chemical engineering majors may also supplement their degree with a minor in chemical engineering.

Learn about program accreditation here.

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

ABET_Engineering_Accreditation_CommissionA chemical engineering major will give you a foundation for a career in the chemical process industries. We stress fundamental principles to prepare you for either graduate study or a career in industry.

Areas of Concentration

We offer several opportunities to enhance your degree with additional focus in specific areas. 

Master’s Programs

We offer both a thesis-based master of science in chemical engineering (MSChE) and a course-based master of chemical engineering (MChE).

Minor for Non-ChE Majors

Our area minor in chemical engineering is designed to introduce principles of chemical engineering to students majoring in other disciplines.

Careers in Chemical Engineering

A degree in chemical engineering will open the door to a variety of career paths in industries ranging from biochemical, biomedical, chemical, environmental, food, materials, paper and pulp, petroleum, pharmaceutical, polymers and semiconductors.
Female student wearing hard hat works in High Bay Lab.

Metallurgical Engineer

Metallurgists work in a variety of industries to develop metals and metal alloys that meet the specifications required for a particular application. They may find themselves developing aerospace materials or analyzing structural components of building materials. 

Male student works in chemical engineering lab.

Plastics Process Engineer

Plastics process engineers oversee the design, development, and manufacture of plastic products. They work in a wide range of industries, making products from automotive parts to biomedical devices.

Female student prepares samples in lab.

Pharmaceutical Engineer

A pharmaceutical engineer works on the development and manufacturing of products, processes, and components in the pharmaceuticals industry. They may often find themselves working in interdisciplinary teams, so strong communications skills are important.

Department News

Learn about the latest happenings, recent research, and more about Chemical Engineering at Rose-Hulman.

chemical engineering
Rose-Hulman student gives a poster presentation at the Rose Research Fellows symposium.

Rose Research Fellows Expand to Allow More Students to Explore STEM Interests

chemical engineering

Class of ’24 Graduates Honored for Scholastic Successes, Campus Leadership

chemical engineering

Students Recognized for Top-of-Class, Academic Department Achievements

Instagram @rhit_che

Dr. Kimberly Henthorn

Dr. Kimberly Henthorn

A member of the Rose-Hulman faculty since 2010, Dr. Kim Henthorn specializes in particle technology and two-phase microfluidic systems. As head of Chemical Engineering, Dr. Henthorn is currently conducting research with students on the science and engineering of chocolate production and has worked with fellow faculty members to introduce new experiments into the chemical engineering laboratory. The Rose-Hulman alumna has gained industry experience by working for Dow Chemical, Reilly Industries, and Pfizer, and serving as a consultant for Mo-Sci Corporation, Brewer Science, and DuPont.

Campus map

Contact Us

Department of Chemical Engineering
Olin Hall
O207G
5500 Wabash Avenue
Terre Haute, IN 47803
812-877-8430
Launch Root Quad
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