Have a desire to build a better world? Use chemical engineering to create change — one breakthrough, discovery, and invention at a time.

Major in Chemical Engineering

 

What is Chemical Engineering?

Chemical engineering combines chemistry, physics, and biology with design to create new processes. When you major in chemical engineering, you’ll learn to turn raw materials into everyday essentials like fuel, medicine, clean water, and sustainable plastics. You’ll apply chemistry knowledge in labs, research, and real-world projects that solve global challenges. From engineering jobs in energy and healthcare to food and materials, this major opens doors to chemical engineering careers that shape the future.

Program Website
Degree Details
Admissions Info
Program Highlights
World-class Facilities Use cutting-edge tech to conduct experiments, do research, and solve complex problems like a professional engineer in one of our many labs, including the DOW Chemical Unit Operations Lab — a world-class distillation lab.
Engineering Residential College Live and learn with your peers in a smaller network within the larger campus, offering academic enhancement programs, classes in your residence hall, and corporate sponsored events introducing you to internships and cooperative education programs.
Industry Connections LSU's ties and proximity to one of the world's largest concentrations of leading engineering companies means built-in access to real-world experience — 96% of students participate in internships/co-ops and, 90% receive job offers before graduation.
Distinguished Communicator Certification Learn and successfully prove essential engineering-specific communication skills in leadership roles and community service. This coveted designation will give you a competitive edge in today’s job market.

What You Can Do

An LSU degree opens doors to a wide range of career paths and professional opportunities. With a strong academic foundation, real-world learning, and support from a powerful alumni network, you’ll graduate prepared for success in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re planning to work in a corporate setting, nonprofit organization, government agency, creative industry, or research lab, LSU equips you with the in-demand skills and hands-on experience employers value most.

Potential Careers

Process Design Engineer
Control Engineer
Production Engineer
Plant (Operations) Engineer
Safety Engineer
Field Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Energy Engineer
Water Treatment Engineer
Consultant

Data Analyst
Process Data Scientist
Project Manager
Pharmaceutical Engineer
Bioprocess Engineer
Materials Engineer
Software Developer
Automation Engineer
Machine Learning Engineer
Tech Sales

Workplace Settings

Petrochemical Plant
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility
Environmental Engineering Firm
Food & Beverage Processing Plant
Biotechnology Research Lab
Semiconductor Manufacturing Facility
Consumer Goods Company
Energy Sector R&D Center
Academic or Government Laboratory
Engineering Consulting Firm

$73,000
Average alumni Chemical Engineering salary 5 years after graduation
Building Skills
Precision Analytics Spot trends and patterns in complex data and uncover logical insights to drive decisions.
Problem Solving Solve real-world problems by diagnosing root causes and designing solutions.
Data Analysis Examine numbers and trends to turn raw information into real strategies.
Complex Reasoning Apply logic and structured thinking to predict outcomes and guide action.

What Chemical Engineering Looks like

Dow Chemical Unit Operations Laboratory

Advance your Career
Post-graduate education
LSU offers competitively ranked post-graduate programs designed to help you innovate and lead in your field. Engage in advanced coursework, contribute to impactful research, and learn from expert faculty who are solving real-world challenges across Louisiana and beyond. Whether you're looking to deepen your expertise, pivot into a new industry, or accelerate your career, LSU’s graduate programs open the door to a world of opportunity.
MS in Chemical Engineering PhD in Chemical Engineering

Related Majors

Biological Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Petroleum Engineering
Chemistry
Apply Today!