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Chemical Engineering Concentration in Engineering
A chemical engineering concentration focuses on chemical processes, reaction engineering, and materials science at the molecular level. It typically builds on the engineering program core and adds courses in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and process design. Most schools offer this track at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, and much of the coursework can be completed through an online engineering degree.
Quick Answers
What is a chemical engineering concentration in engineering?
A chemical engineering concentration is a focused set of courses within an engineering program that emphasizes chemical processes, reaction engineering, and materials transformation.
What do you typically study in this concentration?
Coursework includes chemical reaction engineering, transport phenomena, process design, thermodynamics, and materials science.
Is this concentration available online?
Many schools offer this concentration online, but availability depends on degree level and start-term scheduling.
Back to Engineering Concentrations
At a Glance
- Focus area: Chemical processes, reaction engineering, and materials transformation
- Degree levels: Commonly available at bachelor’s and master’s level
- Career alignment: Chemical Engineer – $125,040 median (BLS, May 2025)
- Job growth: 2.6% projected growth, 2024-2034 (BLS, May 2025)
- Employment: 20,330 chemical engineers employed nationally (BLS, May 2025)
- Online availability: Available at select accredited programs
For an overview of all degree paths, see the Engineering Program Guide, and review the typical engineering curriculum and accreditation standards that apply across concentrations.
What you typically study
| Course Topic | What You Learn |
|---|---|
| Chemical Reaction Engineering | Reactor design, kinetics, and conversion optimization |
| Transport Phenomena | Heat, mass, and momentum transfer in chemical systems |
| Process Design | Plant design, process flow diagrams, and safety analysis |
| Chemical Thermodynamics | Phase equilibria, solution thermodynamics, and energy balances |
| Materials Science | Polymer science, catalysis, and materials characterization |
| Chemical Engineering Lab | Process experiments, instrumentation, and data analysis |
Questions to ask before choosing this concentration
- How many courses are required versus elective options?
- Are there prerequisite courses for this track?
- Does the concentration include a capstone or applied project?
- Is the concentration available online and in your desired term?
How engineering concentrations compare
| Concentration | Focus Area | Related BLS Career | Median Salary (BLS, May 2025) | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | Thermal systems, mechanics, design | Mechanical Engineer | $102,320 | 9.1% |
| Electrical Engineering | Circuits, power systems, electronics | Electrical Engineer | $111,910 | 7.2% |
| Civil Engineering | Structures, transportation, water | Civil Engineer | $99,590 | 5.0% |
| Computer Engineering | Hardware, embedded systems, digital | Computer Hardware Engineer | $155,020 | 7.3% |
| Industrial Engineering | Optimization, operations, quality | Industrial Engineer | $101,140 | 11.0% |
| Chemical Engineering | Processes, materials, reactions | Chemical Engineer | $121,860 | 2.6% |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Next Steps
- Explore related roles in the engineering careers guide and pay context in the engineering salary guide.
- Compare accredited online programs across the online colleges hub.
- Consider a related track such as the mechanical engineering concentration.
Data verified: June 7, 2026. Salary, employment, and tuition figures on this page are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS May 2025; Employment Projections 2024–2034) and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (2023 cohort). The source agency and data year are cited inline with every statistic.