Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Due to the changing relationship between human society, the economy and the natural environment, chemical and environmental engineers have many opportunities to make a meaningful and long-lasting contribution to their field. Students in this department work together to create multidisciplinary solutions that address today and tomorrow’s most pressing global problems.

Our Programs

Here in the ChEE department, we offer a unique, first two-year curriculum for the undergraduates in our programs through the integration of basic math, chemistry, physics, materials, transport phenomena, statistics and systems analysis, which also allows students to seamlessly transfer from one program to another if they so desire. When students graduate from our department, they are prepared to make a difference in the chemical and environmental engineering field with satisfying careers in private research firms, testing laboratories and government agencies, and in a wide array of industries in the chemical, pharmaceutical and manufacturing fields.

Chemical Engineering

Students gain knowledge to apply chemical reactions and separations to the development and production of new materials. Students learn how to design and optimize largescale processes to produce petrochemicals, plastics, fibers, fuel cells, pharmaceuticals and microelectronics.

Environmental Engineering

Students gain knowledge in green engineering design to explore sustainable solutions for controlling pollution and preserving resources. Common applications for environmental engineering include the analysis and design of water and wastewater treatment systems, solid waste substance management, air pollution control and sustainability. See how our students choose specialty areas and land impactful co-op jobs that shape their careers in environmental engineering.

Contact Us

For questions about undergraduate and graduate programs and degrees, visit the CEAS undergraduate or graduate admissions pages or email us:

Undergraduate Admissions: ceas.ug@uc.edu
Graduate Admissions: engrgrad@uc.edu

Sign up for a live virtual Graduate Information Session to learn more about CEAS programs and the application process.

News

In Memoriam: Gregory Beaucage, PhD

September 5, 2025

Gregory Beaucage, PhD, was internationally recognized for his contributions to polymer science and materials characterization. Beaucage, a University of Cincinnati professor in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, died July 14, 2025. His most influential work was the development of the Unified Scattering Function (USF), a breakthrough that transformed the use of small-angle scattering techniques in analyzing complex polymer systems.

Engineering graduate drafted by San Diego Padres

July 16, 2025

The Cincinnati Enquirer highlighted University of Cincinnati engineering graduate Kerrington Cross's journey to the major leagues. Waiting alongside hundreds of other baseball hopefuls, Kerrington Cross heard his name called on July 14. With the 220th overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft, Cross is headed to the San Diego Padres.

Two UC faculty named to UNESCO Chair

July 15, 2025

 Two University of Cincinnati professors who study environmental science and risk management were appointed to four-year terms as UNESCO university chair of natural sciences.

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