How to Become a Chemical Engineer

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: February 22, 2023 References Approved

A career as a chemical engineer is a rewarding path that offers interesting work and very good compensation. In addition, chemical engineering is suitable for a wide range of people with different interests and talents. Becoming a chemical engineer, though, is somewhat challenging, as you must attain the proper educational prerequisites, gain certain experience, and commit yourself to a job search. However, with commitment and perseverance, you’ll be on your way to an exciting career as a chemical engineer.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Meeting the Basic Requirements

1
Evaluate your skills and interests. Before deciding to become a chemical engineer, you should consider your skills and interests. This is because chemical engineers need a certain set of skills. If you're not interested in developing those skills, you won't enjoy it as a career.
- You should be good at completing high level math equations. You'll have to master algebra, trigonometry, calculus, and more.
- You should have an interest in the physical sciences. You'll have to complete many chemistry courses, including organic chemistry.
- You should have an eye for detail.^{[1]
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2
Apply to an institution that offers a bachelor’s in chemical engineering. The minimum qualification for most chemical engineering positions is a bachelor’s of science. Without earning a bachelor’s of science, you won’t be able to get a job as a chemical engineer.
- Some of the top universities to earn a bachelor’s of science with an emphasis on chemical engineering include: the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Cambridge, and Kyoto University.
- Most large public universities offer degrees compatible with a career as a chemical engineer.^{[2]
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3
Complete your coursework. To earn your degree in chemical engineering, you'll have to complete a number of prerequisites and core courses. Without these courses, you won't have the foundation or specific knowledge to practice as a chemical engineer. Some courses include:
- Basic science and math courses like: chemistry, physics, and algebra.
- Chemistry core classes like: organic chemistry, physical chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry.
- Chemical engineering core classes like: fluid dynamics, heat and mass transfer, engineering thermodynamics, and chemical reaction engineering.
- General engineering classes like: computer programming, instrumentation lab, and probability and statistics.^{[3]
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Pick your area of specialization. While you’re in your undergraduate program or soon after, you’ll have the opportunity decide on which industry you'd like to work in. You can decide on your specialization based on interest, job availability, or compensation. In the end, though, this choice could impact whether you go on to seek a higher degree. Some specializations include:
- Petrochemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Food
- General manufacturing
- Environmental^{[4]
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5
Get a master’s of science. Apply for admission to a program that offers a master’s in chemical engineering or a related field. These programs could take between one and four years to complete, depending on the institution. During your studies, you’ll complete advanced course work and gain hands-on experience working in interdisciplinary teams.^{[5]
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- Managerial or higher level chemical engineering jobs will likely require a master’s.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Gaining Experience and Certification

1
Complete an internship or apprenticeship. Internships or apprenticeships are positions you can apply for during your education or immediately after. If you are enrolled in an academic program, ask your advisor or a professor if they know of internship opportunities. In addition, depending on the institution you study at, they might have internship placement agreements with businesses in the area.
- Visit http://internships.aiche.org/ to view current internships.
- These positions generally offer low or no pay, but put you on a track for a permanent position once you’ve finished your education or gained a certain amount of experience.^{[6]
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- Many good bachelor’s or master’s programs will require or recommend that you complete an internship. In addition, your major professor or department might have contacts that will make it easier for you to secure an internship.
2
Get cooperative engineering experience. Many employers value candidates with experience cooperating with other chemical engineers and engineers from different disciplines. Because of this, you should make it a priority to get experience working on teams to solve a variety of problems. You can gain this experience:
- During your work as an intern.
- In your graduate studies.
- At an entry-level job or through other related work experience.^{[7]
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3
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam. Apply to take the test through your state or regional professional association. Very often, the exam is administered by national or international testing services. Ask your college professors or contact your local professional association for more information.
- This test is often taken during the test-taker's final year of college.
- After passing this exam, you will earn the title “Engineer in Training” or “Engineer Intern.”^{[8]
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Earn a passing score on the Professional Engineering exam. Whereas the Fundamentals test is sponsored by professional associations, this exam is often sponsored by state or local governments. To sign up for it, contact your state board of licensing.
- To take this test, you must have four years of work experience.
- Once you pass the test, you will gain the title of "Engineer."
- Visit http://ncees.org/engineering/ for more information.^{[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting a Job and Advancing Your Career

1
Join professional organizations. By joining professional organizations, you’ll have the opportunity to gain continuing education and engage in professional networking. After joining an organization, you will be able to attend your professional organization’s annual conference. There, you’ll meet professionals in your field. You may also have the opportunity to interview for jobs at conferences. The most noted organizations are:
- The American Institute of Chemical Engineers. This organization hosts annual regional conferences for students, as well as national or global meetings for professionals.
- The National Society of Professional Engineers. This organization is employment oriented, offers a job board, and organizes mentoring programs.^{[10]
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Network with professionals. Keep the contact information of anyone you meet at conferences, fellow chemical engineering students in college, and others you meet while gaining experience. These professionals will serve as assets to you and may be able to help you advance your career later on.^{[11]
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Look on the websites of major employers. Visit the employment websites of just about any major multinational corporation to see if they have any openings for chemical engineers. Depending on your region, and whether you’re willing to relocate, you should be able to find a position that meets your skill set. Consider the following companies:
- Monsanto
- Archer Daniels Midland
- Dow Chemical
- International Paper
- General Motors
- Kraft^{[12]
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Visit job board websites or recruiters. You’ll be able to find a wide variety of chemical engineering jobs on major internet job board websites. These websites will list positions with various requirements and skill levels. Some websites include:
- Indeed.com
- Simplyhired.com
- Monster.com
- Sun Recruiting
5
Look for better jobs. After you've spent a couple of years gaining experience, you should consider looking for a better job. A better job may offer you a higher salary, more advancement opportunities, and new professional challenges. To get a better job:
- Use the contacts you've made over the years.
- Keep an eye on job boards for new job postings.
- Visit conferences annually. This way, you'll continue to make new contacts and stay apprised of new opportunities in the industry.

Community Q&A

Question

What do my grades need to be a chemical engineer?

Community Answer

If you want to be accepted to a top school, you'll should have an A average. However, less prestigious schools may accept you with a B average.
Question

Where can I study to become a chemical engineer?

Community Answer

Most universities offer courses or programs in chemical engineering. Check the websites of any preferred universities to see if they offer this course.
Question

What do my grades need to be in order to become a chemical engineer?

Community Answer

The university where you want to study will set the grade cut off level for their prospective students, so they would be the ones to give you the correct answer to that question.