math and chemical engineering double major?

iitcheme
Fri, 20 Sep 2013 16:50:41 +0000

I am a senior in chemical engineering right now, not doubling in math but hopefully I can help.

First, I agree with ucbalumnus that other majors like econ and cs are going to be more relevant than and engineering major, except maybe computer engineering. Chemical engineering has math in the coursework, but RARELY will you use math in your actual career as an engineer. The only exception to that would be if you get a Ph.D and become a research scientist or professor.

Second, just to clarify based on micahsj’s comment, chemical engineering is NOT chemistry. If you like chemistry, that’s a good start if you want to do chemical engineering. But most coursework and job work will be closer to a mechanical engineer than a chemist. You are sizing reactors, troubleshooting heat exchangers, designing and cost estimating new processes. Not researching chemial reactions and mechanisms, doing calculus, or finding new ways to synthesize things.