Curriculum

Courses

1. University Requirements: (23 Credit (cr))

Writing, Rhetoric and American Cultures (WRA) 4 cr
Integrative Studies in Humanities, IAH 201-210 and IAH 211 or> 8 cr
Integrative Studies in Social Sciences, ISS 2XX and ISS 3XX 8 cr
Bioscience: BS 161 Cell and Molecular Biology 3 cr

2. College Requirements: (30 cr)

*CEM 151 General and Descriptive Chemistry 4 cr
*EGR 100 Introduction to Engineering Design 2 cr
*EGR 102 Introduction to Engineering Modeling 2 cr
*MTH 132 Calculus I 3 cr
*MTH 133 Calculus II 4 cr
MTH 234 Multivariable Calculus 4 cr
MTH 235 Differential Equations 3 cr
*PHY 183 Physics for Scientists & Engineers I 4 cr
PHY 184 Physics for Scientists & Engineers II 4 cr

*College Admission Requirement

3. Major Requirements: (67-69 cr)

a. Complete all of the following courses: (51 cr)

CEM 152 Principles of Chemistry 3 cr (4 credits beginning SS26)
CEM 161 Chemistry Laboratory I 1 cr
CEM 162 Chemistry Laboratory II 1 cr
CEM 351 Organic Chemistry I 3 cr (4 credits beginning SS26)
CEM 352 Organic Chemistry II 3 cr (4 credits beginning SS26)
CEM 355 Organic Laboratory I 2 cr
**CHE 201 Material and Energy Balances 3 cr
CHE 210 Modeling and Analysis of Transport Phenomena 3 cr
CHE 301 Chemical Engineering as a Profession 1 cr
CHE 311 Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer 3 cr
CHE 312 Mass Transfer and Separations 4 cr
CHE 316 Lab Practice and Statistical Analysis (W) 4 cr
CHE 321 Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineering 4 cr
CHE 431 Chemical Reaction Engineering 4 cr
CHE 432 Process Analysis and Control 3 cr
CHE 433 Process Design and Optimization I (W) 4 cr
CHE 434 Process Design and Optimization II 2 cr
CHE 473 Chemical Engineering Principles in Polymers & Materials Systems 3 cr

** Students must have a minimum grade-point of 2.0 in CHE 201

b. One of the following groups: (4-6 cr)

Group 1
- BMB 401 Comprehensive Biochemistry 4 cr
Group 2
- BMB 461 Advanced Biochemistry I 3 cr
- BMB 462 Advanced Biochemistry II 3 cr

Note: If BMB 462 is taken to fulfill requirement 3. b., it will also count as a technical elective in item 3. e.

c. Select one of the following courses: (3 cr)

CHE 472 Composite Materials Processing 3 cr
CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3 cr

d. Select one of the following courses: (3 cr)

CEM 483 Quantum Chemistry 3 cr
CEM 484 Molecular Thermodynamics 3 cr

e. Technical Electives: (6 cr)

Students must complete at least 6 credits in courses selected from a list of approved technical electives available from the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

Concentrations in Chemical Engineering

In response to increasing interest in the application of chemical engineering principles to related fields, the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science offers concentrations in biochemical engineering, bioenergy, biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, food science, and polymer science and engineering to students wishing an area of concentration in the degree. Concentrations are available to, but not required of, any student enrolled in the Bachelor of Science degree program in Chemical Engineering. The concentration will be noted on the student's transcript.

NOTE: Completing the Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a concentration may require more than 128 credits. For any concentration, up to 3 credits of Independent Study (CHE 490) related to the subject area may be applied with approval of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science.

Biochemical Engineering Concentration: (18-21 cr)

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a biochemical engineering concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3.a., and 3.d., above and the following:

All of the following courses: (6 cr)

CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3 cr
MGI 301 Introductory Microbiology 3 cr

One of the following tracks: (11-13 cr)

Track 1 (12-13 credits)

The following course: (4 cr)

BMB 401 Comprehensive Biochemistry 4 cr

Three of the following courses: (8-9 cr)

BMB 805 Protein Structure, Design, and Mechanism 3 cr
BMB 829 Methods of Macromolecular Analysis and Synthesis 2 cr
CHE 882 Advanced Biochemical Engineering 3 cr
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3 cr
MGI 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology 3 cr
MGI 421 Prokaryotic Cell Physiology 3 cr
MGI 431 Microbial Genetics 3 cr

Track 2 (11-12 credits)

Both of the following courses: (6 cr)

BMB 461 Advanced Biochemistry I 3 cr
BMB 462 Advanced Biochemistry II 3 cr

Two of the following courses: (5-6 cr)

BMB 805 Protein Structure, Design, and Mechanism 3 cr
BMB 829 Methods of Macromolecular Analysis and Synthesis 2 cr
CHE 882 Advanced Biochemical Engineering 3 cr
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3 cr
MGI 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology 3 cr
MGI 421 Prokaryotic Cell Physiology 3 cr
MGI 431 Microbial Genetics 3 cr

Bioenergy and Bioproducts Concentration: (15 cr)

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a bioenergy and bioproducts concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3.a., 3.b., and 3.d.,above and the following:

All of the following courses: (9 cr)

CHE 468 Biomass Conversion in Engineering 3 cr
CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3 cr
CSS 467 Bioenergy Feedstock Production 3 cr

One of the following courses: (3 cr)

BE 469 Sustainable Bioenergy Systems 3 cr
BE 869 Life Cycle Assessment for Bioenergy and Bioproduct Systems 3 cr

One of the following courses: (3 cr)

AFRE 829 Economics of Environ Resources 3 cr
CHE 882 Advanced Biochemical Engineering 3 cr
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3 cr
FOR 466 Natural Resource Policy 3 cr
MC 450 International Environmental Law and Policy 3 cr

Biomedical Engineering Concentration: (16-17 cr)

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a biomedical engineering concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3.a., 3.b., and 3.d., above and the following:

All of the following courses: (10 cr)

CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3 cr
MGI 409 Eukaryotic Cell Biology 3 cr
PSL 431 Human Physiology I 4 cr

One of the following courses: (3 cr)

BME 860 NanoEngineering in Biomedicine 3 cr
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3 cr
ME 494 Biofluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer 3 cr
MSE 425 Biomaterials and Biocompatibility 3 cr

One of the following courses not taken above: (3-4 cr)

ANTR 350 Human Gross Anatomy for Pre-Health Prof 4 cr
BME 860 NanoEngineering in Biomedicine 3 cr
CHE 883 Multidisciplinary Bioprocessing Laboratory 3 cr
IBIO 341 Fundamental Genetics 4 cr
ME 494 Biofluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer 3 cr
MSE 425 Biomaterials and Biocompatibility 3 cr

Environmental Concentration: (15 cr)

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with an environmental concentration, the student must complete
requirements 1., 2., and 3. a., 3.b., and 3.d. above and the following:

Both of the following courses: (6 cr)

CHE 481 Biochemical Engineering 3 cr
ENE 380 Principles of Environmental Eng and Science 3 cr

Three of the following courses: (9 cr)

CSS 865 Environmental Organic Chemistry 3 cr
ENE 381 Environmental Chemistry 3 cr
ENE 483 Water and Wastewater Engineering 3 cr
ENE 489 Air Pollution: Science and Engineering 3 cr
GBL 480 Environmental Law and Sustainability for Business: From Local to Global 3 cr
GLG 421 Environmental Geochemistry 4 cr
IBIO 446 Environmental Issues and Public Policy 3 cr

Food Science Concentration: (12 cr)

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a food science concentration, students must complete requirements 1., 2., 3. a., 3. b., 3.c., and 3.d., above and all of the following:

All of the following courses: (9 cr)

FSC 401 Food Chemistry 3 cr
FSC 440 Food Microbiology 3 cr
MGI 301 Introductory Microbiology 3 cr

One of the following courses: (3 cr)

BE 477 Food Engineering: Fluids 3 cr
BE 478 Food Engineering: Solids 3 cr
CEM 482 Science & Technology of Wine Production 3 cr
CHE 483 Brewing & Distilled Beverage Technology 3 cr
FSC 325 Food Processing: Unit Operations 3 cr
FSC 455 Food and Nutrition Laboratory 3 cr
FSC 470 Integrated Approaches to Food Product Dev 3 cr
FSC 481 Fermented Beverages 3 cr

Polymer Science and Engineering Concentration: (15-16 cr)

To earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering with a polymer science and engineering concentration, students must
complete requirements 1., 2., 3. a., 3. b., 3.d., above and all of the following:

All of the following courses: (9 cr)

CE 221 Statics 3 cr
CHE 472 Composite Materials Processing 3 cr
ME 222 Mechanics of Deformable Solids 3 cr

Two of the following courses: (6-7 cr)

CHE 871 Materials Surfaces and Interfaces 3 cr
CHE 872 Polymers & Cmposites: Mfg, Strc & Prfrmnce 3 cr
MSE 370 Synthesis and Processing of Materials 3 cr
MSE 426 Introduction to Composite Materials 3 cr
PKG 323 Packaging with Plastics 4 cr

Other Electives for Degree (Variable)

Total Credits Required for Degree 128

These requirements are effective for students admitted to the Chemical Engineering major beginning Fall 2025. The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science constantly reviews program requirements and reserves the right to make changes as necessary. Consequently, each student is strongly encouraged to consult with their advisor to obtain assistance in planning an appropriate schedule of courses.

Some courses may have prerequisites, which are not otherwise required in the program. Students should check course descriptions to ensure they are aware of prerequisites.

Last Revised Feb 2025

Sample

First Year

Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
CEM 161	1	CEM 162	1
CEM 151	4	CEM 152 ^{(4 credits SS26)}	3
EGR 100	2	EGR 102	2
MTH 132	3	Elective	1
ISS 2XX	4	MTH 133	4
		WRA 101	4
Total	14	Total	15

Sophomore Year

Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
CEM 351 ^{(4 credits SS26)}	3	CEM 352 ^{(4 credits SS26)}	3
BS 161	3	CEM 355	2
CHE 201	3	CHE 301	1
MTH 234	4	CHE 210	3
PHY 183	4	MTH 235	3
		PHY 184	4
		Elective	2
Total	17	Total	18

Junior Year

Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
CHE 311	3	CHE 321	4
CHE 431	4	CHE 316	4
CEM 483(FS) OR CEM 484(SS)	3	CHE 312	4
Elective	2	BMB 401 OR BMB 461 and 462	4 OR 6
IAH 201-210	4
Total	16	Total	16-18

Senior Year

Fall	Credits	Spring	Credits
CHE 433	4	CHE 473	3
CHE 432	3	CHE 434	2
Tech Elective	3	Tech Elective	3
CHE 472 OR 481	3	Elective	3
ISS 3XX	4	IAH 211 or >	4
Total	17	Total	15

Program Objectives

The undergraduate program in chemical engineering at Michigan State University has a strong focus on the integration of engineering science and process design with complementary areas of study in bioprocess engineering, biomedical engineering, environmental engineering, fuels and energy, materials, and food engineering. Graduates are prepared for life-long opportunities to participate in diverse sectors of the economy and to assume leadership roles throughout their professional careers.

The graduates of the Chemical Engineering Program are expected to:

succeed in the practice of chemical engineering or in advanced studies in engineering, scientific, or complementary disciplines;
assume leadership roles in industry and/or in technological fields;
contribute to the socio-economic environment of their communities; and
further develop career skills through life-long learning.

Chemical Engineering

Bachelor of Science

Additional College Information