A chemistry degree usually requires you to take general chemistry, organic chemistry, physical chemistry, analytical chemistry, inorganic chemistry and biochemistry courses. It also includes taking physics and calculus courses, advanced chemistry electives, and technical writing. Finally, time in the laboratory and research projects encompass much of chemistry students' educations.
A chemical engineering degree requires you to focus much of their first two years on math, science, and engineering principles. You take most of the chemistry courses that chemistry majors take, although not the advanced chemistry courses. You also take calculus, including differential equations, and physics courses. Most of the intense chemical engineering courses are taken in the third and fourth years and encompass the study of heat, mass, and momentum transfer, equilibrium stage separations, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics and process control.
Research is a crucial aspect of the chemistry major. You must complete an intensive research project, if not more than one, in order to graduate. Undergraduate research provides hands-on experience with various instruments and techniques, one-on-one with faculty, and builds confidence and develops skills in the laboratory.
Completing design projects is crucial for the chemical engineering major. It teaches engineers to solve multi-tiered, open-ended problems. Students learn process design and product development and how each relates to economics and environmental impact. This prepares students for the real world of engineering where problems rarely have a single or simple solution.
Chemistry degree recipients often continue to medical, dental, pharmacy and graduate school programs. Other graduates go into industry, academia, government service, the health services, and private business. The degree in chemistry offers graduates the options of pursuing careers that involve research, leadership, and teaching positions.
Some chemical engineering graduates continue to medical school and graduate school programs. However, many chemical engineering graduates pursue careers as design engineers, process engineers, research and development engineers, and field engineers where they apply the knowledge and skills to large-scale production processes within major corporations. These positions can be in various sectors including industry and government. Others decide to work in academia.