Hi. I am looking at the ABET website at Chemical Engineering Programs and I see there are different types of ABET accredited programs. Some say just Chemical Engineering. Some say Chemical Molecular Engineering & some say Chemical Biomolecular Engineering. Teen wants to be a Chemical Engineer. I don’t know if teen has decided what specific area of Chemical Engineering yet. What is the difference between the three types of programs?
Tagging @momofboiler1 whose daughter is a chemical engineer.
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Perhaps if you look at different schools that offer different programs you’d see some of the differences.
For example, Stony Brook has four areas of study under Chemical & Molecular:
- Chemistry
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Physics
For Chemical and Biomolecular, UIUC says this:
Chemical and biomolecular engineering is a diverse and exciting field where you could find yourself creating life-saving medicines, turning carbon emissions into green energy, purifying contaminated water sources, or developing the next big food item to hit grocery store shelves. It’s all about using chemistry at scale to create a more efficient and sustainable world. Chemical engineers work in fuels and energy; biotechnology, including pharmaceuticals; foods and beverages; cosmetics and other consumer products; advanced materials and plastics.
You might look at course flows from three different schools - to compare a straight Chem Engineering major vs. the others or even reach out to - in this example - Stony and UIUC and ask them how these majors differ from their straight ChemE majors.
Good luck.
Chemical & Molecular Engineering (stonybrook.edu)
Undergraduate Admissions | Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering | UIUC (illinois.edu)
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The difference between the three is typically what is required for the engineering electives. If you do a chem E + program, you are locked into that concentration.
My D didn’t really know what area she wanted for chem e in HS either so for her, doing a straight chem E degree where she could add a concentration later in the process was what made the most sense. She didn’t start taking her electives for her concentration until junior year.
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