Chemical Engineering

Undergraduate Program

Introduction to the Major

The Chemical Engineering major equips students for professional work in development, design, and operation of chemical processes and of process equipment, as well as preparing students for graduate study. The program incorporates both breadth requirements and a technical curriculum to ensure that students develop a foundation in engineering and science along with developing the skills to write clearly, persuasively, and read critically and effectively.

Students go on to careers of leadership and innovation in chemical engineering and related fields, and expand the base of engineering knowledge through original research and creating new technologies that can benefit the public. The program is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET.

Study Options 

Students can pursue a concentration in biotechnology, chemical processing, environmental technology, materials science and technology, applied physical science, and business and management. 

Students can also choose to pursue a joint major with the College of Engineering in Materials Science or Nuclear Engineering.

Amplify Your Major

Chemical engineering allows you to craft elegant solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems — the program and faculty will transform you.
Aditya Nandy, recent graduate

Four-Year Student Timeline

First Year

Explore Your Major

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Second Year

Explore Your Major

  • Complete lower division prerequisites and start planning your upper division courses.

  • Review the college guidelines for study abroad.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

  • Browse the faculty research taking place in the college and talk to faculty about research opportunities for students.

  • Apply to a REU research program. Check Berkeley Lab and UCSF for more options.

  • Explore a career in education while gaining teaching skills with CalTeach.

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Third Year

Explore Your Major

  • Focus on upper division requirements.

  • Review your degree progress with your staff advisor.

  • Declare a concentration to give more focus to your upper division coursework.

  • Ask the staff advisor about the college honors programs.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

Fourth Year

Explore Your Major

  • Do a degree check to ensure you are on track to graduate.

  • Complete any “bucket list” courses and finish remaining major, college, and campus requirements.

  • Complement your major with a certificate, course thread, or summer minor.

Connect and Build Community

Discover Your Passions

Engage Locally and Globally

Reflect and Plan Your Future

What Can I Do With My Major?

Jobs and Employers

  • Applications Engineer, KLA-Tencor

  • Associate Analyst, ZS Associates

  • Consultant, IBM Corp

  • Engineer, ExxonMobil

  • Lab Tech., Full Cycle Bioplastics

  • Process Engineer, Abaxis

  • R&D Process Engineer, PLANTPV

  • Research Assistant, Zymergen 

Graduate Programs

  • BioPhysics, PhD

  • Chemical Engineering, PhD

  • Materials Engineering, PhD

  • Physical & Theoretical Chem. PhD

Examples gathered from the First Destination Survey of recent Berkeley graduates.

Learn More

Connect With Us

Cal Day

Come to Berkeley’s annual Open House in April for information sessions, campus tours, special talks, and more.

Golden Bear Orientation

Join your peers in the campus-wide UC Berkeley orientation program for all new students.

Events

Attend department events with students, staff, and faculty. Visit chemistry.berkeley.edu for news and updates.

Advising

Staff advisors are located in 121 Gilman Hall and are available to assist with schedule planning, course enrollment, study abroad, and other academic matters.

Faculty mentors are available to talk with you about career planning, research, internships, graduate school, and many other questions related to becoming a scientist.

Visit chemistry.berkeley.edu/ugrad/current-students/advisers to find your staff advisor and faculty mentor, and to book an appointment.

How to Use this Map

Use this map to help plan and guide your experience at UC Berkeley, including academic, co-curricular, and discovery opportunities. Everyone’s Berkeley experience is different and activities in this map are suggestions. Always consult with your advisors whenever possible for new opportunities and updates.