Chemical and Paper Engineering

Chemical Engineering (B.S. in Engineering)

If you wonder how gasoline is made from oil or paper from trees or about manufacturing pharmaceuticals or toothpaste or enjoy physics experiments, consider a degree in chemical engineering and get access to everything the Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering has to offer. When you enroll at WMU you will explore these ideas and more, such as reducing chemical byproducts and improving waste treatment and the applications of nanotechnology and bio-engineering.

pride points

98%

of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences undergraduates participated in Experience-Driven Learning

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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$80K - $90K

median starting salary for recent chemical and paper engineering graduates working full time

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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99%

of College of Engineering and Applied Sciences graduates working full time are satisfied with their job

—2024-25 Career Outcomes Report
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Pursue a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering

From food and beauty items to fuel and electricity, chemical engineers work in most industries, pursue research or apply to medical or dental school. As a chemical engineering student, you can choose a focus that matches what you’re most interested in, such as energy, bio-engineering, environmental sustainability or pulp and paper.

You will participate in hands-on projects with local industry and engage in research. With professors who are leaders in their fields and academic advisors who guide your progress, your time at WMU culminates in a Senior Engineering Design project where you will be part of a team completing a project for industry.

Earn two bachelor’s degrees. Earn your bachelor's degree in both chemical engineering and paper engineering with just five extra classes. And if graduate school is in your future, you can save time and money with our accelerated master's in chemical engineering.

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I'm leaving this program feeling like I have real relationships with a lot of different industry professionals, which has helped me in deciding what I wanted to do in the industry and what opportunities are available.
— Elisha Ewing, B.S.E.’25

What you'll learn

As a chemical engineering student at WMU, you will study concepts and practice skills in the classroom that impact the world. Then, you will apply that knowledge to hands-on projects with local industry and engage in research.

Unique features

  • Adding 5 courses to your program will earn you a double major in both chemical and paper engineering.
  • Choose an emphasis area: energy management; life sciences; pollution prevention and sustainability; or pulp and paper.
  • Participate in career development, industry partnerships and hands-on projects by joining the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
  • Options to complete related certificates in graphics and printing science and  paper engineering.

Core courses

  • Chemical Engineering and Computation
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Chemical Engineering
  • Thermodynamics
  • Computer Modeling and Simulation
  • Bioprocess Engineering
  • Plant Economics and Project Design
  • Environmental Engineering
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Where you'll be after graduation

Chemical engineers are in demand in almost every industry. They discover, design, build and operate industrial processes that involve changes in the chemical composition, physical nature, or energy. You would be hard pressed to find anything you are using, at any time of day, that was not produced using the skills of a chemical engineer.

Recent graduates of our program are working in roles such as process engineer lab technician, chemical process engineer, pharmaceutical production technician and more. Some of hte companies they work for include Pfizer, USG, Graphic Packaging International, Kalsec, Zoetis and Performance Validation.

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Making the most of your learning experience

At WMU, you’ll gain hands-on experience and work with expert faculty. Internships and co-ops will boost the knowledge you build in your coursework. Beyond the classroom, you’ll compete in engineering challenges and connect with industry professionals by joining student organizations such as American Institute of Chemical Engineers and Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). Your Senior Engineering Design project will team you up with peers to apply your knowledge to a real industry project.

These experiences will help you stand out as you prepare for a successful career in aerospace engineering.

Learn more about Experience-Driven Learning
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A professor and a student in a chemical lab, working on a project. They are both wearing white lab coats.

What scholarships are available for chemical engineering students

A number of scholarships are available for students enrolled in chemical engineering at Western. We encourage you to apply for all scholarships that match your interests, career goals and financial or academic needs. 

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Frequently asked questions

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from WMU pursue careers in fields such as pulp and paper manufacturing, pharmaceutical engineering, medical and biological engineering, and more. They are also heavily involved in environmental issues. Graduates have job titles such as chemical process engineer, pharmaceutical production technician and quality analyst.

Yes, in the chemical engineering program you will learn through hands-on opportunities.

  • Professors incorporate hands-on learning into your coursework, including projects in academic labs.
  • WMU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences has more than 25 student organizations, including the American Institute for Chemical Engineering (AIChE) and Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI). These organizations allow you to compete and network with peers at other institutions while extending your learning.
  • Many students also complete internships or co-ops during their time in the program.
  • All students complete a Senior Engineering Design capstone project, where you work as a team to address real-world projects.

Yes, there are a number of scholarships available for students enrolled in the chemical engineering program at Western. You may also be eligible for additional scholarships from WMU. We encourage you to apply for all scholarships that match your interests, career goals and financial or academic needs. 

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As an engineering and applied sciences student, you should enjoy solving problems using math and science and possess a strong desire to make a difference in the world. Once you successfully complete pre-engineering requirements, you’ll apply to the upper-level professional program where you’ll dive deeper into your specific major.

View admissions information for first-year students

View admissions information for transfer students

Yes, we welcome students who are interested in transferring to WMU from a community college or other college or university. View transfer information and set-up an appointment to meet with an advisor.

Yes, we offer an accelerated degree program that allows you to complete a master’s degree in just one additional year. Weave graduate courses (up to 12 credits) into your undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from WMU, and earn both your B.S. and M.S. in chemical engineering. Learn more about accelerated master’s degrees at WMU and view the requirements for the accelerated master’s degree in chemical engineering.

Yes! Many students in the chemical engineering program participate in internships or co-ops during their time at WMU. They are great ways to gain experience. Internships are paid positions in your field. Co-ops are also paid positions and also offer an opportunity to earn credits toward your degree. 

As a WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences student, you'll also have access to many career development opportunities to be ready to land an internship or co-op.

Your professors and academic advisor can provide more information.

Western gives you options for receiving academic support in chemical engineering. Check with your professors or instructors during office hours to ask questions about your courses or find tutoring via the Bronco Study Zone.

Chemical engineering and paper engineering are closely linked. In fact, in either major, you can add five courses and earn degrees in both disciplines. Both have some of the highest starting salaries in engineering.

Chemical engineering is a broad program that can lead to careers in many industries. Paper engineering is a specialized area that typically leads to careers in pulp, paper, packaging and fiber products.

As a pre-engineering student, you'll spend time exploring many areas of study. Your academic advisor and professors will help your find your ideal path.