The Department of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon is one of the oldest in the country, tracing its roots back to 1905. The first diplomas in Chemical Engineering Practice were awarded in 1908. Now, Carnegie Mellon's Department of Chemical Engineering offers the following degrees in Chemical Engineering: Bachelor of Science; Master of Science; Master of Chemical Engineering; Master of Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces; and the Doctor of Philosophy. The department has roughly 17 full time equivalent faculty and a dozen associated faculty. The student body consists of ~180 students at the sophomore, junior and senior levels of the undergraduate program, ~20 Masters students and ~80 PhD students. In addition, the department is home to ~20 researchers from around the world.

The department emphasizes problem-solving techniques in the learning of basic principles in chemical engineering science and process systems engineering. The undergraduate degree program is accredited by ABET.  Computing is integrated throughout the curriculum, and extensive use is made of software for mathematical modeling and simulation in the department's Computational Laboratory.  The Rothfus Laboratory features state-of-the-art experiments with applications in environment, product development, safety, and computerized data acquisition and control.  Undergraduate students can obtain degrees with a variety of associated minors such as those in Colloids, Polymers and Surfaces or Supply Chain Management. In addition, double degree programs are available with the Department of Biomedical Engineering or the Department of Engineering and Public Policy. The Fifth year Masters Degree program provides students the opportunity to obtain a Masters Degree with one additional year of coursework. Some students with sufficient advanced placement are able to complete these requirements in just four year. The department's educational program also strives to broaden the experience of students by offering a significant number of electives, an active program for undergraduate research, international exchange programs and opportunities to participate in summer internships.

The objectives of the chemical engineering undergraduate curriculum have been developed with feedback from the faculty, alumni, current students and our advisory board. The curriculum and programs are designed so that students of the Chemical Engineering Department will have the education, skills and abilities necessary to succeed. The objectives of the department are that graduates will obtain employment or attend graduate school, will advance in their chosen careers, and will be productive and fulfilled professionals throughout their careers.