BS Chemical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University

Programme overview

Chemical Engineering is one of the most versatile professions--you'll find Chemical Engineers employed in a broad array of industries ranging from pharmaceutical and biotechnical companies to semiconductor manufacturing to start-up companies converting the latest laboratory discoveries to large-scale commercial production. Chemical Engineers work with catalysts to develop new ways to manufacture medicines and plastics; they develop control systems that enable the safe production of products from semiconductors to household soap; they design chemical and petroleum plants;

Faculty: College of Engineering | Duration: minimum 133 credits | Study mode: full-time | Location: University Park, PA, United States

What you will study

The degree requires a minimum of 133 credits, including General Education and the requirements for the major. Required courses include Computational Tools for Chemical Engineering, Introduction to Biomolecular Engineering, Mass Transfer Operations, Chemical Reaction Engineering, Chemical Process Safety, Design of Chemical Plants.

Career pathways

Our chemical engineering graduates work in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, specialty chemicals, and oil and gas. They also serve as consultants for various engineering applications including challenges in the environment.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

In order to be eligible for entrance to this major, students must satisfy the following requirements by the end of the semester during which the admission to major process is carried out. 29-55 graded Penn State credits (excludes transfer and AP credits) Completed with a C or better the following courses: EDSGN 100 , CHEM 110 , MATH 140 , MATH 141 , and PHYS 211 Attained at least a 2.6 cumulative grade point average * In the event that the major is under enrollment control, a higher minimum cumulative grade-point average is likely to be needed and students must be enrolled in the College of Engineering or Division of Undergraduate Studies at the time of confirming their major choice.

Domestic applicants: USD 26,778 a year (2026-27). University Park campus, upper division (junior and senior) full-time tuition per academic year (fall and spring), 'Business & Engineering Programs' rate band. Pennsylvania resident rate / Non-Pennsylvania rate (the schedule's non-PA column includes intern Source

International applicants: USD 52,656 a year (2026-27). University Park campus, upper division (junior and senior) full-time tuition per academic year (fall and spring), 'Business & Engineering Programs' rate band. Pennsylvania resident rate / Non-Pennsylvania rate (the schedule's non-PA column includes intern Source

Undergraduate applications are accepted for Fall, Spring and Summer entry; the application opens August 1 for Fall and Summer and June 1 for Spring.

Early Action: apply by November 1 to receive a decision by December 24. Recommended submission deadline for all applications: December 1. Applicants apply through the MyPennState application or the Common App. A nonrefundable application fee is paid by credit card; fee waivers are available to eligible students.

Apply through the official page: https://admissions.psu.edu/apply/

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