Of all the undergraduate engineering programs at UW-Madison, the chemical engineering curriculum is unique in that it includes a thorough study of chemistry along with math and physics. Through this broader scientific training, CBE students learn to deal with problems involving chemical reactions and changes as well as those entailing only physical phenomena.

Career Connection 2006 drew a record-setting 250 employers over three days to the Engineering Centers Building. (Large image)

The program's objective is to develop each student's ability to analyze, invent and apply chemical processes and products. Basic science and math studies are combined with fundamental courses in chemical engineering and other engineering areas. Additionally, each CBE student selects a sequence of courses in liberal studies. This academic balance is necessary because the success of chemical engineers depends upon a broad-based educational background along with an understanding of society, as well as scientific and technological competence.

Another facet of UW-Madison's chemical engineering program that sets it apart from others is an intensive five-week unit operations lab course for seniors held in the summer. This required lab allows students to use equipment similar to that found in industrial chemical plants to solve problems resembling those they will encounter throughout their careers. A BS degree in chemical engineering can lead to employment in industrial, government or private labs; in chemical-processing-industry operations; or in engineering design and construction companies. Some of the more common areas on which chemical engineers focus their efforts include energy resources, synthetic organic materials, exotic metals, computer chip manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, plastics, food processing, waste treatment, pollution abatement, biotechnology, and pulp and paper. With a selection of several technical electives available in the curriculum, and the opportunity for independent-study courses, students can develop expertise in areas of specific interest. Chemical engineering graduates are among those most sought after by corporate recruiters. Bachelor of science graduates also go on to post-graduate studies in chemical engineering or professions such as business, medicine and patent law.