The normal period of residency at WPI is 16 terms. In addition to the WPI requirements applicable to all students, students wishing to receive the ABET-accredited degree designated “Chemical Engineering” must satisfy the distribution requirements shown below.
Program Educational Objectives
The Chemical Engineering Department has established the following objectives of the undergraduate program in support of our mission and that of the Institute. Graduates are expected to be able to attain these objectives within 5 years following graduation:
- Graduates will be able to use chemical engineering principles to solve problems of practical importance to society.
- Graduates will be productive and informed citizens of society as well as of their professional community and will be positioned for a lifetime of success.
- Graduates will be effective communicators.
Student Outcomes
In support of the three Program Educational Objectives, the Chemical Engineering Department has adopted the eleven Student Outcomes established in ABET Criteria 3, (1)-(7), listed below:
Students shall demonstrate:
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Program Distribution Requirements for the Chemical Engineering Major
Mathematics and Base Science (Minimum 12/3 Units)
Must include differential and integral calculus and differential equations. Must include 3 courses in chemistry, 2 courses in physics and 1 course in biology or biochemistry.
Engineering Science and Design (Minimum 18/3 Units)
Must include 3/3 unit of MQP, 1/3 unit of capstone design experience (e.g. CHE 4404 or CHE 4410), and at least 1/3 unit of engineering study outside the major. Courses used to satisfy this requirement must be at the 2000 level or above, with the exception of CHE 1011. Students may not count both CHE 1011 and ES 2002 as engineering electives. CS and DS courses are included in the category of engineering study.
Must include at least 4 units from the above list of core chemical engineering courses. Students may not count both CHE 4404 and CHE 4410 as core courses.
Advanced Chemistry and Natural Science (Minimum 5/3 Units)
Any 2000 level and above BB, CH, PH, or GE courses and CH 1040. Must include 3 advanced CH courses at 2000 level or above which does not include CH 1040. Up to 2/3 unit of Advanced Chemistry and Natural Science may be double counted under both Advanced Chemistry and Basic Science.
Concentrations for Chemical Engineering Majors
Chemical engineering majors may choose to focus their studies by obtaining one of the following Concentrations: Biological, Energy, Environmental, or Materials. A Concentration is not mandatory and some students will benefit from exploring a variety of areas rather than choosing to focus on one. The Concentrations require 3 units of study (potentially all of which may be double-counted towards the Chemical Engineering degree) comprised of the following: an MQP (that satisfies the Chemical Engineering degree requirement and covers a topic in the Concentration field) and 2 units from the appropriate list below. We have designed each concentration around a fundamental course offered annually in the Department (shown in bold for each concentration below) that students are encouraged to take. Students should consult their academic advisor for advice and the Chemical Engineering Department Undergraduate Committee for approval of an appropriate course of study. Appropriate experimental courses, ISUs, and other appropriate courses or projects, not on the current lists, may be applied towards a Concentration with approval from the Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Committee.