Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering
OVERVIEW
Who is this program for?
The bachelor’s degree program in chemical engineering is perfect for students who have a passion for using math, chemistry, physics and biology to solve real-world problems. Whether it’s working on sustainable energy, developing new medicines or medical devices, improving food production, or creating a better environment, chemical engineers are at the center of it all. Students gain expertise in engineering fundamentals such as fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, separations processes and reaction engineering that not only prepare them for successful careers in numerous industries but also set them up well to pursue advanced degrees.
Program Overview
The program begins with a strong foundation in chemistry, mathematics, physics, and biology during the first year. This foundational knowledge is then applied in core chemical engineering courses such as mass and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, separations, reaction engineering, process control, and chemical process safety and sustainability. In the third and fourth years, students engage in hands-on learning through laboratory courses and a capstone design project, where they collaborate on real-world challenges proposed by industry partners. This practical experience reinforces classroom learning and prepares students for professional practice.
Students have the flexibility to tailor their education by choosing electives in specialized areas including bioengineering, drug delivery, distilled spirits, energy conversion, environmental engineering, biomaterials, nanotechnology, and polymers, among others. Certificate programs are also available in Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Power and Energy, and Distillation, Wine, and Brewing, offering deeper expertise in specific fields.
The First Year Engineering Experience
All first-year Engineering majors participate in the First Year Experience Program offered by the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering. The First-Year Engineering (FYE) Program is designed to orient students to the wide range of engineering disciplines and allows students to take engineering classes on day one. FYE classes present foundational knowledge from all our undergraduate majors and equip students with the confidence to pursue any degree program they are interested in.
Our Accreditation
This program is accredited by ABET, the recognized global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. This accreditation ensures that our programs meet the highest standards of quality and prepare students to enter the global workforce as well-qualified engineering professionals. Read more about this accreditation.
Related Careers
Chemical engineers are employed in a broad array of industries, such as oil and natural gas, renewable and alternative energy, food and consumer goods, specialty chemicals, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, environmental engineering, polymers, and electronic materials, among others. Many of our graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees in fields like chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, pharmacy, business, law, and medicine. Our pre-medical track provides excellent preparation for students planning to attend medical school.
Graduates have landed positions in industries across the nation including Dow, Procter and Gamble, Eastman Chemical, Catalant, and others and have also pursued advanced degrees in chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, pharmacy, business, law and medicine. If you want to make a difference in the world by inventing new technologies that improve lives, chemical engineering is for you!
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What You'll Learn
The Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering program focuses on the transformation of raw materials into valuable products through chemical, physical, and biological processes. Students study core topics such as thermodynamics, reaction engineering, transport phenomena, and process design, while gaining experience with computational tools and laboratory techniques. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving, systems thinking, and innovation in designing safe, efficient, and sustainable processes. Expand the menu below to view a sample curriculum plan.
Degree requirements, course descriptions and academic policies for all programs are detailed in the University Catalog.
Transfer in using our KCTCS Pathway
This program has a degree pathway from KCTCS, allowing students a seamless transfer process to obtain their bachelor's degree from the University of Kentucky.
View Pathways
Get a Head Start with an
Accelerated Pathway
This program is part of the Accelerated Master's Pathways program. If you plan to obtain a related master's degree, this program can save you time and money with dual credit hours when you sign up.
Admission Requirements
- Official High School Transcript with Pre-College Curriculum: View transcript requirements on the Undergraduate Admission webpage.
- Test Scores (optional): ACT or SAT scores can be submitted but are not required for university admission.
Any "Program Specific Requirements" that display below are specific to the program and will be required for admission to the program.
Application Requirements
Completed applications include an official high school transcript, application fee ($50 domestic/$60 international) and optional official ACT/SAT score (the University of Kentucky is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year).
Program Specific Requirements
Students apply and enter this program as "Pre-Chemical Engineering" majors. Students are fully admitted to the program when they complete the pre-major requirements. View specifics in the Academic Catalog.
The minimum entry requirements for admission into the Pigman College of Engineering as a first-time freshmen student are both:
- ACT math score of 25 or higher, or the SAT equivalent of 590 or higher, and an
- Unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Additionally, students must meet the minimum Kentucky statewide academic readiness requirements for Reading and Writing to be admitted to the Pigman College of Engineering:
- Reading: Students must have an ACT Reading subscore of 20 or above (or SAT subscore of 25 or above in Critical Reading);
- English/Writing: Students must have an ACT English subscore of 18 or above (or SAT of 25 or above in Writing).
- Students who do not meet the reading/writing requirements will be required to take the ACCUPLACER exam and receive a score of 244 or better.
- Students who do not meet the minimum score on the ACCUPLACER will be required to take APP courses (UK 120 for Reading and UK 130 for Writing) and can be considered for admission to the College of Engineering after successful completion of these courses.
Test scores do not have to come directly from the testing agency. ACT/SAT scores listed on your official high school transcript are acceptable too.
Optional Test Scores
If you cannot take or choose not to submit ACT or SAT scores with your admission application, admission into the Pigman College of Engineering as a first-time freshmen student is based on meeting one of the following:
- 3.0 unweighted high school GPA and calculus on transcript
- 3.3 unweighted high school GPA and pre-calculus on transcript
- 3.65 unweighted high school GPA
Alternative Admission Routes
For students who meet the 3.0 high school GPA requirement but not the ACT/SAT requirement or the test optional requirements, alternative admission routes include:
- A score of 3 or above on the Calculus AB portion of the Advanced Placement Exam, or
- Eligibility to enter MA 110 based on the proctored UK Math Department Placement Exam. Learn more about the proctored ALEKS math placement exam and register to take it.
Students who are not initially admitted into the Pigman College of Engineering may apply at a later date as a transfer student.
Transfer Students
Engineering has established transfer pathways with nearly two dozen partner institutions enabling students to seamlessly transfer into any of our degree programs.
Application Deadlines
Freshman
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Early Action
- 12/01/2025 Apply early to be considered for Lewis Honors College, scholarships, or on-campus living.
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Regular Decision
- 02/15/2026
Transfer
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Fall Scholarship
- 06/15/2025 Apply early to be considered for scholarships.
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Fall
- 08/01/2025
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Spring
- 11/15/2025
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Summer
- 04/15/2025
Explore Financial Aid Options
Undergraduate degree-seeking students have access to a variety of financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and student loans, designed to make education more affordable.
Expand Your Learning
Beyond the classroom, students can enhance their education through internships, co-operative education (co-ops), research opportunities, and study abroad programs. Overall, the program is structured to provide students with strong technical knowledge and meaningful practical experience, equipping them for successful careers in industry or for advanced study in graduate or professional programs.
Get Involved!
Students who get involved in activities outside of the classroom tend to do better academically and develop meaningful relationships with others at UK. Our network of student organizations and activities has something for everyone, from academic to professional to fun!
Join the Engineering Living Learning Program
The ELLP provides a welcoming community for engineering and computer science students to be supported academically and establish meaningful connections with other students.
This residential experience complements classroom expectations by integrating students into the engineering community with programs centered on professional development and academic support. In addition, the ELLP provides students with opportunities to interact with College of Engineering faculty, alumni, industry partners, academic advisors, engineering student organizations, and Peer Mentors. Peer Mentors are hand-selected to support new students during their transition to the University of Kentucky.
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Discover your Future
At the University of Kentucky, we provide personalized support, innovative resources, and countless opportunities to help you turn your aspirations into achievements.
