• Future Undergraduate Students » Areas of Study »
• More_Info_CHEG

Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineers (ChemEs) work in a variety of industries.  They manufacture medicines, paper, chemicals, and many other products in our daily lives.  ChemEs work in the field of energy production refining crude oil, producing fuels from renewable biological sources, or developing alternate fuels such as hydrogen and liquefied natural gas, LNG.  They also work in service areas developing medical technologies or providing government oversight of the chemical industry, for example.

Given their broad background, ChemEs are valued in technical and supervisory areas.  ChemEs have become successful executives, process engineers, physicians, lawyers, and inventors. 

As a ChemE, you might work on a team developing artificial blood substitutes or determining economical ways to clean a polluted riverbed; you might work on developing the latest breakfast bar or even work for a company assessing potential terrorist threats.

Example Areas of Study

• Safety – Develop and apply methods for safely managing chemical and chemical processes.
• Biochemical – Apply principles from chemical engineering, biochemistry, and biology to make products from vitamins to pharmaceuticals such as insulin for diabetics.
• Petrochemical – Use chemical engineering techniques to produce petroleum products, such as gasoline, plastics, and even wax.
• Environmental – Develop technologies using chemical and biological principles to solve problems involving natural resources.  Examples include cleaning up contaminated water and land.
• Bioprocess – Use biological materials to produce high-value medicinal products and other chemicals such as hydrogen and ethanol -- alternative fuels for the future.
• Bulk Chemical Production – Design and operate facilities that make bulk chemicals, such as chlorine for swimming pools, plastics, and food products.

CHEG at University of Arkansas

• Friendly Atmosphere – The department provides a very supportive atmosphere for students.  Faculty members have an open door policy so students can more easily interact with faculty outside class.
• Preparation for Medical School – Many CHEG graduates go on to medical school and other professional programs.  Over the last decade, 90% of CHEG graduates who have applied to medical school have been accepted.
• Undergraduate Research – Opportunities are available for students to work on research projects which can lead to presentations at research conferences and publication of the work.
• Student Involvement – The student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) invites experienced professionals to talk with students about job opportunities, work experience, and advice for the future.  The chapter sponsors picnics in the spring and fall, and members participate in many service activities.
• Plant Trips – The department sponsors an annual plant trip so that students can get a feel for professional life.
• Preparation for Careers – The department encourages and helps students gain real-world experience through co-op and intern programs arranged with local and national companies.
• Accreditation – Our CHEG program is over 100 years old and has been continuously accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) since 1952.