What Are the Math Requirements for Chemical Engineering?

Chemical engineering is the field of engineering concerned with the operation, production, and manufacturing of products through various chemical processes.

Like all types of engineering, there are certain chemical engineering math requirements. The math requirements for a chemical engineering degree usually include some amount of calculus as well as other mathematics.

Keep reading to learn more about typical chemical engineering math requirements and other requirements needed for a chemical engineering degree.

Math Skills Required for a Chemical Engineering Degree

Chemical engineering programs don't require as much math as many other fields of engineering, and often these math courses must be completed before you dive into your major courses.

Students in bachelor's degree programs usually spend their first two years taking their general education courses and the prerequisite courses for their major.

Math Courses for Chemical Engineering

A common math prerequisite for chemical engineering is a course or two of basic calculus, which is the mathematical study of continuous change. Other math requirements you may encounter include:

• analytic geometry - geometry that uses coordinates to determine the position of points
• differential equations - the study of equations that define a relationship between functions and their derivatives
• linear algebra - a type of algebra dealing with linear equations, vectors, and matrices
• multivariable calculus - calculus that studies functions with two or more variables
• single-variable calculus - calculus that studies functions of one variable
• statistics - a type of applied math that covers the collection, analysis, and conclusions of data
• vector calculus - a type of calculus concerned with differentiation and integration of vector fields

Once the general education courses and prerequisite courses are complete, students will then spend the next two or so years taking courses for their major.

Chemical engineering students need to start with a strong foundation in mathematics because engineering relies heavily on mathematical principles, and chemistry employs mathematics as well, like when balancing chemical equations.

While chemical engineering core courses don't always require math, you may encounter courses like 'Applied Mathematics for Chemical Engineering' that directly relate to your program.

Most of the time, colleges and universities will post program requirements on their website. If you're still unsure what math courses you need for your chemical engineering major, contact your student advisor.

Other Requirements for Chemical Engineering

Math courses are just one small part of a chemical engineering degree. There are many other courses required for chemical engineering students as well.

In addition to math, common fields required for general education courses include classes in areas like English composition, history, or humanities and art.

There are also other prerequisite courses besides math that chemical engineering students will need to take. These include introductory chemistry and engineering courses, but also often include physics courses as well.

Every college and university will have a specific core chemical engineering curriculum that students need to complete. These courses typically cover topics like fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics, along with hands-on laboratory work.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Degree in Chemical Engineering?

Chemical engineering bachelor's degree programs usually require around 120 credit hours to complete. For a student studying full-time, this takes about four years to earn.

Master's degrees usually require between 30 to 40 credits. Depending on the degree program, this can take one to three years to complete. Students who study full time finish faster.

Full time is usually considered 12 credits or more per 16-week semester. Some students prefer to study part time with a lighter course load, especially if they lead busy lives outside of school. However, this means it will take longer to finish.

If you have previous college experience, you may be able to transfer in prior-earned credits to cut down on the amount of coursework you still have to do. Check with your advisor or admissions counselor to see what's possible.

Find a Chemical Engineering Program Today

Chemical engineering programs often require basic calculus as well as some amount of other math courses. For more information about chemical engineering degree math requirements or for help finding a program, reach out to Learn.org today.