Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

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Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Concentrations Offered

Practice, Biomolecular Engineering, Research & Development

Certificates / Endorsements

Automotive Engineering, Computational Biology, Energy, Entrepreneurship, Information Assurance, and Materials

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

High Earning Potential: One of the highest-paying undergraduate engineering degrees.

02

Broad Industry Options: Work in energy, pharmaceuticals, food, materials, and consumer products.

03

Strong Job Stability: Chemical engineers are needed wherever products are made.

04

Turn Ideas into Products: Transform raw materials into useful, everyday items.

05

Excellent Preparation for Grad School: Strong foundation for medicine, law, or advanced engineering.

Core
Skills

  • Problem solving and design
  • Leadership and teamwork
  • Communication
  • Lifelong learning

Sample
Jobs

  • Process/Manufacturing Engineer
  • Process/Product Safety Engineer
  • Technical Sales Engineer
  • Process/Quality Control Engineer
  • Health Professional (e.g., Doctor or Dentist)

Successful Career Outcomes

97% of chemical engineering graduates reported a successful career outcome within six months after finishing their degree.
Starting salaries for an entry-level CHE in the U.S. range from $67,500 to $85,500. Over 70% of our graduating CHE seniors with accepted job offers received > $80,000.

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Pulp and Paper
  • Chemical and Pharmaceutical
  • Fuels and Energy
  • Food and Beverage
  • Government

Brag
Points

  • Over 65% of our CHE students have participated in an internship, co-op, and/or research experience before they graduate.
  • Over 35% of our CHE students graduate with one or more minors and/or a second major.
  • MSU's American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) student chapter has been recognized with the Outstanding Student Chapter Award 23 times in the past 25 years.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Both co-op and internship opportunities are available and strongly encouraged. Example plans of study for various co-op rotations are available, and you would work closely with your faculty advisor to adjust your plan of study to minimize time to graduation.

Study abroad opportunities are available for required courses (e.g., IE 3913: Engineering Economy) and electives (e.g., CHE 4733: Introduction to Sustainability). In order to maximize availability for co-op/internship opportunities starting in the sophomore year and beyond, it is recommended that a study abroad experience be completed immediately after your freshman year.

Spotlight

Minors provide another way to add value to your education, as well as help your resume stand out and open doors to further additional career opportunities. Popular minors include Business Administration, Chemistry, Global Engineering Leadership, Industrial Engineering, Mathematics, and Petroleum Engineering. In particular, students in the Practice Concentration can easily fit both a Chemistry and Mathematics minor into the required curriculum. In addition, with just one extra year (fall/spring semesters) of study, you, as a chemical engineering student, can earn a B.S. in petroleum engineering as well.

Chemical Engineering

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Building Your Foundation 

You begin with core STEM courses, such as calculus, chemistry, and physics, to build a strong analytical base. You’ll also be introduced to the field through CHE 1101: Introduction to Chemical & Petroleum Engineering and CHE 2213: Chemical Engineering Analysis, giving you an early look at how chemical engineers solve real-world problems.

2nd Year

Expanding Your Knowledge

Your second year deepens your technical skills with the core chemical engineering sequence: CHE 2114: Mass & Energy Balances, CHE 3203: Flow Operations, and CHE 3113: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I. These courses prepare you to be competitive for co-op and internship opportunities. You’ll also continue supporting coursework in calculus, differential equations, and engineering economy.

3rd Year

Craft Your Expertise

In year three, you focus on advanced chemical engineering topics, including CHE 3213: Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics II, CHE 3213: Heat Transfer Operations, CHE 3223: Separation Processes, and CHE 3413: Engineering Materials. You’ll complete your first hands-on unit operations laboratory, applying theory to fluid flow and heat transfer equipment. Coursework, such as organic chemistry and professional communication for engineers, supports your technical and professional growth.

4th Year

Knowledge Meets Experience

Your final year brings everything together through senior-level courses like CHE 4113: Chemical Reactor Design, CHE 4134/4233: Process and Plant Design, CHE 4223: Process Instrumentation & Control, and CHE 4633: Process Safety. A second unit operations laboratory builds experience with mass transfer, kinetics, and process control. You’ll graduate prepared for industry roles or graduate study.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

The Journey Begins

This is a great time to start exploring how what you’re learning in class applies in the real world. Student teams like EcoCAR or South-East Conference (SECON) Robotics give you a chance to build skills, work with others, and try hands-on projects early. Volunteering—on or off campus—is another way to develop teamwork and leadership while giving back.

2nd Year

Additional Experience

As you settle into the major, this is the year to take on more responsibility in the organizations you’ve joined. You can also start learning about undergraduate research by talking with faculty or exploring opportunities through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Discovery. Many students also discover new interests by getting involved with additional engineering teams across Bagley.

3rd Year

Lead

By your third year, you’re ready to deepen your experience. This is a great time to step into leadership roles, present undergraduate research at MSU’s Undergraduate Research Symposium, or explore summer internships. Any professional or technical work experience helps you build skills employers value.

4th Year

Master and Launch

Your final year is about bringing everything together. Look at your resume and experiences and decide where you might want to grow a bit more. Use your projects, leadership roles, and capstone design experience to confidently talk about your skills during job or graduate-school interviews.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Get Involved

Before classes even begin, you may want to explore MSU summer programs like Bagley’s Summer Bridge, MSU’s College Ready, or New Maroon Camp. Once on campus, getting involved in community organizations or service groups through Cowbell Connect can help you feel connected right away.

2nd Year

Step Into Leadership

This is a good year to start thinking about leadership. Many students consider becoming a Bagley Ambassador later in their academic career or joining organizations like the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Getting involved with these professional groups also helps you start building a professional network.

3rd Year

Mentor and Inspire

As your confidence grows, leadership becomes more intentional. Serving in leadership roles, participating in honor societies if invited, or supporting other students as a Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader or Co-op Ambassador are meaningful ways to give back.

4th Year

Professional Pathways

In your final year, reflect on how your leadership and involvement align with your career goals. These experiences often become key talking points in interviews and help employers see how you work on teams and solve problems.

Explore the World

1st Year

Discover

If global experiences interest you, this is a good time to learn about the global engineering leadership (GENL) minor and begin planning ahead. Attending events like International Fiesta can introduce you to global opportunities on campus and beyond.

2nd Year

Plan and Explore

This year is ideal for attending the Study Abroad Fair and talking with Bagley’s Director of International Programs. Together, you can explore whether a faculty-led program or semester exchange fits your academic goals.

3rd Year

Experience and Lead

As plans take shape, you may choose to continue GENL coursework or serve as a study abroad or GENL ambassador, helping other students explore global opportunities.

4th Year

Showcase and Expand

By your final year, international experiences become part of your professional story. Study abroad often stands out in interviews and helps employers see your adaptability and global perspective.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Chart Your Course

Your path to career readiness starts early. This is a great time to explore Career Expos and Career Center workshops to see the range of opportunities available to chemical engineering students. If you’re still exploring majors, the Career Center can help you think through options and next steps.

2nd Year

Gain Real Experience

As you build confidence, this year is about getting experience. Creating a Connections account gives you access to internships and co-ops, while Career Expos and Co-op/Internship Days help you practice talking with employers.

3rd Year

Target Your Path

By now, your interests are likely becoming clearer. This is the year to attend recruiting events with a polished resume, explore LinkedIn, and research career paths or graduate school options. You can also align electives and research with your long-term goals and learn more about programs like Thrive in Five.

4th Year

Make Your Move

Your final year is about taking action. With support from the Career Center, you’ll apply for jobs or graduate programs, prepare for interviews, and strengthen your professional network. If applicable, this is also the time to consider taking the Fundamentals of Engineering or FE exam.

Alumni
Success

Angela Summers (CHE 1985) operates three businesses, all using her chemical engineering expertise: a consulting and engineering business, a manufacturing business, and a winery. She is also a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and was recognized by the College of Engineering in 2019 as a Distinguished Fellow.

Student
Testimonial

"Through the Bagley College of Engineering and specifically the Swalm School of Chemical Engineering, I gained a mentor to guide me in my job search and final semesters at State. My mentor is a prime example of the quality engineers Mississippi State produces. She has helped me narrow down my career path, critiqued my resume, prepared me for interviews and aided me in accepting my job offer. Because of the advice and guidance she has provided and continues to provide, I have such peace about entering the workforce and this new phase of life." Alayna Todd (CHE 2023)

Learn More

Curriculum Guides (see concentrations)Apply NowBagley College of EngineeringDave C. Swalm School of Chemical Engineering