by our College Data Analytics TeamDo you like problem solving and learning how things work? Are you fascinated by the chemical reactions of substances? A major in Engineering Chemistry will help you explore your interests.
Students who major in Engineering Chemistry learn about two different fields and the way these fields interact. You will take classes on topics such as chemistry, biochemical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics, physics, and biology to learn the skills to use chemistry to solve engineering problems. You will graduate with the ability to aid the development of electronic materials, troubleshoot manufacturing dilemmas, lead projects while collaborating with engineering management, and much more.
Studying Engineering Chemistry explores Engineering Chemistry. Read on to learn the key facts every engineering chemistry major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering engineering chemistry programs.
Across the country, engineering chemistry is a widely-pursued major, with 25 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Engineering Chemistry Schools ranking analyzes these 2 schools to determine the best overall colleges for engineering chemistry students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of engineering chemistry programs later in this article.
Studies in Engineering Chemistry develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations engineering chemistry graduates commonly enter.
Engineering Chemistry students should have a strong background in math and science. Previous experience in these fields will help students start using these principles in everyday situations. Strong analytical and deductive reasoning skills will allow students to analyze issues within the engineering field and help create various solutions. Teamwork and communication skills will aid students as they work in teams to observe engineering systems and solve any issues.
Graduates who pursue a career in Engineering Chemistry can expect to work full time, often in a laboratory or office setting. Occasionally, professionals will have to travel to make onsite observations, improve or maintain engineering systems.
Employers place an emphasis on previous relevant experience making internships, summer jobs, or participation in cooperative engineering programs beneficial to students. Some colleges or universities will have summer programs that allow students to travel to other areas of the country or world while learning more about the field.
Although a bachelor's degree will allow for Engineering Chemistry graduates to work entry-level jobs, many will continue their education to receive a master's. This advanced degree along with previous experience will allow professions to perform research and development or possibly attain a higher payer job.
Skills built by a engineering chemistry program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a engineering chemistry major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several engineering chemistry degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 2 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 23 |
People currently working in careers related to engineering chemistry tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 33.3% |
| Doctoral degree | 28.8% |
| Master’s degree | 11.1% |
| Post-doctoral training | 7.6% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 7.3% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 3.5% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 2.7% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 2.0% |
| Some college courses | 1.5% |
| First professional degree | 1.4% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 0.6% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 0.2% |
View the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in engineering chemistry careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Graduates with a degree in Engineering Chemistry work in a variety of locations. Since engineering is a large part of many industries, graduates have the ability to go into many different professions. They are equipped with the skills to employ chemistry to solve engineering problems, making their skills useful in fields such as architecture, engineering, chemical manufacturing, medical manufacturing, and scientific research.
Since the demand for engineering chemists varies depending on the demand for certain products, employment in certain industries may be higher than others.
Studying engineering chemistry can lead to a variety of career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to engineering chemistry.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to engineering chemistry.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | 1,297,204 | -2.0% |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | 440,884 | 8.0% |
| Nanosystems Engineers | 358,781 | -2.9% |
| Wind Energy Engineers | 353,305 | 12.7% |
| Engineers, All Other | 292,948 | -4.3% |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | 266,797 | 14.5% |
| Energy Engineers, Except Wind and Solar | 227,778 | 6.7% |
| Chemical Engineers | 215,233 | 0.7% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of engineering chemistry graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Wages typically rise as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $83,672 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for engineering chemistry graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers engineering chemistry grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineers, All Other | $136,628 |
| Chemical Engineers | $130,903 |
| Solar Energy Systems Engineers | $116,775 |
| Mechatronics Engineers | $115,569 |
| Microsystems Engineers | $104,558 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $101,277 |
| Wind Energy Engineers | $98,460 |
| Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers | $89,263 |
With 2 different engineering chemistry programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased engineering chemistry school rankings to help you.
Students interested in engineering chemistry, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Engineering Chemistry | 25 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | 42,939 |
| Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering | 26,760 |
| Civil Engineering | 20,005 |
| Computer Engineering | 19,986 |
| Biomedical/Medical Engineering | 13,914 |
| Engineering, General | 13,411 |
| Chemical Engineering | 10,939 |
| Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering | 9,596 |
| Industrial Engineering | 8,533 |
| Systems Engineering | 3,956 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
