Chemical Engineering
“Honestly, I really didn’t understand what I was getting into. The name ‘chemical engineer’ doesn’t really describe the vastness of the field. Chemical engineers can work in any process.”
– Jessica V., CHE ’06
What Is Chemical Engineering Anyway?
Forget the lab coat stereotype. Chemical engineering isn’t just test tubes and formulas, rather it’s the art of transforming raw materials into the everyday essentials we all rely on. From sustainable packaging and clean water to zero-waste manufacturing, chemical engineers are the problem-solvers building a cleaner, smarter future.
They combine chemistry, math, physics, and engineering to develop new processes or improve existing ones. Their goal is to find ways to reduce waste, use fewer materials, reclaim or reuse byproducts, and improve overall efficiencies.
A chemical engineering degree isn’t about becoming a chemist—it’s about becoming an engineer of innovation, sustainability, and real-world change.
Busting the Myths About Chemical Engineering
MYTH: “Chemical engineering is just chemistry.”
TRUTH: It’s a blend of problem-solving, design, and systems engineering. You’ll be working on real-world solutions using chemistry, math, physics, and more.
MYTH: “There aren’t many jobs for chemical engineers.”
TRUTH: Chemical engineering grads are in very high demand, especially in green energy, sustainable manufacturing, biotech, and pulp & paper—an industry that’s growing and modernizing rapidly.
MYTH: “Chemicals are harmful, so chemical engineering must be too.”
TRUTH: Chemical engineers are often pioneers in environmental innovation. They’re the ones finding safer, cleaner, and more sustainable ways to produce the materials we depend on. From removing pollutants to recycling byproducts and designing biodegradable materials, chemical engineers find ways to drive change for good.
MYTH: “You’ll be stuck in a lab forever.”
TRUTH: The job opportunities and job settings are actually quite diverse! Chemical engineers lead teams in traditional office spaces, run manufacturing plants, consult for Fortune 500 companies, and more.
A Promising (and Secure) Career
Example Job Titles
- Process Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Product Development Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Plant Manager
- Materials Engineer
- Sustainability Consultant
Starting Salaries
Chemical engineers earn some of the highest starting salaries among engineering majors, often starting between $75,000–$90,000+ depending on location and role.
And with the rise of sustainable industries—like the pulp and paper industry—those numbers are climbing alongside workforce demand.
Why Choose Chemical Engineering at UMaine?
- Full & Partial Scholarships available for qualifying students
- 100% job placement rate for seniors in our Pulp and Paper Foundation programs
- Paid Co-Ops & Internships that offer real-world experience before graduation
- Mentorship & Support every step of the way through resume reviews, networking, and more
- Opportunities to travel and work with global leaders in engineering
Blogs + Resources for Students
Fibers Fueling Real-World Change: A Chemical Engineer’s Career Story
When you think of chemical engineering, do you picture someone in a lab coat mixing chemicals? Jessica Vigneault, a 2006 graduate of the University of Maine Pulp and Paper Foundation (UMPPF), is here to change that perception. As the operations manager at TimberHP,...
What is Chemical Engineering, Really?
When it comes to understanding engineering disciplines, chemical engineering often finds itself shrouded in misconceptions. At UMaine Pulp and Paper Foundation, we don’t shy away from addressing these misconceptions head on. Chemical engineers are in high demand and...
5 Ways to Explore Careers in Engineering with UMPPF
When choosing your degree and future career path, you want to be sure: sure that the subject matter excites you, sure that it will connect you with like-minded peers, and sure that there will be plenty of job opportunities after graduation. That’s why we put so much...
Talking to Alums About: Alternative Career Paths in Pulp and Paper
Many UMPPF students work co-op positions in pulp or paper mills and production facilities while they’re still in college. But what if you’re interested in pursuing something a little…different? We’ve got these opportunities too! The truth is, the pulp and paper...
A Senior’s Look Back: Chemical Engineers
Wish you could hear from engineering students about their college experiences? You’re in luck! We recently talked to four graduating seniors to get the answers you’re looking for. They shared about college life, their experiences with the UMPPF, and their engineering...
Get A Real Job: Chemical Engineering
Want to go into chemical engineering but not sure where it’ll take you? First, let’s talk about what chemical engineers do. Chemical engineers apply the principles of math and science to solve problems with products or processes, usually in an industrial setting. They...
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