Chemical and Paper Engineering

Student in chemical lab

Small classes, big opportunities

When you graduate and receive your first job offers, you'll be ready to 'hit the ground running!'
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Hands-on learning, co-ops and internships, one-on-one relationships with professors, research opportunities and a network of alumni will support you as you take on the challenging and rewarding curriculum in chemical or paper engineering at WMU.

Chemical and Paper Engineering
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5462 USA
(269) 276-3500

Inspired curriculum

When you come to Western, you will be joining a growing number of Broncos who are impacting chemical and manufacturing processes around the world and making strides in the growing need for sustainable practices. Whether you are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree, you'll become part of exciting fields that combine chemistry, physics and engineering.

  • Chemical engineering focuses on the chemical process industries, with emphasis on energy management, inks and imaging, life sciences, pollution prevention and pulp and paper.
  • Paper engineering focuses on pulp, paper, environmental and allied fields.
You come out of Western already having all of this knowledge so you don't have to learn everything from zero (on the job); you already have a base to build on.
—Zahi Sanchez, B.S.E.'23
Two students working in the paper pilot plant.

Our Resources = Your Success

In addition to the vast academic and experience-driven resources available, chemical and paper engineering students develop further through our association with the WMU Pilot Plants and the WMU Paper Technology Foundation.
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Students and staff in Paper Pilot Plants

Paper Pilot Plants

The WMU Pilot Plants provide workforce and facility solutions for research, product development and education. We serve both the public and educational communities within the paper, printing and allied industries. Through our public partnerships, we provide a valued workforce supplement as well as open access to pilot plant facilities and personnel.
Visit the Paper Pilot Plants
Student holding outstanding senior award

Paper Technology Foundation

The Paper Technology Foundation, in association with the Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering, provides students with scholarships, summer internships, professional mentoring and immediate job placement upon graduation. The foundation also provides an unprecedented scholarship program to support students entering the paper industry.
Learn about the WMU Paper Technology Foundation
I tell my students, 'This is your base to come in and learn. Whatever I know is yours; knowledge is something to share. And by the time you graduate, if you don't know more than I know then I'm not doing my job.'
—Dr. Mert Atilhan, associate professor