Frequently Asked Questions

Students in the Chemical Engineering program benefit from a focused, undergraduate-only experience. With small class sizes, students learn from professors who are dedicated to undergraduate education through both classroom teaching and experiential learning opportunities. This personalized environment translates to numerous hands-on learning opportunities, including extensive undergraduate research options and working with state-of-the-art pilot-plant scale equipment. The curriculum and opportunities offered by the Department enable graduates to pursue fulfilling careers in diverse fields, including pharmaceuticals, food and personal care, and manufacturing, and earn admission into top Ph.D. programs in chemical engineering and related fields such as bioengineering, materials science and engineering, and environmental engineering.

The degree path in chemical engineering at Lafayette provides an education that is both technically robust and uniquely well-rounded, setting graduates up for success in a rapidly evolving industry. The ABET accredited program balances technical rigor within the setting of a liberal arts environment, which engages students to think broadly, communicate effectively, and tackle problems creatively – essential skills that differentiate Lafayette graduates in the professional world. While U.S. News & World Report does not rank chemical engineering programs at non-PhD granting institutions, Lafayette’s Engineering programs overall were ranked as #13 in the Non-PhD granting Undergraduate Engineering programs ranking (U.S. News & World Report 2026 Best Colleges).

Alumni work in a diverse range of fields from chemical manufacturing and process engineering to pharmaceuticals and personal care products as well as in the areas related to energy, environment, materials, and food science.  Learn more by visiting Where do chemical engineering graduates work?

Absolutely!  Lafayette offers faculty-led, semester-long, study abroad programs that allow engineering students to stay on schedule to graduate in four years.  These programs align with the spring semester of the sophomore year and are fully integrated with the engineering curricula, taught in English, and all financial aid applies.  Typically, 30-40% of chemical engineering students participate in these study abroad programs. 

Other affiliated programs that are not faculty-led are also available which provide a wider array of study abroad options for semester-long experiences.  Students also can choose from among many short-term study abroad programs led by Lafayette faculty around the world during the semester breaks.  Accounting for all of these programs, 35-50% of students typically have an abroad experience.  Learn more by visiting Lafayette Engineering study abroad.

While students who study chemistry will receive a rigorous program that explores the fundamental molecular structures, properties, and reactions of different forms of matter, chemical engineers follow a more applied training to bridge between pure science and end-use.   A chemical engineer’s design-based approach is rooted in practical applications or industrial contexts and seeks to create solutions centered on function and processes.

Yes! Students in chemical engineering are encouraged to seek out opportunities that will enhance their education.  Each graduating class has several students who attain double majors and/or minors.  A double major requires early planning and motivation from the student.  A minor may be achieved more readily and is an option that many students take to expand their knowledge and/or skills in a particular field.  Common minors include biotechnology, economics, foreign language, and math, but have extended to many departments/programs across the campus.

Additionally, Lafayette Engineering offers a unique dual degree program in which students can pursue a B.S. degree in engineering along with an A.B. degree in international studies that combines foreign language, government, and international affairs.  More information can be found at Engineering/International Studies Dual Degree.

Research seeks to expand knowledge through systematic investigation of a topic.  In chemical engineering, research can range from developing new materials to designing new processes for energy, water, or pharmaceuticals. It often involves both experimental work and computational or theoretical modeling.

At Lafayette there are numerous ways to get involved in research including through the Excel scholars program, where scholars engage in paid research activates. There are also research-through-credit opportunities (independent research and honors thesis). Find out more about ways to get involved in research.

Undergraduate researchers in our department have earned recognition for their research achievements through awards for their research presentations at local and national conferences, as co-authors on publications with faculty, and by earning competitive scholarships and fellowships.

Typically, chemical engineers work in a variety of  fields including petroleum production and refining, specialty and commodity chemicals, polymers and materials, bioengineering and biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, food products and processing. Learn more at What is chemical engineering?

Many students find the challenging and problem-solving aspects of the field highly rewarding and enjoyable. If you value engaging with peers and faculty members, you will appreciate the deep sense of community at Lafayette’s Chemical Engineering Department. The liberal arts campus enables students to pursue additional interests, from the arts to sports, study abroad, double majors, minors, and more. In addition, numerous extracurricular activities allow students to explore different interests while building leadership skills. Professional organizations like the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) student chapters create both professional development and social experiences, combining career preparation with engaging with peers.

Chemical engineering students at Lafayette typically apply for internships for the summers after their sophomore and junior years. These summer experiences include formal internships at companies such as Air Products, Mars Wrigley, PPL, Johnson & Johnson, and Linde. A large number of students also seek out research during the summer with Lafayette faculty through the Excel scholars program, as well as through external REU (Research Experience for Undergraduate) experiences.