Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineering is the profession which applies mathematics, chemistry and physics to develop economic ways of using raw materials and energy for the benefit of humankind. Chemical engineers develop processes and products that are energy efficient, environmentally-sustainable and profitable. Chemical engineers make products such as petrochemicals, polymers, drugs, therapeutics, paper, dyes, fertilizers, foods and beverages. Practically every product that we use and enjoy has involved chemical engineering.
Why Choose Chemical Engineering?
Chemical engineers are in demand because of the large number of industries that depend on processing raw materials into usable products. Chemical engineers and their innovations propel many areas of technology and create solutions for tomorrow. At Manhattan College, the chemical engineering major is designed to develop fundamental technical skills, provide training in communication and professional development, and impart a practice-oriented education.
The Classes
As a chemical engineering major, you will develop skills in a variety of topic areas including:
- Material and energy balances
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Energy and mass transfer
- Separations technologies
- Chemical reaction kinetics and reactor design
- Process design.
- Process safety
- Environmental engineering principles
Electives and Focus Areas
Within the undergraduate program, chemical engineering students at Manhattan have four technical electives in their senior year. This allows them to focus their studies in one of the following areas:
- Concentration in Consumer Products and Cosmetic Engineering
- Concentration in Biopharmaceutical Engineering
- Principles and Processing of Novel Materials
Students may also pursue a minor in environmental engineering, which allows students to take five courses in environmental engineering within the Civil and Environmental Engineering department. This area of study provides students career opportunities in areas such as water treatment, transport of contaminants in natural aquatic systems, site remediation, and the design and management of environmental systems.
Hands-on Learning
Our students are encouraged to participate in co-curricular, service, outreach and research projects outside of the classroom. Some popular examples include:
- Chem-E-Car competition (sponsored by the American Institute for Chemical Engineers, AICHE)
- Becoming a member or serving on the executive board of the Society of Women Engineers or the student chapter of AICHE
- Presenting papers and research findings at professional conferences
- Working at a chemical engineering company during the summer as an intern. Our New York City location and well-connected alumni provide students numerous internship opportunities.
Bill Taylor ’02, Project Engineer, Wyeth BiotechOf the many Chemical Engineering programs I researched in high school, the one at Manhattan had everything I wanted: an excellent reputation, a challenging curriculum, and classes small enough for the professors to know who I am.