Get quick answers about Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the Schaefer School at Stevens, including what the field covers and key curriculum areas. For more details, visit our undergraduate or graduate program pages.
Chemical Engineering FAQ
What is chemical engineering?
Chemical engineering is the branch of engineering focused on designing, optimizing and scaling processes that transform raw materials into valuable products. Chemical engineers combine chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering principles to solve challenges related to manufacturing, energy, healthcare, sustainability, biotechnology and more.
At Stevens Institute of Technology, students in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science study everything from thermodynamics, separation operation, and transport phenomena to complex process modeling, electronics and ionics of advanced materials, computational drug design, and green reaction engineering. Stevens’ hands-on, technology-driven curriculum prepares students to address complex global challenges through innovation and applied research.
What do chemical engineering do?
Chemical engineers develop processes and products that improve everyday life fundamentally and practically. Their work can involve designing large-scale manufacturing systems, developing sustainable energy technologies, improving food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical production or creating advanced materials.
Chemical engineers may:
Design and optimize chemical manufacturing processes
Develop sustainable energy and environmental technologies
Improve drug manufacturing and pharmaceutical systems
Create safer, more efficient industrial operations
Work on biomaterials, nanotechnology and advanced polymers
Use data science and machine learning to improve processes and production
Where do chemical engineering work?
Chemical engineers work across nearly every major industry because chemical processes and materials are essential to modern technology and manufacturing.
Common industries include:
Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
Energy and sustainability
Consumer products and manufacturing
Aerospace and defense
Electronics and semiconductors
Petroleum engineering
Environmental engineering
Materials and nanotechnology
What do chemical engineering do on a daily basis?
The daily responsibilities of a chemical engineer vary depending on industry and role, but often include:
Analyzing production systems and improving efficiency
Conducting laboratory experiments and testing materials
Designing and monitoring industrial processes
Evaluating safety and environmental standards
Collaborating with scientists, engineers and business teams
Using simulation software and data analysis tools
Scaling laboratory discoveries into real-world applications
What do chemical engineers create?
Chemical engineers create products, systems and technologies that impact nearly every aspect of modern life.
Examples include:
Pharmaceuticals and vaccines
Batteries and energy storage systems
Sustainable fuels and clean energy technologies
Plastics, polymers and composites
Water purification systems
Semiconductors and electronics materials
Food processing technologies
Cosmetic products
Biomedical devices and drug delivery systems
What can you do with a chemical engineering degree?
A degree in chemical engineering can lead to careers in research, development, manufacturing, consulting, sustainability, healthcare and technology.
Career paths may include:
Process engineer
Manufacturing engineer
Research and development engineer
Energy systems engineer
Pharmaceutical engineer
Materials engineer
Environmental engineer
Product development engineer
How do I become a chemical engineer?
Becoming a chemical engineer typically involves:
Building a strong STEM foundation in high school
Earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field
Gaining hands-on laboratory and internship experience
Developing technical and analytical skills
Pursuing graduate education if interested in research or specialization
How hard is chemical engineering?
Chemical engineering is considered one of the more rigorous engineering disciplines because it uniquely combines advanced mathematics, chemistry, physics and engineering concepts. However, the field is highly rewarding for students who enjoy innovation, problem-solving and hands-on technical work.
What can you do with a Ph.D. in chemical engineering?
Chemical engineering is considered one of the more rigorous engineering disciplines because it uniquely combines advanced mathematics, chemistry, physics and engineering concepts. However, the field is highly rewarding for students who enjoy innovation, problem-solving and hands-on technical work. A Ph.D. in chemical engineering prepares graduates for advanced research, leadership and innovation-focused careers in academia, industry, government laboratories and technology development.
Why study chemical engineering or materials science at Stevens?
Stevens Institute of Technology offers a technology-focused, research-driven environment with advanced laboratories, interdisciplinary faculty research, industry connections and experiential learning opportunities that prepare students for careers at the forefront of engineering and scientific innovation. The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Stevens offers the two highly complementary disciplines in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary setting.
Materials Science FAQ
What is materials science?
Materials science is the study of the structure, properties, processing and performance of materials. Materials scientists and engineers examine how materials behave at the atomic and molecular level in order to develop stronger, lighter, smarter and more sustainable technologies.
What do materials scientists do?
Materials scientists research, develop and improve materials used in products and technologies across industries.
Their work may involve:
Designing advanced materials for energy storage
Developing biomaterials for medical applications
Improving semiconductor and electronics materials
Creating lightweight composites for aerospace systems
Testing material strength, durability and performance
Where do materials scientists work?
Materials scientists work in industries that rely on innovation in materials performance and manufacturing, including aerospace, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, electronics, infrastructure and advanced manufacturing.
What can you do with a materials science degree?
A materials science degree can prepare students for careers involving materials research, performance engineering, product development and advanced manufacturing.
Potential career paths include:
Materials analyst
Research scientist
Product development engineer
Semiconductor engineer
Biomaterials specialist
Nanotechnology researcher
Energy systems engineer
What should you study to become a materials scientist?
Students interested in becoming materials scientists should focus on thermodynamics, solid-state physics, physical chemistry, crystal symmetry, and fundamentals of solid matters. Strong undergraduate pathways may include chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, or chemistry.
What is the difference between chemical engineering and materials science?
Chemical engineering focuses on designing and optimizing reactions and processes that transform raw materials into useful products, while materials science focuses on understanding and engineering the materials themselves. They are highly complementary with each other.
What can you do with a Ph.D. in materials science?
A Ph.D. in materials science prepares graduates for leadership roles in advanced research and technology innovation across nanotechnology, sustainable energy, biomaterials and semiconductor technologies.