Chemical engineering involves the application of mathematics, chemistry and other natural sciences, such as biology, to develop economic ways of using materials and energy for the benefit of mankind. Chemical engineers are involved in developing, processing, and marketing such varied products as fuels, pharmaceuticals, foods, plastics, metals, microelectronics, and basic chemicals. [More].

Given the diverse applications of chemical engineering and the broad interests of our incoming students, the chemical engineering program has the following two objectives:

1. Graduates demonstrate technical competency, communication skills and breadth of knowledge in serving effectively in the chemical engineering profession and in becoming technical leaders in industry, government or academia.
2. Graduates engage successfully in advanced study in engineering and applied sciences and in professions such as law, business, and medicine.

Chemical engineers have historically been highly employable, with one of the highest average salaries among engineering disciplines. Additionally, approximately a quarter of U Va chemical engineering graduates go on to obtain advanced engineering, law, or medical degrees with the technical and rigorous training they receive in the program.

To prepare the students to enter engineering practice and enable them to pursue advanced degrees, the Chemical Engineering program seeks to produce graduates

1. Able to use science, engineering, mathematical, and computational knowledge, skills, and tools to formulate and solve problems involving the technological applications of chemistry and allied sciences.
2. Well-versed in the design, conduct, and interpretation of experiments to solve problems.
3. Competent to carry out process design functions that require not only technical expertise but also interdisciplinary contributions, knowledge of contemporary industrial practice, and an awareness of economic, environmental, and ethical considerations.
4. Able to communicate effectively to technological peers and to lay audiences.
5. Able to function as effective team players and team leaders.
6. Educated about the context in which engineering is practiced in the modern world and the professional responsibilities accompanying that practice.
7. Able to engage in life-long learning.