Edited By Barani Krishnan
Review & Contribution By Dr. Michael Roberts
Explore the Online Chemical Engineering Degree to gain essential skills in science and technology, preparing for diverse industry roles through flexible, comprehensive digital education.
Chemical Engineering is a field that covers the development, control, and design of products and processes evaluating molecular change at both chemical and biological levels. An online chemical engineering degree teaches students about the application of domains like physics, chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, physics, etc. The chemical engineering program prepares students to gain fundamental field knowledge and helps them step into professional practice or pursue advanced degrees. This four-year degree can help students gain critical skills useful for careers in research, medical product development, drug development, food production, manufacturing processes, and defense. The employment of chemical engineers is estimated to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for other occupations1.
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Find the Best Online Chemical Engineering Degree Programs
It can be challenging to choose the best programs among the many degrees offered in chemical engineering across institutions in the U.S. Some of the general factors to consider when evaluating whether a graduate program is a right fit include the quality of the faculty, the quality of lab and research facilities, institutional reputation, accreditation, affordability, and other essential criteria. Based on several critical components and our proprietary methodology, here is the list of the best online chemical engineering degree programs:
| Univ | Address | Tuition | Grad Rate |
| University of North Dakota | 264 Centennial Drive, Stop 8193, Grand Forks, North Dakota 58202 | $10,951 | 63% |
Universities and programs are ranked by various factors, such as affordability, curriculum and coursework, reputation and availability, program length, statistics, the potential of employment, and return on investment for the students. For a more in-depth analysis, please read about our rankings methodology page.
What to Expect from an Online Chemical Engineering Degree Program
A Chemical Engineering degree provides a comprehensive education by offering a foundation in basic engineering science and specialized courses providing in-depth knowledge in areas of specific interest. The program is focused on the design, management, and development of facilities that convert raw materials into products that can be useful. Most chemical engineering online degrees integrate laboratory work and lectures in mathematics, engineering science, basic science, liberal arts, and engineering design. Programs are offered full-time and part-time, which can be completed in around 120 to 133 credit hours on-campus, off-campus, or through a hybrid learning mode. The chemical engineering degree prepares its students for entering graduate research or studying or working in chemical engineering or related fields like manufacturing, water treatment, food processing, pharmaceuticals, health care, petrochemicals, etc.
Curriculum and Coursework
Chemical engineering coursework gives students a foundation of scientific knowledge that includes physics, math, economics, and chemistry. As students move to more advanced courses, they learn to apply technical knowledge to solve problems, design processes, and improve and specialize products. Some programs require students to complete a capstone, take physics, chemistry, etc., laboratory classes, and finish an undergraduate research project.
Chemical engineering offers many specializations that allow prospective students to gain a specialty in that field. In addition to the traditional curriculum, students must take courses from the chosen concentration.
The curriculum for most chemical engineering bachelor’s degrees is consistent across schools, with slight variations based on the specific program and college. Prospective students should expect to complete heat transfer and thermodynamics courses, organic chemistry, calculus, fluid mechanics, and other related courses. Students also must take up free electives offered by institutions to cover general education requirements. Some of the standard courses students can find across bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering include:
Introduction to Chemical Engineering
This course involves the manufacturing and production of products through various chemical processes. It includes designing equipment, processes, and systems for refining raw materials and compounding, processing, and mixing chemicals.
Organic Chemistry
This course studies carbon compounds’ properties, composition, reactions, structure, and preparation. Students learn about matter in its different forms that contain carbon atoms. It involves studying organic compounds like carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids.
Fluid Mechanics
This course emphasizes the scientific understanding of fluid behavior, covering principles such as continuity equations and momentum. Additionally, students delve into topics like thermodynamics, viscosity, computational fluid dynamics, mass transfer, and fluid flow.
Calculus
This course helps students study continuous change mathematically and apply generalizations of arithmetic operations. It includes learning limits, integral, multivariable, and differential calculus.
Process Dynamics and Control
This course focuses on modeling, controlling, and analyzing dynamic process systems. It includes learning biochemical, chemical, and biological processes used to describe mathematical equations and tools for analyzing transient behaviors of closed and open systems of loops.
Some of the other standard courses that students can find include:
- Process Design
- Physical Chemistry
- Differential Equation
- Introduction to Computing
- Chemical Engineering Analysis
- Thermodynamics
- Measurement, Control, and Data Analysis Laboratory
- Applied Statistics
- Differential and Integral Calculus
- Engineering Physics
- Engineering Communication
- Fundamentals of Analytical Chemistry
- Quantum Chemistry and Spectroscopy
To understand more, read the guide to bachelor’s programs.
Learning Outcomes and Skills Gained
In fulfilling the chemical engineering degree requirements, students learn how to develop safe and efficient designs of manufacturing processes, especially devising ethical protocols for dealing with dangerous materials, monitoring equipment, diagnosing potential problems, conducting tests, and working in large-scale manufacturing settings. Chemical engineering skills can lead to various careers in research, medical product and drug development, food production, manufacturing processes, water treatment, and medicine.
There are various learning outcomes from the chemical engineering degree online program that can be directly applicable to further study or roles in the chemical engineering domain. This includes the ability of the individual to:
- apply designs of engineering to produce solutions that would meet specific needs addressing safety, welfare, public health, and other global or cultural factors;
- communicate the results of the project with a range of audiences and efficiently translate technical terms for individuals outside engineering fields;
- formulate and solve complex engineering challenges by applying the principles of science, mathematics, and engineering;
- function effectively with team members to create an inclusive and collaborative environment, establishing plans, tasks, and goals;
- design experiments to interpret and analyze data and make necessary modifications;
- demonstrate knowledge about relevant engineering solutions in an economic, global, societal, and environmental context;
- use skills, techniques, and tools necessary for engineering practices developing in modern times;
- demonstrate an understanding of ethical responsibility and work professionally with coworkers and clients.
Types of Degrees Chemical Engineering Students Can Obtain
Institutions across the U.S. provide many online chemical engineering degrees that can also be offered as a concentration of engineering programs. Two types of chemical engineering degrees are generally available: a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering. Both offer competitive advantages academically; however, they may differ slightly in program delivery and outcomes.
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering or BS in Chemical Engineering helps students think critically about processes, systems, and experiments from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students build problem-solving skills and learn about engineering basics before engaging in-depth in the scientific study of chemical engineering courses like mass and energy balance, chemical engineering thermodynamics, and fluid transport. This degree benefits those who want a strong base in engineering to take up further education in the field.
Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
The Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering program or BE in Chemical Engineering provides a strong foundation in chemistry, physics, mathematics, kinetics, thermodynamics, and more. It involves more than 125 credit hours of regular courses and specialized topics. This degree type frequently offers the option of double majoring, like in Chemical and Biomedical Engineering. It benefits those who want to work in a specialized area of chemical engineering and related fields post-graduation.
Areas of Specialization for Chemical Engineering Students
Academic specializations help students develop an interest in a focused domain of theoretical knowledge, helping them gain expertise. Many of the chemical engineering bachelor’s programs online offer concentrations such as :
| Area of Specialization | Description | Career Options |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Synthesis | This concentration introduces materials science to undergraduates and helps them understand synthetic materials approaches. They learn about the design of materials that target important properties by breaking and forming various primary chemical bonds. | Technical sales engineer, quality manager, materials engineer, product development scientist, research scientist in physical sciences |
| Bioengineering | This specialization integrates the core principles of the chemical engineering undergraduate curriculum with fundamentals from life sciences like human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry or macromolecules, biology, and molecular and cellular biology. | Chemical and biomolecular engineers in specialty and bulk chemicals, electronics, petroleum refining, polymer manufacturing, biotechnology, personal care products, cosmetics, petroleum refining |
| Polymer Materials and Manufacturing | In this concentration, students learn about working in various industries like textiles, electronics, consumer products, building and construction, energy, etc. It teaches students to design synthetic polymers of required properties to suit targeted applications. | Various roles in polymer industries for producing rubber, adhesives, composites, paints, fibers, and plastics |
| Process Systems Engineering | In this specialization, students advance in areas like machine learning, systems modeling, and data science to understand providing solutions to the challenges in engineering and science. It aims to develop computational capabilities and mathematical models to improve chemical process systems’ design, synthesis, and operation. | Process engineer in agricultural processing, cosmetics, petrochemical manufacturing, mineral processing, printed circuit board production, food and dairy production |
| Environmental Engineering | In this concentration, students learn about applying engineering principles and science to remediate contaminated sites and protect the environment. They can understand the design processes behind providing healthy water, soil, and air. | A chemical engineer in environmental specialties like carbon capture, recycling, removal of toxic contaminants, soil remediation, wastewater treatment |
Full-Time and Part-Time Programs
An online degree in chemical engineering can be completed in about four if pursued full-time and about six years if pursued part-time. The program typically requires 120 to 133 credits and is frequently available online, on-campus, or in a hybrid learning mode that blends both.
Accelerated Engineering Programs
An accelerated chemical engineering bachelor’s program is one of the quickest ways to earn an undergraduate degree. Students can complete more credits in a particular semester and graduate earlier than four years. Most colleges offer accelerated programs by providing an integrated bachelor’s and master’s degree to help complete both degrees in five years rather than the usually required six years. Here are a few universities that provide an accelerated track in a chemical engineering degree online:
Requirements for Getting into an Online Chemical Engineering Degree Program
Admissions to the bachelor’s program in chemical engineering can be competitive. Those who have faired well in biology, chemistry, and advanced math in their prior studies are preferred. Depending on the program and institution, applicants may be required to take prerequisite courses, especially if their scores in science subjects are low. Apart from specific ones, some common online chemical engineering degree admission requirements include:
- an application form with the requisite fee
- high school diploma or its equivalent with a minimum of 2.0 GPA (some programs may require a higher GPA)
- official academic transcripts from previous institutions
- ACT or SAT scores (required by some schools)
- a personal essay (describing why the candidate is interested in the program and school)
- at least one Letter of Recommendation
How to Ensure an Online Chemical Engineering Degree Program Is Accredited
Accreditation pushes colleges to meet and maintain specific educational standards, thereby increasing their trust among the public and providing higher-quality education. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)4 and the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs5 are national-level organizations that are credible sources for verifying information about accreditation and accrediting bodies.
The online chemical engineering degree is generally accredited by the Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology or ABET 6. ABET accreditation ensures that the program is helping students acquire standards set by professionals in their respective domains.
Most institutions providing a bachelor’s in chemical engineering also have regional accreditation from institutions like:
- New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
- Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
For more on accreditation, read the guide to college accreditation.
Where to Find Free Online Courses for Chemical Engineering Bachelor’s Students
Free courses are plentiful and available online from various popular e-learning platforms. Although these courses are not accredited, they often provide deeper insights into a variety of topics in chemical engineering. Here are a few examples of free chemical engineering courses:
| Course | Description | Provided by |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical and Biological Reaction Engineering 7 | This course helps students understand reaction rates and analyze chemical and biological reaction systems. It integrates topics from biological and chemical engineering and provides learners with problem sets with their solutions. The course topics include heat and mass transport in reactors and cultivating microorganisms. | MIT OpenCourseWare |
| Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry8 | This course explores the basic principles of chemical bonds and studies the properties of solids, such as thermal expansion, strength, electrical conductivity, stiffness, optical properties, and more. It gives learners a broad knowledge of organic chemistry, acid-base equilibria, biochemistry, and chemical kinetics. | edX |
| Material Processing9 | This course teaches how to interpret concepts of thermodynamics and kinetics. It gives learners a fundamental understanding of solidification, sintering, and nucleation. | Coursera |
Ways to Pay for an Online Chemical Engineering Degree Program
The cost of an online chemical engineering degree program often runs into tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the tuition fees, institution, and program. Fortunately, there are several ways to pay for college and seek financial aid to reduce the burden on students. Here are some to explore:
Scholarships
Individuals, businesses, non-profits, and institutions are granted scholarships based on academic merit or strengths and talent in music, sports, etc. Scholarships do not have to be repaid, except when a student cannot fulfill the terms of the scholarship.
Grants
Grants may be awarded to students based on their financial needs rather than merit. The federal or state government, non-profit institutions, and educational institutions often provide them. Grants can be used for academic pursuits or specific purposes.
FAFSA
FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is an application form determining a candidate’s federal financial aid eligibility. To understand more about FAFSA, read the FAFSA student aid guide.
Private Student Loans
Banks and financial institutions offer educational loans to students who may not qualify for federal aid. Loans tend to be expensive because they come with added interest.
Scholarships for Online Chemical Engineering Degree Students
Scholarships are an excellent way for students to fund their undergraduate studies. Meritorious students can apply for chemical engineering degree scholarships, which will help them reduce their financial burden. Here are a few to explore:
| Scholarship | Description | Award/Amount | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAUW Return to Learning Scholarships10 | This scholarship is offered to female students pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree in STEM subjects. Those with strong academic credentials, financial need, and interest in science-related disciplines are preferred. | Varies | November annually |
| NASF Foundation Scholarships11 | This scholarship is available to college juniors (and above) pursuing a chemistry, chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering, and materials science major. | Varies | February annually |
Career Opportunities and Salaries After Graduating with an Online Chemical Engineering Degree
An online degree in chemical engineering will give students a fundamental understanding of science and technology to work in various industries. Those with bachelor’s degrees in this field can apply for entry-level positions in chemical engineering and related domains. Depending on a student’s chosen specialization, they might be more eligible for roles in biochemical engineering, environmental engineering, agriculture and food science, food preservation, etc. Here are a few professions with their median annual salaries and projected job growth:
| Occupation | Skills Required | Median Annual Salary | Job Growth (up to 2031) | Job Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineers[1] | Analytical skills, interpersonal skills, math skills, problem-solving skills, creativity, ingenuity | $106,260 | 8% ( faster than average) | Chemical engineers conduct tests and monitor processes during production. They are also responsible for troubleshooting problems with manufacturing processes and estimating management’s production costs. |
| Chemists and Materials Scientists12 | Analytical skills, problem-solving skills, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills, time management skills | $81,810 | 6% (faster than average) | Chemists and materials scientists work in basic research or applied research. They study different materials’ chemical properties and structures to develop new products or modify them. Most professionals prepare compounds, reagents, and solutions in laboratory procedures. |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers 13 | Analytical skills, communication skills, math skills, organizational skills, detail-oriented | $159,920 | 4% (as fast as average) | Architectural and engineering managers use their knowledge of engineering and architecture to oversee activities like determining training, equipment, and staff requirements. They are also responsible for developing concepts for new products to solve technical challenges. |
| Natural Science Managers 14 | Communication skills, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, problem-solving skills, time-management skills, critical-thinking skills | $144,440 | 5% (faster than average) | Natural science managers evaluate and supervise technicians and other staff members in this occupation. They are also entrusted with directing development and research activities and coordinating quality control, production, and testing activities. |
| Health and Safety Engineers 15 | Communication skills, observational skills, problem-solving skills, creativity | $99,040 | 4% (as fast as average) | Health and safety engineers review specifications and new equipment and machinery plans to ensure safety requirements are met. They also combine the knowledge of engineering and health and safety protocols to ensure that machinery, software, furniture, chemicals, and other products do not cause any harm. |
| Manufacturing and Industrial Engineers 16 | Creativity, critical thinking skills, listening skills, problem-solving skills, speaking skills, writing skills, math skills | $100,660 | 4% (as fast as average) | Manufacturing and industrial engineers focus on making manufacturing processes more efficient while balancing factors like time, available technology, the number of workers required, actions that workers need, worker safety, environmental concerns, and more. |
Certifications and Licensing for Online Chemical Engineering Degree Graduates
Those with chemical engineering degrees online prove their authenticity as professionals with the necessary industry-specific skills by earning professional certifications. Chemical engineers can obtain professional certifications to expand their abilities, some of which include:
Safety and Chemical Engineering Education (SAChE) Certificate Program17
Through the SAChE, candidates get a foundational knowledge of process safety that provides a grounding of health and safety regulations in manufacturing and industry settings. They will be equipped to examine how this knowledge applies to real-world challenges.
Professional Engineering Licensure18
The Professional Engineering Licensure and Certification demonstrates ethical and competent skills in protecting the public’s health, welfare, and safety. It can prove to employers that individuals are competent in critical situations and can manage the regulations and laws as the culture of chemical engineering evolves.
Reliability Engineer Certification19
The Reliability Engineer Certification helps candidates gain the ability to administer and develop reliable information systems for analysis and design failures. The certification focuses on reliable program management and performance improvement over the product life cycle.
In chemical engineering, many job roles could require graduates to have a Professional Engineering or P.E. license. Candidates must pass their state’s P.E. licensure to obtain the relevant credentials. Students can check the requirements of the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam test20. Getting licensed as a professional engineer is not compulsory; however, it can enhance individuals’ professional caliber and credibility.
Additional Resources for Online Chemical Engineering Degree Graduates
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering can access various online resources for information outside their regular curriculum. By becoming members of prestigious organizations in this field, students can stay updated with the latest developments in chemical engineering and expand their professional network. Here are a few examples:
| Title/Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| American Institute of Chemical Engineering | This organization provides technical resources and other benefits for professional development. Members can also avail of insurance or other membership perks and be part of larger professional communities. The organization has an eLibrary and electronic newsletters that help members stay updated on the latest developments in the field. |
| Association of Energy Engineers | This nonprofit organization promotes professional growth for its members by providing webinars from leading industry experts who discuss vital topics relevant to energy professionals. These resources help students gain continuing education credits for renewal of certification. |
| National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers | This organization focuses on establishing diversity and inclusion in STEM and engineering fields. It works with professionals at various levels in science-related organizations and provides resources like workshops, presentations, etc., to further professional growth. |
| American Chemical Society | This organization aims to inspire members’ passion for chemistry and inculcate professionalism, ethics, and safety values. It mainly promotes public policies that advance chemistry and its practitioners in areas like innovation through technology and research, science in public policy, sustainability and the environment, etc. |
| ABET or Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology | ABET is one of the seven engineering societies established by the Engineers Council for Professional Development. It is a federation of around 35 professional and technical members from various disciplines who oversee the college accreditation process and facilitate students’ learning experiences. |
FAQs About Online Chemical Engineering Degree Programs
Can I get a chemical engineering degree online?
Yes. Many accredited institutions offer comprehensive online programs covering core principles, practical skills, and industry-specific knowledge. These programs often feature interactive coursework, virtual labs, and opportunities for hands-on experience, providing flexibility for pursuing education remotely.
What can you do with an online chemical engineering degree?
What is the advantage of a bachelor’s in chemical engineering?
What do you need to be a chemical engineer?
What degree is best for a bachelor’s in chemical engineering?
Is a bachelor’s in chemical engineering hard to do?
Citations:
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Chemical Engineers
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs
Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
MITOPENCOURSEWARE-Massachusetts Institute of Technology-Chemical and Biological Reaction Engineering
edX-Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry
AAUW Return to Learning Scholarships
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Chemists and Materials Scientists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Architectural and Engineering Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Natural Science Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Health and Safety Engineers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook for Manufacturing and Industrial Engineers
Safety and Chemical Engineering Education (SAChE) Certificate Program
Professional Engineering Licensure
Disclaimer:
The average tuition (based on degree type for in-state students), average graduation rates, and rankings are based on data from various sources, including the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), and are variable over time. All rankings and statistics are subject to change. The rankings are solely the opinion of Find Best Degrees (FBD) and are based on our proprietary methodology. They do not represent the views of the institutions or organizations mentioned, nor do they represent any official government census or survey. Furthermore, any views or opinions expressed on this page are of FBD’s researchers and teams. Unless otherwise specified, they do not represent the thoughts and opinions of the individuals, institutions, or organizations mentioned. This page’s content is provided solely for informational purposes, with data drawn from various sources, including IPEDS. FBD and its employees make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this page or by following any link. FBD will not be held liable for any errors or omissions in this material nor any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the exposure or use of this information. Although the information on this page is/was correct at the time of publication, readers should exercise caution because some or all of the provided information may have changed over time, potentially resulting in inaccuracies. For more information, please read our Terms of Service. Trademarks and logos are the property of their registered owners.