Chemical Engineering

About Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is the engineering of transformation: turning raw materials, energy and ideas into useful products and processes. Chemical engineers design processes and systems that produce fuels, pharmaceuticals, food products, advanced materials, semiconductors, consumer products, clean water, medical technologies and many other essentials of modern life.

The Department of Chemical Engineering at Tennessee Tech prepares students to solve complex, real-world problems through a strong foundation in science, mathematics, engineering analysis and design. Our students learn to think across scales, from molecules and materials to equipment, plants and global systems. They also learn to consider safety, sustainability, economics, ethics and the needs of society as part of responsible engineering practice.

Our program emphasizes hands-on learning, close faculty interaction and practical experience. Students build technical confidence through laboratory courses, computational tools, team projects, undergraduate research, co-ops, internships and senior design. These experiences help students connect classroom concepts to the kinds of challenges chemical engineers encounter in industry, graduate school and professional practice.

Tennessee Tech chemical engineering graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in chemical manufacturing, energy, biotechnology, environmental protection, advanced materials, food and consumer products, pharmaceuticals, nuclear technology and emerging fields. Many also continue into graduate study or pursue careers in medicine, law, business, public service or entrepreneurship.

Mission & Vision

The mission of the Department of Chemical Engineering is to prepare relevant and adaptive chemical engineers in state-of-the-art areas by emphasizing real-world problem solving and critical thinking skills.

The vision of the Department of Chemical Engineering is to be a recognized leader in chemical engineering education through excellence in teaching, research and service.