3 universities shaping chemical engineers of tomorrow

As the world continues to evolve, chemical engineering operations face a multitude of challenges. From environmental sustainability to technological advancements, chemical engineers must adapt, address and solve these challenges. That is why there is a demand for more chemical engineers, as employment is projected to grow by 8% come 2032.

Whether it is developing sustainable energy solutions, designing processes to convert biomass into biofuels, improving pharmaceuticals, or teaching the next generation in academia, there are many opportunities that await those with advanced skills and expertise — both attainable with a good postgraduate degree.

Here are three universities that offer chemical engineering programmes that will turn you into future experts in the industry.

Oklahoma State University’s Chemical Engineering programmes include experience in solving ever-more-challenging problems. Source: Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University

Shaping tomorrow’s world and leaders in chemical engineering and petroleum engineering — that’s Oklahoma State University (OKState). Its School of Chemical Engineering – ranked among the top 100 (US News & World Report) – is exploring sustainable production of energy and chemicals, innovating novel ways of delivering drugs, and enhancing the efficiency of materials used for catalytic and separation processes. At OKState, this is a pursuit of knowledge that never ends — an ethos best exemplified in its Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering.

The PhD in Chemical Engineering focuses on conceiving and designing processes to produce, transform, and transport materials, beginning with experimentation in the laboratory and followed by technology implementation. The PhD in Petroleum Engineering is not only hands-on but can leverage its location in one of the most active exploration areas in the country. The program covers formation rock, applied mechanics, materials, fluid behavior and application of their effects on reservoir, drilling and completion economics, and environmental sustainability.  

Working with faculty, students engage in cutting-edge research, such as experiments spanning from bench scale to pilot scale and computation methodologies encompassing computational fluid dynamics, machine learning, and detailed atomistic simulations to design materials and processes. What sets it apart is the experience of translating ideas into reality by working with industry and business leaders. Students can partner with those in the top-ranked School of Entrepreneurship to look for opportunities to pitch their ideas to industry partners or investors to start their own companies. The opportunities you will receive at OKState go beyond your degree to unlimited future career opportunities.

All research-based MS and PhD students are provided competitive financial assistantships with a tuition waiver for an adequate time to complete the degree. A small student-to-faculty ratio ensures students always get support and opportunities to coauthor publications in scholarly journals and technical reports and participate in regional, national, and international conferences. Various social activities bring everyone closer still whilst professional development activities connect students to industry professionals to network and enhance their technical and professional competence. Aspiring entrepreneurs have become Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship scholars and won second place at the Riata Business Plan Competition. Apply to Oklahoma State University today. 

Oregon State University is the #1 most innovative university in the Pacific Northwest. Source: Oregon State University/Facebook

Oregon State University

Established in 1917, Oregon State University is one of the oldest and most respected chemical engineering departments in the US West. Its 31 tenured and tenure-track faculty members pursue a wide spectrum of research and teaching activities, with areas of research excellence such as bioprocess engineering, sustainable energy, and water quality and treatment.

Interested candidates can apply to the Master of Engineering (MEng.), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Chemical Engineering under the College of Engineering Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering. Areas of concentration offered are: Biochemical Reactors; Biotechnology; Electrochemical Deposition; Environmentally Benign Manufacturing; Fluidisation Engineering; Materials Synthesis and Processing; Micro Energy and Chemical Systems; Polymer Rheology and Processing; Process Control/Optimisation; Thin Film Processing; and Waste Minimisation and Sustainable Processing.

Whichever area you choose, the course will be tailored to individual needs and professional goals, all made possible by the close co-operation between the school and other engineering departments and research centres on campus. This makes it an ideal springboard to propel your career in traditional industries such as chemical manufacturing and waste treatment, as well as emerging industries in the semiconductor, biotech, and healthcare sectors.

A graduate education at Syracuse University is defined by multi-disciplinary opportunities, student-centred programmes and the pursuit of research with global impact. Source: Syracuse University

Syracuse University

The College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University’s 270-acre campus in the heart of Central New York is addressing the most critical global and social issues impacting our future. These include protecting our cyber-systems, regenerating human tissues, providing clean water supplies, minimising consumption of fossil fuels, and securing data within wireless systems.

Grouped under the Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, the university offers a PhD in Chemical Engineering for students interested in doing more research or teaching. The programme features a core focus on drug discovery and delivery, and the development of advanced materials for renewable energy and sustainability.

The PhD programme requires you to complete a set of four core chemical engineering courses plus electives before moving on to a qualifying examination, and preparation and defense of the dissertation. These core courses include Molecular and Statistical Thermodynamics, Chemical Engineering Methods I, Kinetics, and a choice of either Transport Phenomena I or Fluid Dynamics.

Whether core or elective courses, you’ll complete them in a vibrant and collaborative environment. The department values and creates a collegial culture of collaboration, one that pairs well with its outstanding student experience and renewed focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. 

“My favourite aspect of the department is its vibrant research environment, which is highlighted by the communal lab equipment and workspace,” says graduate Changling Du. “This setup fosters a collaborative atmosphere where one can readily seek assistance from colleagues during experimental roadblocks.”

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International