Chemical Engineering (B.S.)

About

The University of Maine’s Chemical Engineering program prepares students for dynamic careers by combining a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and chemistry with advanced studies in engineering principles. Students learn to design, operate, and manage chemical processing systems to produce essential products such as fuels, semiconductors, and pharmaceuticals that improve everyday life.

The program emphasizes real-world problem-solving through laboratory work, design projects, and collaborative research opportunities. With small class sizes, personalized academic advising, and access to cutting-edge technology, students receive individual attention and hands-on experience. Through UMaine’s cooperative work experience program, students gain paid, practical training with industry leaders.

Requirements

A cumulative GPA not less than 2.0 in required CHE courses not including technical electives. Chemical Engineering program requires that students have a PC-compatible laptop computer capable of running Mathcad ©, Microsoft Office © and Aspen ©. Visit the Maine College of Engineering and Computing website for recommended configuration details.

Careers

Graduates are equipped to succeed in diverse fields including engineering, business, and healthcare. The program also meets prerequisites for professional pathways such as medical and veterinary school. With opportunities to work on groundbreaking projects like biofuel development, cancer imaging technologies, and molecular biosensors, UMaine chemical engineering students are empowered to drive innovation and transform industries.

Chemical Engineering graduates find employment in all the major process industries: petroleum refining, petrochemicals, commodity or specialty chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food processing, polymers, production of semiconductors and the pulp and paper industry. Job functions cover a wide range of activities including research and development, process design, control, operation and management of production facilities and technical sales.

Pulp & Paper Foundation

The University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation supports aspiring engineers studying at the University of Maine who are interested in pursuing careers in the paper industry.

The Process Development Center

The PDC is one of the top suppliers of cellulose nanomaterials in the world, providing nanomaterials to researchers and application developers at hundreds of businesses, laboratories, and educational institutions in over forty countries.

Forest Bioproducts Research Institute

The Forest Bioproducts Research Institute (FBRI) is UMaine’s commitment that Maine will become a regional, national and world leader in the transformation of resources to a valuable bio-economy.

Chemical Engineering students in a Paper Making Facility

At a Glance

Maine College of Engineering & Computing

Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering


Degree Level

Undergraduate Major

Degree Earned

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Mode of Study

In-Person

time to Complete Degree

120 Credits

Maine College of Engineering & Computing

Chemical & Biomedical

Accreditation

Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) of ABET


Degree Level

Undergraduate Major

Degree Earned

Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering

Mode of Study

In-Person

time to Complete Degree

120 Credits

Join the HonorS College

Open to students in all majors

Featured Courses

XXX 101

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XXX 101

Research Learning Experience

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Learn More about RLE Courses

Scholarships

Many Chemical Engineering undergraduates enjoy some degree of scholarship support. Students should inquire at the Office of Student Financial Aid to learn about opportunities. Additionally, the following scholarships are offered by the department on a competitive basis:

  • Eileen M. Byrnes Scholarship
  • S.T. Han Memorial Scholarship

Contact

Department of Chemical & Biomedical ENgineering

Peter Van Walsum

Jenness Hall, Room 117

mcec.umaine.edu/depts/chembio/

P

207.581.2277

Admissions

Undergraduate

Estabrooke Hall, Room 115

go.umaine.edu/

P

207.581.1561

F

207.581.1213

International

Chadbourne Hall, Room 122

go.umaine.edu/international-undergraduate-admissions/

P

207.581.3437

F

207.581.2920