Chemical Engineering
The Chemical Engineering Bachelor of Science program at Cornell University offers a rigorous, science driven, and application focused academic environment for students who want to explore how chemical processes shape modern technologies, materials, and industrial operations. The curriculum integrates chemistry, physics, mathematics, materials science, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and transport phenomena, allowing learners to examine chemical behavior at both molecular and system levels. With a strong emphasis on engineering principles, students develop a deep understanding of reaction processes, process design, and material transformation while learning how chemical engineering contributes to sustainability, energy systems, biotechnology, environmental protection, and advanced manufacturing.
Throughout the four year program, students work closely with faculty engaged in research across catalysis, polymers, biomolecular engineering, nanomaterials, energy storage, reaction engineering, and environmental systems. Learners engage in laboratory work, design projects, computational modeling, and research based coursework that strengthen their abilities in process analysis, experimentation, and technical evaluation. The academic environment encourages interdisciplinary collaboration by connecting chemistry and biology with engineering applications, preparing students to understand environmental impact, optimize production systems, and develop innovative solutions for global challenges. This combination of scientific depth and engineering practice equips graduates to contribute to chemical engineering fields with skill, insight, and critical thinking.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Chemical Engineering
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
- Duration: 4 years
- Mode of Study: Full-time, On Campus
- Application Deadline: 02 January 2026
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Chemical Engineering
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Year 1
• General Chemistry and Chemical Principles
• Calculus and Linear Algebra
• Introduction to Engineering Design
• Elective in Computing, Physics, or Biology
Year 2
• Material and Energy Balances
• Organic Chemistry and Laboratory Techniques
• Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers
• Elective in Data Science, Materials, or Environmental Systems
Year 3
• Fluid Mechanics and Transport Phenomena
• Chemical Reaction Engineering
• Separation Processes and Process Modeling
• Elective in Bioprocessing, Polymers, or Sustainable Engineering
Year 4
• Chemical Process Design (Capstone)
• Process Control and Systems Engineering
• Professional Development for Engineers
• Elective Supporting Final Technical Focus
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue diverse and high impact roles across chemical manufacturing, biotechnology, energy, pharmaceuticals, environmental engineering, and advanced materials, frequently joining chemical engineering firms, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, energy and sustainability organizations, and research and development laboratories. Their training in process engineering, reaction analysis, system optimization, and experimental design equips them to contribute to production scale-up, environmental compliance, product development, safety evaluation, and technology innovation. Many graduates also work in consulting, regulatory analysis, and industrial operations where their ability to interpret complex technical data and design efficient chemical systems is highly valued. With strong interdisciplinary capability and deep scientific understanding, they support innovation in sectors focused on clean energy, sustainable materials, food and chemical processing, and cutting edge technological development, bringing analytical rigor and engineering creativity to real world challenges.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an excellent choice for students seeking a comprehensive and scientifically grounded engineering education, offering opportunities to develop advanced technical insight and strong engineering capability supported by Cornell’s renowned engineering faculty. Learners benefit from a curriculum that balances foundational science with hands on experimentation, computational modeling, and design oriented problem solving, enabling them to understand both molecular behavior and large scale industrial systems. Through research experiences, engineering projects, and interdisciplinary coursework, students gain the tools to design safe and efficient processes, explore sustainable alternatives, and apply chemical engineering principles across many industries. Its structured four year format ensures technical depth, scientific breadth, and professional growth, preparing graduates for impactful careers in chemical engineering, research, applied technology, and advanced industrial innovation.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 607 255 2000
Email: admissions@cornell.edu
Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
