Chemical engineering is shaping the future, and you can be part of it
Chemical engineers transform basic building blocks into the products and technologies we rely on every day. They thrive in positions where precision meets innovation, and when you earn your chemical engineering degree online from Oregon State University, you can become one of these in-demand professionals.
What do chemical engineers do today?
Chemical engineers work on a wide range of projects — from designing new systems to improving existing processes — in industries that touch nearly every aspect of modern life.
The demand for chemical engineers is robust, with about 1,100 job openings expected yearly. The median starting annual salary for new graduates is $79,000, while the overall median salary is $160,000.
Wondering where these professionals work? Oregon State’s College of Engineering has compiled a detailed, data-driven overview of what chemical engineers are doing today.
No matter your interests, there’s a path in chemical engineering where you can make a meaningful impact.
Q&A about chemical engineering careers
We asked Chih-hung Chang, professor and associate head for undergraduate programs with the OSU’s College of Engineering, to tell us more about a chemical engineer’s role within two specific industries and why earning a degree online is a good option.
What sets chemical engineers apart?
“Chemical engineers have a unique skill set that allows them to translate fundamental scientific discoveries into practical technologies. They handle chemical transformations — whether at the level of individual molecules or entire manufacturing processes — and use their problem-solving skills to tackle complex, real-world challenges.”
How are chemical engineers helping to solve some of today’s pressing issues?
“By combining deep technical expertise with systems thinking and a focus on scalability and impact, chemical engineers are helping to build a more resilient, sustainable and prosperous future.
“Chemical engineers are well-positioned to improve the efficiency of food and water systems, develop cleaner energy solutions, reduce waste and remediate environmental damage. This makes the field especially appealing for students who want their engineering work to matter.”
Can you think of an industry in which chemical engineers are uniquely suited?
“Chemical engineers play a critical role in the semiconductor industry. At its core, semiconductor manufacturing is a highly complex chemical process that requires precise control over materials, reactions and transport at the nanoscale — exactly the areas where chemical engineers excel.”
What do chemical engineers do in the semiconductor industry?
“They develop the materials and processes used to fabricate integrated circuits on semiconductor wafers. Those wafers power everyday technologies, such as smartphones and AI-enabled computing systems.
“Chemical engineers also lead efforts in process integration, scale-up and manufacturing optimization.
“Engineers also help with semiconductor tasks like logic, memory, power and packaging, all while ensuring safety, sustainability and resilience in chemical and material supply chains.”
Chemical engineers have traditionally worked in the energy sector, but that industry is changing. Do chemical engineers still have a role to play?
“Absolutely. Today’s energy landscape is rapidly diversifying, with strong growth in batteries, solar, renewable and synthetic fuels, hydrogen, carbon capture and advanced nuclear systems.
“Chemical engineers are uniquely prepared to contribute across this spectrum, thanks to their training in thermodynamics, reaction engineering, transport phenomena and system- and plant-scale thinking.
“They bring a holistic perspective, integrating economics, lifecycle analysis and environmental impact into technical decisions. By combining molecular-level insight and systems-level engineering, chemical engineers are essential contributors to energy innovation and the transition to a sustainable future.”
Are chemical engineers working on clean energy solutions, too?
“Yes. In research, they help discover new materials, catalysts, electrolytes and reaction pathways that improve energy conversion, storage and efficiency. They turn lab breakthroughs into scalable processes and design large-scale, energy-efficient systems for emerging technologies.”
What are some of the key benefits of Oregon State’s online chemical engineering degree?
“Courses are taught by experienced Oregon State faculty who are active researchers and practitioners in fields such as energy systems, advanced materials, biochemical processing and semiconductor manufacturing. Their industry and research experience keep instruction aligned with current technologies, emerging challenges and professional standards.
“Students develop a strong foundation in chemistry, physics and mathematics before progressing to topics such as chemical reactor design, transport phenomena, electrochemical systems and process control.
“Graduates leave with deep technical expertise, practical experience and the critical thinking, ethical judgment and communication skills expected of professional chemical engineers.”
How does Oregon State deliver laboratory experiences in an online program?
“A defining feature of the program is its innovative, hands-on laboratory experience delivered through multiple complementary modalities. Students participate in remote-access laboratories that provide live interaction with complex chemical engineering unit operations, allowing them to collect real data from industrial-scale equipment.
“These experiences are reinforced by fun, fundamental at-home laboratory kits that build intuition for core principles through physical experimentation.
“In parallel, virtual and computational laboratories enable students to model processes, simulate systems and explore design trade-offs using professional software and digital tools.”
Start your career today
Oregon State’s chemical engineering degree online prepares you for chemical engineering careers in cleanrooms, laboratories, industrial kitchens, pharmaceutical firms and more. Your education could take you to places you never thought possible.
Discover more about learning online with nationally ranked Oregon State University.
