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Chemical engineers are a very important part of many industries. The production and manufacture of drugs, foods, fuels, and chemicals are dependent upon chemical engineers. They use the principles of chemistry, along with physics, biology, and other sciences to help design equipment and processes for the manufacture of products. Chemical engineers also test products, plan production, and direct certain manufacturing operations.

If you are considering a degree in chemical engineering, you will be pursuing a degree that will be in high demand as well as reasonably high paying, even in entry-level positions. Below is some information regarding degree programs for chemical engineering:

What kind of classes will you take?

Like all undergraduate degrees, you’ll take several general education courses. The courses relative to the degree will be focuses on math and science. If you’re considering this degree and still in high school, it may be a good idea to take as many advanced math and science courses as you can – particularly if you can take AP courses in these subjects.

You’ll take math classes in subjects such as geometry, calculus, and statistics. Science classes will range from biology, to chemistry, to physics. You’ll also take computer science and engineering courses. Other courses may include electronics and mechanics.

How much education will you need?

The short answer to this question is that you need at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering. There are many entry-level positions that can be obtained with a bachelor’s degree, however, many leadership positions and higher-level work will require a graduate degree.

How do I find the right school?

There are many variables in finding the right school for you. Luckily, there are many schools that offer chemical engineering degrees. When choosing a school, you’ll want to research the cost of attendance and the reputation of your degree program at a particular school. There are also more personalized factors in your decision, such as the location and the culture of the school.

The cost of attendance can be a bit difficult to determine. It’s not just the tuition cost. It includes room and board cost, food costs, books and other supplies. Other things can factor into the cost as well, such as scholarships and grants specific to the school that the school may offer. You can determine the reputation of the school and the degree program in many ways. Many schools will offer statistics that show you how many graduates from the program move on to get positions related to their degree.

One of the most important factor for choosing a school is the college visit. It is quite likely that you will find several schools that meet your cost needs and that have a chemical engineering degree program with a great reputation. The campus visit is often the deciding factor. It’s an important step because you learn a lot more about a school when you physically step foot on campus and talk face-to-face with admissions people, students, professors, and faculty. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time for the visit, not just for the official tour, but for the unofficial one as you wander the campus.