Online Chemical Engineering Degrees & Schools

Accredited online chemical engineering degrees are offered by 20 colleges and are available at the bachelor's, master's, and certificate levels. Chemical engineering incorporates and applies math and science principles to problems that arise in the production of drugs, food, fuel, chemicals, and other products. Those who choose to pursue this degree path must have a strong grasp of math, science, and engineering principles, and enjoy solving complex problems.

Prospective online chemical engineering students should make sure to attend a school that has earned both regional and Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology accreditation. Accreditation at both the regional and programmatic level helps to ensure that the education students receive is relevant and meets national standards. 

Comprehensive List of Accredited Online Schools - Chemical Engineering Degrees

Online Degree Overview & Career Information

Online chemical engineering degrees are available at the bachelor's, master's, and certificate level. A bachelor's degree in chemical engineering is required to find entry-level work. At the master's level, a graduate will be more qualified for advanced leadership and management roles. There are also certificate programs available in chemical engineering and related subjects, which can be earned at the graduate level after a bachelor's degree has already be completed. A certificate may be a good fit for someone who wishes to diversify their skill set and become qualified for more advanced positions, but who isn't ready to or interested in pursuing a full graduate degree.

The Importance of an Accredited Online Chemical Engineering Degree

When choosing an online chemical engineering program, students should make sure their schools of choice are both institutionally and programmatically accredited. Schools that have earned institutional accreditation at the regional level have met national standards for educational quality that have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Attending an accredited school is crucial for students who are hoping to apply for federal financial aid or who may want to transfer credits between institutions of higher education.

In addition to regional accreditation, students should look for online degree programs that are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET is the predominant accrediting body for engineering and technology degrees in the United States. Attending an ABET-accredited program helps to ensure that the engineering education offered meets the highest standards for quality and relevance. Many engineering employers look for ABET accreditation when hiring so attending such a program is beneficial to students' future professional pursuits. 

Careers in Chemical Engineering

Graduates of online chemical engineering programs may go on to work as chemical engineers, using aspects of science and math to find solutions to various problems that have to do with making products like food, fuel, drugs, chemicals, and others. They can work in many different settings, such as manufacturing plants, laboratories, refineries, and offices. Day-to-day duties may include conducting research to find ways to make production procedures more efficient and making sure equipment meets safety and environmental standards.

Chemical engineers also spend time determining the most effective way to lay out equipment and run different types of tests to measure performance levels in various production processes. A chemical engineer may choose to specialize in certain areas like biological engineering or nanomaterials or focus on a particular chemical process like polymerization or oxidation. To advance in their careers, chemical engineers may choose to obtain Professional Engineering licenses, but this isn't as commonly required as it is in other engineering fields. Most advancement opportunities in chemical engineering come through experience and higher education.