Undergraduate Curriculum

Program graduates will leave Cornell with knowledge of fundamentals in chemistry, math, and physics; an understanding of chemical engineering fundamentals and unit operations; mastery of a specialized technical area; the ability to communicate effectively; and much more.

Curriculum for Cornell’s B.S. in chemical engineering program is built around these four components:

A foundation in math, chemistry, and physics as part of the College of Engineering common curriculum
Development of chemical engineering analytical tools (fluid mechanics, chemical thermodynamics, and chemical kinetics)
Analyzing units of chemical processes (chemical reactors, bioreactors, distillation columns, and heat exchangers) with analytical tools
Designing chemical processes with regard to economics, safety, and environmental impact

Learn more about undergraduate program outcomes as you’re researching career options and deciding if chemical engineering is the best program for you.

You can also browse Cornell’s courses of study for CHEME course descriptions and credit information.

Program Information

Affiliation Criteria

Students in the College of Engineering apply for affiliation with a major during their second year of study. In order to affiliate with the chemical engineering major, you must meet the school’s requirements.

Degree Requirements

You will need a minimum of 131 credits to graduate with a B.S. in chemical engineering. See how these requirements fit into a typical course sequence.

Focus and Minors

Customize your chemical engineering degree with a specialization or minor. You can choose to focus in depth on an area that will directly benefit your career or support your interests.