Chemical Engineering

Voiland CollegeVoiland SchoolAcademicsUndergraduate ProgramChemical Engineering

WSU’s chemical engineering program provides a thorough knowledge of basic science and engineering. This includes material and energy balances, chemical and physical equilibria, rate processes, and economic balances. With such training, graduates may participate in the design and production of chemically based products or they may engage in research leading to new or improved chemical processes, products, and uses. Graduates also find rewarding work in plant operation, plant management, university teaching, sales/service, and other functions requiring chemical engineering training. Many students also use their educations in chemical engineering as preparation for other professional degrees such as medicine or law.

The total number of majors in chemical engineering is restricted at the junior level.

Accreditation

The program leading to the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria and Program Criteria for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular Engineering.

Accreditation Information

Strengths of the Program

Gain hands-on experience engineering the next generation of clean energy in state-of-the-art industrial laboratories
Senior capstone design course pairs you with regional, national, and international chemical engineering firms to solve real-world challenges
More than 80% of students participate in undergraduate research or industrial internships
The Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory on the Tri-Cities campus fosters collaboration between students and scientists from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Join WSU’s chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) to develop professional skills and connect with future employers
Graduates will be ready to obtain a Professional Engineering license
Award-winning, experienced faculty who collaborate with industry partners

Student Spotlights

Student Spotlight: Charles Umhey

Voiland School graduate student Charles Umhey received the Graduate Research Fellowship from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Student Spotlight: Logan Howard

Logan Howard is a chemical engineering major graduating in Spring 2027.

Student Spotlight: Elliot Winskill

Elliot Winskill is a chemical engineering major graduating in May 2027.

Student Spotlight: Anita Valdez

Anita Valdez is a chemical engineering major graduating in May 2028.

Student Spotlight: Suzanne Gelston

Voiland School graduate student Suzanne Gelston received the Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation.

Student Spotlight: Loren Abbey

Loren Abbey is a chemical engineering major graduating in May 2024.

Student Spotlight: Mikayden Weise

Mikayden Weise is a chemical engineering major graduating in Spring 2024.

Student Spotlight: Christi Webster

Christi Webster is graduate student in the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering.

Student Spotlight: Erich Whitley

Erich Whitley is a chemical engineering major graduating in May 2024.

Browse All Chemical Engineering Spotlights

Preparation for Chemical Engineering

A strong preparation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry is strongly recommended.

The Voiland School cooperates with the community colleges in Washington to minimize problems associated with transfer. Inquiries are welcome. A strong preparation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry is strongly recommended prior to transfer to minimize the time required at Washington State University to complete the bachelor’s degree requirements.

The requirements for direct entry into chemical engineering or bioengineering programs upon transfer are the same as listed for certification. Transfer student applications will be handled by the Admissions Office and sent to the school so that students do not need to make a separate application to the school.

Will my credits transfer?

If you are a transfer student, your transfer work will be evaluated by the Admissions Office and applied to your Degree Audit Report (DARs). The Admissions Office evaluates only General Education components (UCORE). Your department will evaluate any courses that may fulfill departmental requirements. Also, you may be able to review your Transfer Course Equivalencies by visiting the WSU Transfer Center. In addition, please visit the Voiland College’s Transfer Information page.

Admission, Requirements & Schedules of Study

Following admission to WSU, a student may be admitted to the Chemical Engineering major provided they meet the criteria outlined in the WSU Catalog. Once admitted to the major, a student will maintain good standing in their major by completing the required benchmarks as outlined in the catalog.

WSU Catalog admission criteria, graduation requirements, and schedule of study for:

Students in the Honors Program

Students participating in the honors program will need to work with their advisor to fit the required honors courses into their schedules.

Study Flowcharts

Printable flowcharts for 2- and 4-year schedules of study in the chemical engineering program.

Study Flowcharts (PDF)