Chemical Engineering

The chemical engineering profession is a close-knit group with a common background in chemical processes, systems analysis, and systems economics. Chemical engineering training occurs through course and laboratory work addressing mathematical, scientific, and engineering fundamentals. With a strong background in mathematics, chemistry, and physics, chemical engineering students study transport phenomena (the description of momentum, heat, and mass transfer in chemical processes); chemical kinetics and reaction engineering; process control and design; and optimization of chemical processes. These subjects are common throughout the traditional chemical industry, applying as well to other industries such as electronics manufacture and biological and biochemical engineering. Chemical engineers find industrial employment in areas of electronics, petroleum, consulting, chemical, automotive, forest products, biotechnology, and energy. Chemical engineers also find careers in academia and government and military service.

Undergraduate Program

The Department of Chemical Engineering offers the following program of study:

• The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering degree.

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Department Admission Requirements

Applicants are considered in three groups -- Direct Freshman Admission, Early Admission, and Upper-Division Admission. Admission is competitive. Thus, completion of minimum requirements described below does not guarantee admission. All applicants have the right to petition and appeal the department's admission decision. Applications are accepted for autumn quarter only; the deadline for Early Admission and Upper-Division Admission is July 1. The application is available at www.engr.washington.edu/advising/engrapplications.html.

1. Direct Freshman Admission
1. Open to freshman students formally admitted to the UW.
2. Minimum high school GPA of 3.80; minimum SAT (or equivalent) scores of 1400.
3. Indication on the UW freshman application of chemical engineering as the student's first choice of major.
2. Early Admission
1. Course requirements: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126; CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162; PHYS 121; and 5 credits of English composition. All courses must be completed prior to the July 1 application deadline.
2. Credit requirements: Applicants must be completing their freshman year at the UW and must have completed a minimum of 15 credits taken in residence at the UW.
3. Grade requirements: A minimum grade of 2.0 in each prerequisite course and a minimum GPA of 2.50.
3. Upper-Division Admission
1. Course requirements: MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 307 (18 credits); CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, CHEM 223 or CHEM 237 (19); PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123 (15), CSE 142 (4), CHEM E 260 (4); and one 5-credit English composition course. In addition, it is strongly recommended that students complete CHEM 224 or CHEM 238.
2. Credit and grade requirements:  75 credits completed by July 1 application deadline, with a minimum overall 2.50 GPA and minimum 2.0 in all courses required for admission.
3. Students with a GPA lower than 2.50 for these specified courses or an overall GPA lower than 2.50 for all courses applicable to the B.S.Ch.E. degree seldom succeed in the department. Historically, a GPA of 2.80 or higher in these categories is required for admission to and success in the department.
4. Factors included in the admission decision include the course record as indicated above and qualitative considerations such as difficulty of completed courses, frequency of incomplete or withdrawal grades, number of repeated courses, applicable work experience and maturity of attitude, record of honors, a demonstrated ability to take at least 12 credits per quarter, and special circumstances disclosed by the applicant.

Students may also declare into the Chemical Engineering degree program through the College of Engineering Advanced Admission program (see the College of Engineering section for Advanced Admission entrance and continuation requirements).

Graduation Requirements

180 credits, as follows:

• General Education Requirements (108 credits)
  1. Written and Oral Communications (12 credits): one 5-credit English composition course from the University list; T C 231; T C 333 (or department-approved alternative).
  2. Visual, Literary, & Performing Arts (VLPA) and Individuals & Societies (I&S) (24 credits): A minimum of 10 credits required in each area. 
  3. Natural World (72 credits)
  1. Physics (15 credits): PHYS 121, PHYS 122, PHYS 123
  2. Mathematics (24 credits): MATH 124, MATH 125, MATH 126, MATH 307, MATH 308, and MATH 309 (or MATH 390 or IND E 315)
  3. Chemistry (33 credits): CHEM 142, CHEM 152, CHEM 162, CHEM 237, CHEM 238, CHEM 455, CHEM 457, CHEM 461
• Major Requirements (68 credits)
  1. Engineering Fundamentals (8 credits): CHEM E 260; CSE 142
  2. Chemical Engineering Core Courses (44 credits): CHEM E 310, CHEM E 326, CHEM E 330, CHEM E 340, CHEM E 435, CHEM E 436, CHEM E 437, CHEM E 465, CHEM E 480, CHEM E 485, CHEM E 486
  3. Engineering Elective Courses (16 credits)
• Unspecified Electives (4 credits)

A minimum GPA of 2.00 in core chemical engineering courses, based on the first time each course is taken, is required for graduation.

Many engineers design new equipment and processes or design modifications to them. The design experience is integrated throughout the curriculum, with open-ended problems (sometimes involving economic constraints) in several courses: design of heat exchangers (CHEM E 340) and distillation towers (CHEM E 435), design of piping and pumping systems (CHEM E 330), design of chemical reactors (CHEM E 465). The design experience culminates in two capstone design courses (CHEM E 485 and CHEM E 486 or CHEM E 497) which involve the design of an integrated chemical system. An optional 9-credit specialty area allows each student to develop special competence in a selected subject by taking a minimum of three courses in that area. Engineering and free electives may be used for this purpose. The areas are biotechnology; fuel cells and energy; polymers, composites, colloids, and interfaces; computers applied to chemical engineering; environmental engineering; and nuclear engineering.

Student Outcomes and Opportunities

• Learning Objectives and Expected Outcomes: The B.S.Ch.E. program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, 111 Market Place, Suite 1050, Baltimore, MD 21202-4012, telephone: (410) 347-7700.

  Chemical engineering graduates possess knowledge (including safety and environmental aspects) of material and energy balances applied to chemical processes; thermodynamics of physical and chemical equilibria; heat, mass, and momentum transfer; chemical reaction engineering; continuous and stage-wise separation operations; process dynamics and control; and process design.

  They also gain ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering; ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data; ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs; ability to function on multidisciplinary teams; and ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems. They also possess an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility; an ability to communicate effectively; the broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context; a recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in, life-long learning; a knowledge of contemporary issues; and an ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

• Instructional and Research Facilities: The chemical engineering building, Benson Hall, contains classrooms, offices, stockrooms, computer rooms, machine and electronics shops, and laboratories. The Unit Operations Lab holds a variety of experiments designed to give undergraduate students the experience of using real chemical process equipment and to deepen their understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals of fluid flow, heat transfer, separation processes, and reactor behavior. Departmental computer facilities include a network of PCs located in a keyed room for the exclusive use of chemical engineering students. Ten of these machines have hardware for computer data acquisition (to collect experimental data and support experiments on process automation). All have fast connections to the Internet and to larger UW computers.

• Honors Options Available: With College Honors; With Distinction (Departmental Honors). See adviser for requirements.  

• Research, Internships, and Service Learning: Students are encouraged to participate in internships, which are generally facilitated through the Engineering Co-op Office.

• Department Scholarships: The department awards 20-25 full-tuition scholarships per year. Application deadline is April 1.

• Student Organizations/Associations: The undergraduates in the department run a dynamic chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

Of Special Note:

Entrance into most chemical engineering courses is ordinarily limited to majors in chemical engineering and paper science. Other students who wish to take departmental courses must meet the prerequisites and obtain instructor approval (except for CHEM E 485 and CHEM E 486, which are open to majors only).

Graduate Program

Graduate Program Coordinator
105 Benson, Box 351750
206-543-2250
grad.admissions@cheme.washington.edu

The department offers studies leading to the degrees of Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, and Master of Science in Engineering. The doctoral degree is centered on the dissertation with a foundation in coursework; it is generally completed in four to five years beyond the baccalaureate degree. In the master's program primary emphasis is placed on coursework, and the degree generally requires 21 months of study. Thesis and non-thesis options are available.

The program of study includes basic subjects of importance to all chemical engineers, such as thermodynamics, transport phenomena, kinetics, and applied mathematics. In addition, students are invited to take more-specialized courses in chemical engineering or in other departments. Students usually take three courses during their first quarter. In subsequent quarters, less time is spent on coursework, and more on research and independent study.

The department has about seventy full-time graduate students, most of whom are working toward a doctorate. They study and collaborate with faculty members in an atmosphere that is informal, friendly, and intellectually vigorous. Faculty interests are broad, so students become familiar with a variety of areas while receiving individual guidance in a specialty.

Master of Science in Chemical Engineering

Admission Requirements

A student is accepted for admission to the Graduate School as a chemical engineering major by joint action of the Graduate School and the department after consideration of a formal application. Most students applying for graduate admission have a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. If a student has an undergraduate degree in chemistry, physics, mathematics, or another branch of engineering, he or she may obtain a graduate degree in chemical engineering by meeting certain additional requirements. To be competitive, applicants must be:

• Highly ranked (top 10%) in a respected chemical engineering program.
• Score at least 750 on the quantitative portion of the GRE.
• Score at least 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 70 (Internet-based, not including speaking score) on the TOEFL, if an International applicant.

Degree Requirements

39 credits, to include as follows:

• At least 18 credits in courses numbered 500-599, of which at most 3 may be seminar credits, such as CHEM E 523. Numerical grades must be received for at least 18 credits of coursework. These must be 500-599 or approved 400-level courses. They must include five courses from at least four of the following five categories. (The courses listed in each category are typical. Others may qualify subject to approval by the Graduate Program Coordinator.)
  • Math/Computer/Statistics: CHEM E 481 (3), CHEM E 482 (3), CHEM E 510 (4), CHEM E 512 (3), CHEM E 575 (3), CHEM 526 (3, max. 9), STAT 421 (4)
  • Thermodynamics: CHEM E 455 (1/3, max. 3), CHEM E 525 (4), CHEM E 526 (3), CHEM 552 (3)
  • Transport Phenomena: CHEM E 530 (4), CHEM E 531 (3), M E 533 (3), M E 534 (3)
  • Reaction Phenomena: CHEM E 461 (3), CHEM E 560 (3), CHEM E 564 (3), CHEM E 565 (3)
  • Materials and Biotech: CHEM E 467 (3), CHEM E 554 (3), CHEM E 558 (3), CHEM E 570 (3, max. 6), CHEM E 590 (3)

  Approved 400-level courses presented for the 18 graded credits include 400-level CHEM E courses not required for the B.S. degree and 400-level non-CHEM E courses approved by the Graduate Program Coordinator.

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the graduate program.

• At least 30 credits must be taken at the UW.

• Submit a thesis describing original research. At least 9 credits of thesis credits are required (CHEM E 700).

• Pass a Final Exam consisting of an oral presentation of the thesis.

• Serve as TA for at least one quarter.

Non-Thesis Option

The non-thesis allows a student to receive graduate-level training with the primary focus on coursework. The degree requirements can be completed in four quarters (completion in three is possible).

39 credits to include, as follows:

• At least 18 credits in courses numbered 500-599, of which at most 3 may be seminar credits, such as CHEM E 523. Numerical grades must be received for at least 18 credits of coursework. These must be 500-599 or approved 400-level courses. They must include five courses from at least four of the following five categories. (The courses listed in each category are typical. Others may qualify subject to approval by the Graduate Program Coordinator.)
  • Math/Computer/Statistics: CHEM E 481 (3), CHEM E 482 (3), CHEM E 510 (4), CHEM E 512 (3), CHEM E 575 (3), CHEM 526 (3, max. 9), STAT 421 (4)
  • Thermodynamics: CHEM E 455 (1/3, max. 3), CHEM E 525 (4), CHEM E 526 (3), CHEM 552 (3)
  • Transport Phenomena: CHEM E 530 (4), CHEM E 531 (3), M E 533 (3), M E 534 (3)
  • Reaction Phenomena: CHEM E 461 (3), CHEM E 560 (3), CHEM E 564 (3), CHEM E 565 (3)
  • Materials and Biotech: CHEM E 467 (3), CHEM E 554 (3), CHEM E 558 (3), CHEM E 570 (3, max. 6), CHEM E 590 (3)

  Approved 400-level courses presented for the 18 graded credits include 400-level CHEM E courses not required for the B.S. degree and 400-level non-CHEM E courses approved by the Graduate Program Coordinator.

• A project consisting of at least 6 credits of CHEM E 600 (i.e., with a numerical grade of 2.7 or above, or an S grade). A member of the Chemical Engineering graduate faculty must supervise and grade the work. A written report is required.

• Thesis research (i.e., CHEM E 700 or 800) cannot count toward the 39 credits.

• A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the graduate program.

• At least 30 credits must be taken at the UW.

• A Final Exam consisting of an oral presentation of the CHEM E 600 project.

Master of Science in Engineering

Admission Requirements

A student is accepted for admission to the Graduate School as a chemical engineering major by joint action of the Graduate School and the department after consideration of a formal application. Most students applying for graduate admission have a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. If a student has an undergraduate degree in chemistry, physics, mathematics, or another branch of engineering, he or she may obtain a graduate degree in chemical engineering by meeting certain additional requirements.

To be competitive, applicants must be:

• Highly ranked (top 10%) in a respected chemical engineering program.
• Score at least 750 on the quantitative portion of the GRE.
• Score at least 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 70 (internet-based, not including speaking score) on the TOEFL, if an International applicant.

Degree Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Requirements

A student is accepted for admission to the Graduate School as a chemical engineering major by joint action of the Graduate School and the department after consideration of a formal application. Most students applying for graduate admission have a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering. If a student has an undergraduate degree in chemistry, physics, mathematics, or another branch of engineering, he or she may obtain a graduate degree in chemical engineering by meeting certain additional requirements.

To be competitive, applicants must be:

• Highly ranked (top 10%) in a respected chemical engineering program.
• Score at least 750 on the quantitative portion of the GRE.
• Score at least 600 (paper-based), 250 (computer-based), or 70 (internet-based, not including speaking score) on the TOEFL, if an International applicant.

Degree Requirements

• Minimum Graduate School Requirements: Satisfy Graduate School minimum requirements, summarized below. NOTE: Graduate School policy imposes the requirements in force at the time of graduation (not at the time of program entry).
  • Complete at least 18 credits of courses numbered 500-600 at the University of Washington.
  • Complete at least 18 numerically graded credits of 400- and 500-level UW courses prior to the General Examination. Any 400-level courses must have departmental approval.
  • Complete a minimum of 90 credits, at least 60 of which are UW credits.
  • Compile a minimum of 27 dissertation credits (CHEM E 800) over a period of at least three quarters. With the exception of summer, students may take a maximum of 10 dissertation credits per quarter.
  • Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00.
  • Pass the General Examination.
  • Pass the Final Examination (includes approval of the dissertation by the student's supervisory committee).
  • Maintain full- or part-time graduate student registration at the UW for the quarter in which the above examinations are completed and the degree is conferred.
  • Complete all work for the doctoral degree within ten years.

• Students with a chemical engineering undergraduate degree: In addition to the requirements listed above, doctoral students must:
  • Complete the non-thesis M.S.Ch.E. degree prior to the General Examination. (Students with an M.S. in chemical engineering from another university may petition the Graduate Program Coordinator for an exemption.)
  • Serve as a TA for at least three quarters. Students should plan on one quarter per year in years 2-4.
  • Complete at least six graded courses numbered 500-599 or approved 400-level courses to satisfy the following:
    • Five courses from at least four of the following five categories. (Courses listed in each category are typical. Others may qualify subject to approval by the Graduate Program Coordinator.)
      • Math/Computer/Statistics: CHEM E 481 (3), CHEM E 482 (3), CHEM E 510 (4), CHEM E 512 (3), CHEM E 575 (3), CHEM 526 (3, max. 9), STAT 421 (4)
      • Thermodynamics: CHEM E 455 (1/3, max. 3), CHEM E 525 (4), CHEM E 526 (3), CHEM 552 (3)
      • Transport Phenomena: CHEM E 530 (4), CHEM E 531 (3), M E 533 (3), M E 534 (3)
      • Reaction Phenomena: CHEM E 461 (3), CHEM E 560 (3), CHEM E 564 (3), CHEM E 565 (3)
      • Materials and Biotech: CHEM E 467 (3), CHEM E 554 (3), CHEM E 558 (3), CHEM E 570 (3, max. 6), CHEM E 590 (3)
    • One CHEM E course in a topic outside the student's main research area.

• Non-Chemical Engineering undergraduates: Students whose undergraduate degree is in engineering or science (e.g., B.S. in Chemistry or Materials Science) but not Chemical Engineering must pass or serve as a TA in the following courses in addition to the requirements listed in the previous section: CHEM E 330 (5), CHEM E 340 (4), CHEM E 435 (4), CHEM E 465 (4), CHEM E 485 (4)

  Students lacking a strong background in thermodynamics are advised (but not required) to take CHEM E 326 (4) prior to attempting CHEM E 525 (4). It is possible to take some graduate courses while completing the required undergraduate courses.

Research Facilities

The department is fortunate to have outstanding facilities. Benson Hall contains classrooms, offices, stockrooms, a machine shop, laboratories, and a variety of specialized research equipment. Each graduate student is provided desk space in a small laboratory or office as well as access to larger laboratories in the building. Students also may use the services of the Academic Computer Center, instrument-making shops, research centers (e.g., biomaterials, nanotechnology, chemical analysis), and the Chemistry and Engineering Libraries.

Financial Aid

The department has various sources of support for qualified graduate students. Those interested in applying for admission and support should visit the department's Web site at www.cheme.washington.edu, which provides details on application procedures. Offers of admission with financial support are usually made in January through March.