Chemical & Petroleum Engineering

Students working in the lab
A student working in the lab

A student performing an experiment with algae

Green Chemistry

Professor Mark Shiflett’s research on green chemistry and green engineering helps industry develop processes to use less energy and materials— while benefitting companies and the environment.

More Information About our Department

MAJORS OFFERED:

  • CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
  • PETROLEUM ENGINEERING

CONCENTRATIONS:

  • BIOMEDICAL ENVIRONMENTAL
  • MATERIAL SCIENCE
  • PRE-MEDICAL
  • PETROLEUM

Chemical engineers have nearly limitless career opportunities in one of America’s largest wealth-creation sectors. Career options include work in industries that produce lifesaving drugs, bottled water, engine oils, exotic metals, printing inks, polymers and advanced materials for electronics

Developing processes that improve the environment and manufacturing products to improve human health are central to chemical engineering at KU. Academic programs and state-of-the-art research ensure graduates are well-equipped to tackle these challenges and make a better tomorrow.

The new Earth, Energy and Environment Center is a multidisciplinary facility that houses faculty, staff and students from multiple fields, including chemical and petroleum engineering. Engineers work alongside geologists, astronomers, physicists, and researchers from other disciplines to develop improved methods in energy production and efficiency, and to address ongoing and emerging issues in oil and gas exploration, water quality and availability, geothermal energy, and more.

A student performing an experiment

A student performing an experiment with wine

Overview

Improving methods for drug delivery. Enhancing oil recovery techniques. Creating safer, environmentally friendly plastics. Whatever your passion, a diverse array of options are available to students pursuing a degree in chemical or petroleum engineering.

C&PE@KU

Who Hires KU Chemical & Petroleum Majors?

Bayer
Berexco
Black & Veatch
Boston Scientific
Burns & McDonnell
Catalent Pharma Solutions
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company
Colgate-Palmolive
Continental Resources
Deloitte
ExxonMobil Corporation
Halliburton Company
HollyFrontier Corporation
Koch Industries
Pfizer
Schlumberger
Valvoline
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Where do they Work?

Biotechnology
Consulting firms
Environmental Companies
Health care products
Chemical manufacturing companies
Oil and gas industry
Pharmaceutical firms

What are they paid?

Bachelor's degree candidates national average* starting salary range:

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING: $70,841 - $75,152

PETROLEUM ENGINEERING: $77,354 - $89,040

*Salaries from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)