Chemical Engineering Major

Chemical engineers manipulate chemical processes to solve problems and improve the well-being of humanity, through innovations in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, clean energy, advanced materials and more.

At a Glance

Flexibility

Full Time
Delivery Options

On Campus
Degree

BS

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What courses will you take?

Chemical Engineering student working in lab.

The B.S. in Chemical Engineering program offers courses across four degree options, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities:

General Option — Gain a broad foundation in chemical engineering, and customize your curriculum by selecting advanced course electives that match your interests and career goals. You'll prepare for careers that address diverse problems in either traditional or emerging fields of chemical engineering. General Option courses
Nuclear Engineering Option (ABET Accredited) — Build a strong foundation in nuclear science, engineering and technology to pursue careers in the nuclear energy and technology field. Nuclear Engineering Option courses
Bioengineering Option — Gain skills and knowledge to work in the bio-pharmaceutical or biotechnology industry. Bioengineering Option courses
Nanomaterials Engineering Option — Prepare to launch a career in a materials-related industry. Nanomaterials Engineering Option courses

All students take courses in the humanities and social sciences to broaden perspectives, improve communication skills, and explore concepts of values and ethics.

The Chemical Engineering curriculum and the Chemical Engineering with Nuclear Engineering Option are accredited by ABET.

Visit the Academic Catalog for:

Find all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

The Chemical Engineering faculty seek to prepare men and women to be successful as Chemical Engineers. They are strongly committed to provide a high quality education relevant to the needs of society and industry. The program educational objectives are clearly consistent with the mission of the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the Francis College of Engineering.
Graduates pursue rewarding professional careers by skillfully leveraging chemical engineering principles.
Graduates effectively bridge engineering and non-engineering fields through a commitment to lifelong professional development.
Graduates engage in service activities highlighting the societal benefits of engineering principles.
The Chemical Engineering Program has adopted the ABET Criterion 3 student outcomes so that at graduation, students are expected to have:
An ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
An ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
An ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
An ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
An ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
An ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

Why study chemical engineering at UMass Lowell?

Two chemical engineering students pouring liquid in a UMass Lowell lab

Research Opportunities

Combine classroom theories with laboratory experiments by working in one of several UMass Lowell research and teaching laboratories specializing in:

Biotechnology, biomanufacturing and bioengineering
Nuclear engineering
Advanced materials
Modeling and simulation
Renewables and sustainability

Group of students work with equipment and a laptop in a chemical engineering lab at UMass Lowell

Experiential Learning

Build career-ready skills through experiences outside the classroom, including:

Research in a faculty laboratory
Co-ops and internships
Paid work on campus
Service learning
Study abroad

Members of the UMass Lowell student group - American Nuclear Society (ANS) UMass Lowell Chapter working on building a foam reactor model.

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together.

American Institute of Chemical Engineers

American Nuclear Society

Engineers for Change

Engineers for a Sustainable World

A UMass Lowell chemical engineering student working on equipment

Bachelor’s-to-Master's Program

Get on the fast track to an advanced degree with our combined B.S./M.S. program.

Available to juniors and seniors with a grade point average of 3.000 or better
Offers a continuous, coordinated sequence of courses
Reduced credit-hour requirements can save you time and money

What can you do with a degree in chemical engineering?

Graduates from UMass Lowell's B.S. in Chemical Engineering program are prepared for diverse positions as practicing chemical engineers or for graduate studies in chemical and other forms of engineering.

Chemical engineering student bending over equipment in a UMass Lowell lab

Alumni of our program have worked in emerging areas of chemical engineering, including:

Advanced engineering materials
Alternative energy sources
Biotechnology, biomanufacturing and bioengineering

Where our graduates work:

Abbott Laboratories
Amgen
Boston Scientific
General Electric
Genzyme
NextEra Seabrook Station
Pfizer
3M
Teradyne
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Meet Our Students

Mina Le sits at the front desk in front of a computer at the Student Employment Office at University Crossing

Mina Le '18

Chemical Engineering

Senior chemical engineering major Mina Le chose a work-study job at the front desk of the Student Employment Office because she wanted to improve her communication skills. She’s done that and more, being named the university’s Student Employee of the Year.

I was surprised just to be nominated for the Student Employee of the Year award. When I won, it made my entire year.

At a Glance

Get Started

What courses will you take?

Find all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.