Chemical and Paper Engineering

About

Start your career with a Western Michigan University bachelor's degree and plenty of practical experience or pursue advanced degrees as you explore more advanced roles in research and business in chemical and paper engineering.

Elements of success, limitless support

WMU's Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering offers bachelor's degrees in chemical engineering and paper engineering; graduate degrees in paper and printing science, including an accelerated program open to WMU undergraduates; and Ph.D. programs in chemical engineering and engineering and applied sciences in the areas of biochemical and biological engineering. Our faculty strives to  advance the field  through teaching, research and service.

  • Expert faculty support your goals.
  • Opportunities to research and work hands on in labs and manufacturing.
  • Class sizes are small with close interaction with faculty.
  • Scholarship opportunities abound for undergraduates and graduates.
  • You will be a career ready graduate. Chemical and paper graduates boast high starting salaries.
Not only will my scholarships help my progression, they also prove that I am hard-working and very passionate about the paper industry.
—Meegan Heerlyn, paper engineering student

Your engineering career starts here

Students in commencement garb and colorful scarves with friends near fountains

Your engineering career starts at WMU!

Check out a few companies where our graduates work.
Axchem logo
Billerud logo
Graphic Packaging logo
Intel logo
Pfizer logo
Solenis logo

Your success is our #1 goal

Through unique programming, you will be career ready at graduation. Our partnerships with industry, alumni and programs at WMU combine to uniquely prepare you to impact the world.

Vision

To be an innovative, academic community, dedicated to providing a progressive learning and research environment for a diverse student population to meet the global needs of the paper, printing and chemical engineering industries.

Mission

  • To serve as an internationally recognized student-oriented center for education and research.
  • To attract and motivate capable students and prepare them for success in the global market.
  • To attract and develop motivated and capable scholars.
  • To work in partnership with students, scholars and industry to create innovative, energy efficient and environmentally sound emerging technologies in paper, imaging and chemical engineering.

 

Three students standing with a professor, holding certificates.
Supporting the relationship between the academic department and corporate partners, and providing guidance to align the curriculum to industry needs.
Paper Technology Foundation
A student standing with a faculty member next to a large ream of paper.
Offering workforce and facility solutions for research, product development and education.
WMU Pilots Plants

Our alumni

When you attend Western Michigan University to pursue a degree in chemical and paper engineering, you will join a growing group of alumni who are impacting our field.

Thomas David, B.S.E.’00, graduated from WMU’s paper engineering program and has worked in the paper industry for 25 years. During that time, David spent 23 years with Smurfit Westrock, where he is now a technical sourcing leader. David also earned an MBA in finance from Lamar University (Texas) in 2014. He currently serves as president of the WMU Paper Technology Foundation, which is a partnership between WMU and industry companies to recruit, train and equip students for careers in the paper industry.  

David received a College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Alumni Excellence Award in 2025.

Read more about David and other award recipients
Looking to get involved? Contact Julie Loncharte.
Thomas David