Undergraduate Frequently
Asked Questions

About the Field

What is Chemical Engineering?

Chemical Engineering combines math, physics, chemistry, biology, and engineering to solve a wide range of industrial problems in a safe and economical fashion.

How long does it take to become a Chemical Engineer?

The B.S. program in Chemical Engineering takes five years to complete. During these five years, students receive 36 months (12 terms) of resident instruction and three 6 month periods of practical engineering experience (Co-op) dispersed throughout the sophomore, pre-junior and junior years. By graduation, B.S. students have obtained a degree as well as practical work experience.

What career options do Chemical Engineers have?

Chemical engineers have career opportunities in chemical process industries (CPI), biotechnology, advanced materials, design and construction, electronics, environmental, safety, and health industries, the food and beverages industries, and many other industries.

What are typical starting salaries for Chemical Engineers?

According the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average starting salary for chemical engineers graduating in 2006 is approximately $55,900--making chemical engineering the highest paid major in the national survey.

Prospective Undergraduate Students

What degrees are offered by the department?

The department of Chemical and Biological Engineering offers a B.S. in Chemical Engineering , B.S./M.S. in Chemical Engineering, as well as B.S./Ph.D. (Supernova).

Can students choose an area of specialization?

The department has recently added a bio track option to the undergraduate degree program for students wishing to study biological engineering as well as chemical engineering.

Are areas of specializations required for the degree?

Students working towards a B.S. in Chemical Engineering do not need an area of specialization in order to graduate.

What kinds of courses do students in the Chemical and Biological Engineering program take?

Students take courses listed in the B.S. course matrix.

What are the average class sizes?

The average class size for freshman lecture is approximately 200. Freshman Recitation classes are approximately 20-25 students per class. Upper level Chemical Engineering classes are approximately 30 students.

What are the research opportunities for undergraduates?

Students that maintain a 3.0 GPA are eligible to conduct research in the undergraduate program. Also, there is an option to take an Independent Study (ChE 399). In addition, students enrolled in the B.S./M.S. degree program conduct research at the undergraduate level.

What is TDEC?

The acronym TDEC stands for The Drexel Engineering Curriculum. The goals of the Drexel Engineering Curriculum are to introduce the practice of engineering to students early in their program of study, to enable students to focus on solving open ended problems, to become well versed in the use of the tools of engineering - laboratory measurements, electronic computation and information processing and oral, written and graphical communications skills, and study a series of integrated courses that enlarge the student's body of knowledge and at the same time show the relationship of the basic sciences and liberal arts to the practice of engineering.

What is a CO-OP?

Cooperative education is fully integrated within Drexel University 's five full-time undergraduate colleges. All engineering undergraduate curricula are built around the cooperative education philosophy of traditional classroom instruction combined with periods of full-time work experience in settings associated with the student's curriculum and career objectives. Students receive 36 months (12 terms) of resident instruction and three 6 month periods of practical engineering experience dispersed throughout the sophomore, pre-junior and junior years. Job selection is provided by the department of Cooperative Education and Career Services. Preparation for the first co-op period will be provided during the freshman year.

How are advisors assigned to students?

The assistant department head is the undergraduate advisor for all undergraduate students.

I am a current Drexel student in another college. How can I transfer into the College of Engineering?

In order to transfer, first contact the College of Engineering Transfer Coordinator . Submit an official transcript from your university to be evaluated and meet with the Assistant Department Head to discuss what classes need to be taken.

How do I apply?

If you are interested in applying to the Chemical and Biological Engineering undergraduate program, you can apply online at http://www.drexel.edu/em/apply/.