Chemical Engineering Department

What is Chemical Engineering?

Chemical engineering is the practice of developing economic ways of using materials and energy for the benefit of humankind.  

• Chemical engineers design, develop and operate industrial processes.
• Chemical engineers are NOT chemists, but we use chemical principles to help solve problems.
• The products we manufacture are all around you!

As one the highest paying professions, our graduates with a B.S. degree in chemical engineering obtain lucrative jobs (with starting salaries from $80,000 to $90,000+) in a variety of multinational corporations located in the tri-state area.  

• U.S. Department of Labor predicts a 9% increase in jobs in chemical engineering from 2020 to 2030 (faster than the average for engineering)
• The 2021 median pay for chemical engineers was $105,550 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Why Chemical Engineering at Manhattan College?

• The Student Learning Experience: The student to faculty ratio at Manhattan College is 11:1, nearly all of our classes have fewer than 20 students
• Job Placement: Over 90% of graduating seniors have a job or attend graduate school within 6 months of graduation
• Flexible Curriculum: Allows students to concentrate in either consumer products and cosmetic engineering, processing of novel materials, or biopharmaceutical engineering or a minor in environmental engineering.
• State-of-the-Art Laboratory Space: Every single one of our labs are either new or newly-renovated, containing state-of-the-art chemical engineering equipment. 
• The New York City Advantage: Our program has close ties to NYC and the opportunities it offers – conferences, networking events, and cultural enrichment.
• Active Student Clubs: Student clubs and organizations such as the Cosmetic Engineer and Chemist Society (CCS) and the student chapter of American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE).
• Professional Development - Graduates from our program are highly sought by employers because they are experienced problem solvers and have strong analytical, management, and communication skills.   

If you’re looking for an outstanding program, excellent teachers, a caring environment, small classes, a strong alumni network, a wide range of career opportunities and long-lasting friendships, you belong at Manhattan College.

Our Mission

Our mission is to prepare engineers with strong technical, communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills, while incorporating the Lasallian Heritage of Manhattan College. This mission enables our graduates to pursue wide-ranging career paths in chemical and related industries, advanced graduate studies, and to engage in lifelong learning.  

Electives and Focus Areas

Seamless Masters Program

Students with a minimum GPA of 3.4 (on a 4.0 scale) in chemical engineering can apply for this program, which grants them two degrees within five years: a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree.  

Internships and Job Placement

The department has an active internship program where freshmen through seniors are placed in prominent chemical, cosmetic, consumer goods, food & beverage and pharmaceutical companies.  Program graduates have gained employment at companies such as:

• Consumer Goods and Cosmetics: L'Oreal, Estee Lauder, Unilever, Air Products, Victoria's Secret, Avon, PespiCo, Honeywell
• Biopharmaceutical Engineering: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Pfizer, Regeneron, Wyeth
• Processing of Novel Materials: Global Foundries, Intel, IBM
• Process Engineering: Shell Chemical, Baker Hughes, Nexant

Jobs are secured through career fairs, on-campus recruiting and our strong alumni network.

Research Opportunities

Qualified students can obtain for credit and/or paid research assistantships leading to participation in regional and national competitions and conferences - valuable learning experiences for a career in research and development or pursuit of doctoral degree. 

Scholarships and Awards

Numerous merit and need-based scholarships and awards are available to students such as the Manhattan College Presidential Scholarship, the John V. Avella Memorial Scholarship, the Brother Burris Scholarship, and the Anthony Sartor Scholarship, the Daniel O’Shea Scholarship, the Joseph P. Reynolds Scholarship, the Robert Harris Award and the Air Products/James Strecansky Award.

The New York City Advantage

The Manhattan College chemical engineering program’s 60+ year history and location within New York City benefit students through the program’s professional connections within and beyond the tristate area.  The program attracts industry-leading professionals to the campus as adjunct faculty and guest speakers, and for alumni events that provide valuable networking opportunities for students in the chemical engineering community.