Chemical engineering

In your final year of the program, you will complete a team-based capstone project in which you design a full chemical process or plant. These projects are sourced from actual industry challenges, enabling you to collaborate with sponsors and mentors, developing real-world solutions using tools like AspenTech.

Through the use of remote-access labs, you’ll gain experience that reflects how chemical engineers work in the field today by controlling experiments remotely using larger process equipment and electronic displays. 

The remote labs will include some synchronous group meetings that enable you and your classmates to work together in real time. This setup is intended to mimic the collaborative environment of a physical lab, ensuring that you can interact effectively while conducting remote experiments.

Substantial semiconductor advances are taking place at Oregon State, and the university plays an active role in developing the next generation of semiconductor workers. The chemical engineering program is one of many at OSU that provides in-depth, rigorous learning opportunities that produce skilled graduates who are highly valued and in demand in the semiconductor sector.

Some degree requirements may be transferred from other institutions. Please note that a minimum of 45 credits of the last 75 credits in this degree program must be completed at Oregon State (online or on campus) to meet the academic residency requirement.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to OSU for appropriate articulation. Additional information about transferring credits is available through OSU’s Transfer Credit Central.

This program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET — a nonprofit, nongovernmental agency that offers accreditation through a voluntary peer review process. ABET only offers accreditation to degree programs like this one that meet the highest quality standards in preparing graduates for their professions.

You can be directly admitted into the chemical engineering degree program if you are considered ready to take calculus at OSU. This determination is based on the completed coursework shown on your transcripts and courses that are in progress or planned for later in the school year.

If you are not calculus-ready based on your application materials but are admitted to OSU, you will be invited to enroll initially as an undeclared student in the University Exploratory Studies Program or another non-engineering major of your choice. Rest assured, you will still have available pathways to enroll in the chemical engineering degree program. You can find full calculus-ready details on the Office of Admissions website.

Oregon State’s chemical engineering bachelor’s program will prepare you to take the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam, which is generally the first part in the process of becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE).

As an undergraduate degree-seeking student, you can apply to earn an honors degree online in your academic major. Earning this prestigious degree gives you the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research, complete a comprehensive thesis experience and engage in co-curricular activities.

You can gain highly specialized skills that are in demand by employers — and do it with less of a time and financial commitment — when you earn a certificate or microcredential online with Oregon State. Choose from a large collection of short-form offerings that can help you upskill quickly.