Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Our students learn about the development and application of processes that change materials chemically or physically to create products that are of value to humankind. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of high-tech industries, as well as in medicine, business or law.

Chemical engineers work in the forefront of energy, materials and microelectronics fields. Our students are training to become leaders in the fields of: 

  • Renewable and sustainable energy
  • Decarbonization
  • Nanomaterials and nanotechnology
  • Upcycling
  • Photovoltaics (PV) and biofuels
  • Quantum simulations
  • Data science
  • Hydrogen production
  • Microelectronics, data storage and semiconductors
  • Materials science and catalysis
  • Polymers and soft materials

No. 1 chemical engineering program in Colorado

(EduRank, 2025)

No. 11 national public university in chemical engineering

(U.S. News & World Report, 2025)

5 research centers: BioFrontiers Institute, Center for Membrane Applied Science and Technology (MAST), Center for Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Photopolymerization Center, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute (RASEI)

Be successful.

Be prepared to meet the needs of our 21st-century society by understanding, designing and applying your knowledge to industry.

 
$82,900

Median salary of Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder chemical engineering students 1–5 years after graduation

 

Our graduates find opportunities everywhere, from local startups to national research institutions to multinational corporations

 

Process engineer, research assistant, field engineer and chemical engineer are common job titles of our graduates

Academic Plan & Requirements

The BS degree is a four-year program where students gain a strong grasp on areas such as calculus and organic chemistry. Chemical and biological engineering students are required to take a total of 128 credit hours. 

Students may follow a curricular pathway in a field of particular interest. For example:

  • Pre-med track: This track is offered for students preparing for medical school. Since chemical engineering already requires most of the pre-med courses, it is a logical choice for students who desire an engineering degree and the opportunity to pursue a medical profession.

The department offers a senior thesis option as well as a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) summer program sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

And an additional degree option for chemical engineering students: 

  • Bachelor’s-accelerated master’s: A combined bachelor's (BS) and master's (MS) degree is offered for highly motivated undergraduate students. The BAM program allows students to take advanced courses at an accelerated pace, engage in an independent research project and obtain both degrees in five years.

Community & Involvement

We offer students many opportunities to network with peers and faculty, further their studies, and get the most out of their undergraduate experience.