Worcester Polytechnic Institute

What you'll study

The Chemical Engineering BS provides a core sequence of mathematics, chemistry and physics followed by discipline-specific engineering courses and extensive laboratory and project work. Early studies typically cover calculus, differential equations, general and organic chemistry, physics, and computer programming. Core chemical engineering topics include thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, transport phenomena, reaction engineering and process control.

Laboratory and design experiences are integrated throughout the programme: you will complete wet and computational labs, take courses in separations and unit operations, and work on process design projects that emphasise safety, sustainability and economic considerations. Elective options allow specialisation in areas such as biochemical and biomedical engineering, materials and polymers, energy and environmental engineering, or process systems engineering.

A distinctive element of the WPI curriculum is project-based learning: students complete interdisciplinary projects, including the Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) focused on the societal context of technology and the Major Qualifying Project (MQP), a team-based capstone in chemical engineering that applies technical knowledge to a real problem often sponsored by industry or faculty research labs.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary-school diploma with a strong record in mathematics and science. Typical preparation includes courses in calculus (or precalculus with advanced maths), chemistry and physics. Admissions decisions consider the overall academic profile, teacher references and any project, laboratory or extracurricular experience that demonstrates interest in engineering.

Because the programme is mathematically intensive, successful applicants generally have strong skills in calculus and problem solving. For international applicants, evidence of equivalent preparation in STEM subjects and competence in English are required. Prospective students who have completed college-level courses or relevant internships may be able to place out of introductory classes or receive advanced standing; specific credit transfer is assessed on an individual basis.

Career prospects

Graduates with a BS in Chemical Engineering enter a wide range of industries. Common roles include process engineer, design engineer, production engineer, quality and process control specialist, and research and development engineer. Chemical engineers from WPI also work in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, energy and renewables, materials and polymers, food and beverages, environmental engineering and consulting, and manufacturing.

Many alumni pursue graduate study in chemical engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering or business. The programme’s project emphasis and WPI’s industry connections also support transitions into roles in project management, technical sales, regulatory affairs and entrepreneurship.

Why study at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI is known for its project-based curriculum that embeds real-world problem solving into every stage of study; chemical engineering students benefit from team-based capstone projects and interdisciplinary IQPs that build communication and systems-thinking skills. Class sizes and faculty mentorship support close interaction with professors and research opportunities in departmental labs and interdisciplinary centres.

WPI’s strong ties with regional and global industry provide internship and co-op opportunities, sponsored MQPs and pathways to employment. The campus environment emphasises hands-on work, computational modelling and laboratory practice, preparing graduates to enter technical roles confidently or to continue into postgraduate study.