Prospective Undergraduate FAQ

Below you will find answers to questions commonly asked by prospective undergraduate students and their parents.

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Chemical engineering is consistently ranked among the most valuable undergraduate degrees because it combines high starting salaries, strong job stability, and exceptional career flexibility.

Key advantages of a Chemical or Materials engineering degree:

  • High starting salaries
    Chemical engineering regularly ranks among the top undergraduate majors nationwide for starting salary after graduation. Graduates are highly sought after in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, energy, advanced materials, and manufacturing.
  • Strong job stability
    Chemical engineers work in industries that produce essential products used every day — medicines, fuels, food ingredients, electronics materials, and consumer products. Because these sectors remain important in all economic conditions, demand for chemical engineers remains consistently strong.
  • Career versatility across many industries
    Chemistry is involved in nearly every manufactured product, which means chemical engineers can work in pharmaceuticals, oil and energy, food production, fragrances and cosmetics, plastics, environmental technologies, advanced materials, sustainability, and emerging technologies. This flexibility allows graduates to move between industries over time and adapt as new technologies develop.

Students who enjoy solving real-world problems using math, chemistry, physics, and computing — and who want a degree that keeps many career paths open — often find chemical engineering to be an excellent choice.

Yes. NJIT provides substantial financial support to undergraduate students.

  • Nearly 80% of undergraduate students receive financial aid
  • 92% of first-time incoming first-year and transfer students receive aid
  • NJIT distributes more than $100 million annually in financial assistance
  • Students are automatically considered for many scholarships when they submit the FAFSA.

In addition to university-level aid, the Chemical and Materials Engineering Department awards over $200,000 annually in departmental scholarships to its students.  

Learn more here:

Chemical and materials engineering graduates from NJIT work across a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, energy, advanced manufacturing, consumer products, and environmental technology. Many students begin their careers with companies in the New Jersey–New York region, one of the largest pharmaceutical and chemical industry hubs in the country.

Graduates also pursue careers in research laboratories, consulting, startups, and government agencies. Some continue to graduate school in engineering, medicine, law, or business. The versatility of the degree allows students to choose paths in both technical and leadership roles.

Learn more about career pathways here:
Careers in Chemical and Materials Engineering

Chemical and Materials Engineering graduates from NJIT work across a wide range of high-impact industries, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, advanced materials, energy, consumer products, environmental technology, and manufacturing.

Because NJIT is located in the New Jersey–New York metropolitan region—one of the largest pharmaceutical and chemical industry hubs in the United States—students have access to internship and career opportunities with major employers throughout the region.

Graduates of the program typically go on to work at companies such as:

  • Merck
  • Bristol Myers Squibb
  • Pfizer
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • L’Oréal
  • Colgate-Palmolive
  • ExxonMobil
  • Air Products
  • Honeywell
  • PPG Industries

as well as smaller technology firms, specialty materials companies, consulting organizations, and startups.

Some students also pursue careers in:

  • research and development laboratories
  • consulting and process engineering roles
  • government agencies
  • entrepreneurship and startups

Others continue their education in graduate programs in engineering, medicine, law, or business.

The versatility of the degree allows students to pursue both technical and leadership career paths across many industries.

Yes. Internships are strongly encouraged, and many students complete one or more before graduation. Because NJIT is located near one of the largest pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing regions in the United States, students have access to opportunities with major companies in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials manufacturing, energy, and advanced technology, as well as smaller technology firms and startups.

Students interested in gaining additional extended industry experience may also choose to participate in NJIT’s Сooperative education (Сo-op) program, which allows students to complete full-time professional work semesters as part of their degree (see the Co-op FAQ below for details).

Students also benefit from the department’s Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) mentoring program, which pairs undergraduates with industry professionals who provide guidance on course selection, career paths, résumé preparation, and interview strategies. Many students report that this mentoring relationship helps them secure internships and job offers and build professional connections early in their careers.

Yes. Chemical and Materials Engineering students at NJIT can participate in the Newark College of Engineering (NCE) Co-op Program, which allows them to complete paid full-time industry work experiences as part of their degree. Through this program, students receive guidance and support in securing professional placements with companies in areas such as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials manufacturing, energy, and advanced technology.

Many students use co-op placements to strengthen their résumés, explore career paths, and in some cases receive full-time job offers before graduation. Learn more about the NCE Co-op Program here: Newark College of Engineering Co-op Program.

Students interested in completing a co-op can follow structured curriculum plans that show exactly how full-time work semesters fit into each degree program:

Each curriculum page shows where co-op semesters are inserted into the degree timeline. Track A and Track B provide the same number of co-op experiences and lead to the same degree—they simply differ in the timing of when students complete their work semesters. Having two track options allows students to match employer hiring cycles while staying on schedule academically. Students typically choose a track with guidance from their academic advisor after enrolling.

Yes. Many students in the department participate in research as early as their first or second year. Undergraduate researchers work directly with faculty on projects related to areas such as drug delivery, biomaterials, 3D printing and bioprinting, sustainable energy, microfluidics, advanced materials, molecular modeling, and environmental technologies.

Students can get involved in research through several pathways:

  • volunteer research positions
  • paid research positions (when available)
  • technical elective credit for research (up to two semesters)

Research experience helps students prepare for internships, graduate school, and careers in industry. Some students present their work at conferences or contribute to publications before graduating.

Explore our Faculty Research Interests page to learn about the exciting research opportunities available in the department. Once you find a project that interests you, you are encouraged to contact the faculty member directly to ask about getting involved in their lab.

In addition to faculty-led laboratory research, students can participate in hands-on engineering design and competition projects through the NJIT student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), which are advised by faculty members and provide collaborative, project-based research and design experience. For example:

  • Chem-E-Car teams design and build small vehicles powered entirely by chemical reactions that must travel a precise distance and stop exactly on target, integrating chemistry, systems design, safety, and experimentation. 
  • Chem-E-Cube teams design and construct a one-cubic-foot “mini-plant” that performs a real chemical process and present their design through posters and technical pitches, developing both engineering and communication skills. 

Many students who participate in undergraduate research continue their work through our BS/MS program, which allows them to begin graduate-level study while completing their bachelor’s degree and earn a master’s degree on an accelerated timeline.

NJIT’s  BS/MS program allows qualified students to begin working toward a master’s degree while they are still completing their bachelor’s degree. This makes it possible to earn both degrees faster than completing them separately.

Students in Chemical and Materials Engineering often enter the BS/MS program after gaining experience through undergraduate research or advanced technical coursework. Because some courses count toward both degrees, the program provides an efficient pathway to graduate-level training without significantly extending time to graduation.

Earning a master’s degree can help students:

  • become more competitive for research and development positions
  • qualify for more specialized technical roles
  • strengthen their résumé for graduate school or industry
  • increase long-term career flexibility
  • access positions that often come with higher starting salaries

Many students decide to pursue the BS/MS option after working with faculty on undergraduate research projects and developing interest in a particular specialization area.

For students considering careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, advanced materials, energy systems, or emerging technologies, the BS/MS pathway is an excellent way to build deeper expertise while still an undergraduate 🎓

Because the program allows students to transition seamlessly from undergraduate to graduate study, many choose the BS/MS pathway as the fastest way to unlock advanced engineering career opportunities.

NJIT’s Chemical and Materials Engineering program combines strong technical training with access to research and industry opportunities in one of the most active technology regions in the country. Students benefit from small class sizes, close interaction with faculty, and opportunities to participate in research and internships during their undergraduate years.

The department maintains strong connections with companies in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, materials manufacturing, and energy industries throughout the New Jersey–New York area. This location advantage helps students gain practical experience and build professional networks before they graduate.

Students also have access to modern instructional laboratories and active research groups working in areas such as biomaterials, drug delivery, sustainability, advanced materials, and emerging technologies.

Chemical and Materials Engineering students at NJIT benefit from relatively small class sizes compared with many large engineering programs and other departments within the university. This allows students to interact directly with faculty members in class, during office hours, and through research and mentoring opportunities.

Faculty in the department are actively engaged in both teaching and research, and many students work with professors on research projects as undergraduates. These experiences help students build strong technical skills and develop relationships that support internships, recommendation letters, and career planning.

Because the department has a close-knit academic community, students often get to know their professors and classmates well. This supportive environment makes it easier to ask questions, receive guidance, and become involved in research and student organizations early in the program.

Students who are interested in graduate school, medical school, or industry careers especially benefit from this level of faculty interaction and mentoring.

Chemical and Materials Engineering students at NJIT are encouraged to participate in professional organizations, outreach activities, research projects, and leadership opportunities throughout their undergraduate experience. These activities help students build professional networks, develop teamwork skills, and prepare for internships and careers.

The department sponsors student chapters of several nationally recognized organizations, including:

AIChE (American Institute of Chemical Engineers) – the primary professional organization for chemical engineers, offering technical events, networking opportunities, conferences, and career preparation resources

ACS (American Chemical Society) – supports students interested in chemistry-related careers and interdisciplinary research

Omega Chi Epsilon (ΩΧΕ) – the chemical engineering honor society recognizing academic achievement and leadership

SPE (Society of Plastics Engineers) – connects students interested in polymers, plastics, and advanced materials industries

Students in these organizations participate in outreach events, professional development workshops, industry visits, technical competitions, and national conferences. Many students also take leadership roles within these chapters.

Through the NJIT AIChE student chapter, students can also participate in hands-on national design competitions and conference activities such as:

  • Chem-E-Car – teams design small vehicles powered entirely by chemical reactions that must travel a precise distance and stop exactly on target
  • Chem-E-Cube – teams design and present a one-cubic-foot “mini chemical plant” that performs a real process
  • Chem-E-Sports – interactive process-control and plant-optimization challenges using realistic engineering scenarios
  • Chem-E Jeopardy – a fast-paced quiz competition covering core chemical engineering topics
  • Student research poster competitions – opportunities to present undergraduate research to national audiences
  • Student research oral presentation competitions – short technical talks judged by faculty and industry professionals

These AIChE activities help students apply classroom knowledge to real engineering challenges while building teamwork, communication, and presentation skills.

Students also participate in the department’s annual Chemical Engineering Networking Night, where they meet alumni, faculty, graduate students, and industry representatives in a structured networking environment that includes keynote speakers and small-group “speed networking” sessions. Events like this help students build professional connections and learn about internship and career opportunities early in their studies.

These experiences help students build friendships within the department and connect with the broader engineering community at NJIT.

Learn more about student involvement opportunities here:
Student Organizations → https://cme.njit.edu/student-organizations

Chemical and Materials Engineering students at NJIT benefit from a wide range of career-development opportunities built directly into the curriculum and the department experience.

Students receive preparation through:

Professional skill development in coursework

  • technical writing and presentation training
  • teamwork and project-based learning
  • exposure to engineering ethics and safety practices
  • experience with data analysis, modeling, and process design

Faculty advising and mentorship
Students work closely with faculty advisors who help them plan coursework, explore career paths, and prepare for internships or graduate study.

Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) mentoring program
Selected students are paired with industry professionals who provide guidance on career planning, résumé development, interview preparation, and professional decision-making.

Research opportunities
Many undergraduates participate in faculty-led research projects in areas such as biomaterials, drug delivery, sustainability, advanced materials, microfluidics, and energy systems. Research experience strengthens résumés and often leads to conference presentations or publications.

Professional organizations
Student chapters of organizations such as AIChE, ACS, Omega Chi Epsilon, and SPE host:

  • industry guest speakers
  • professional development workshops
  • networking events
  • technical competitions
  • leadership opportunities

Conference participation
Students regularly attend regional and national conferences where they present research, compete in design challenges, and connect with employers and graduate programs.

Department networking opportunities
Events such as the department’s annual Chemical Engineering Networking Night connect students directly with alumni, faculty, graduate students, and industry representatives.

Campus career resources
NJIT’s Career Development Services supports students through:

  • career fairs
  • internship and job search coaching
  • résumé and interview workshops
  • employer information sessions

Together, these experiences help students graduate with strong technical skills, professional confidence, and a competitive résumé for internships, industry positions, or graduate school.

Both Chemical Engineering and Materials Engineering focus on developing the technologies behind modern products—but they approach problems from different angles.

Chemical Engineering focuses on transforming raw materials into useful products through chemical and physical processes. Chemical engineers work in areas such as:

  • pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
  • energy and sustainability
  • food and consumer products
  • environmental systems
  • advanced manufacturing
  • polymers and plastics

Because chemical engineering combines chemistry, physics, math, and engineering, it is one of the most versatile engineering degrees and consistently ranks among the highest-paying majors after graduation 💼

Materials Engineering focuses on designing and improving the materials themselves. Materials engineers study how structure affects performance and develop new materials for applications such as:

  • biomedical implants
  • semiconductors and electronics
  • aerospace materials
  • batteries and energy storage
  • metals, ceramics, and polymers
  • nanomaterials and advanced coatings

Materials engineers help create the next generation of technologies by controlling how materials behave at microscopic and atomic scales 🔬

At NJIT, both majors are housed within the same department, and students in each program take several courses together early in the curriculum. This allows flexibility when exploring interests and helps students discover which path best matches their career goals.

Both degrees offer strong internship, research, and co-op opportunities and lead to careers in high-impact industries across the pharmaceutical, energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors.

Students in Chemical and Materials Engineering share several early courses, which makes it possible to explore both majors before deciding which path best fits their interests. Many students choose their final direction after gaining exposure to materials science topics, process engineering, or undergraduate research.

Chemistry focuses on understanding substances at the molecular level—how atoms and molecules interact, react, and form new compounds. Chemical engineering focuses on designing processes that manufacture useful products from those substances at large scale.

Chemical engineers apply math, physics, chemistry, and computing to solve real-world problems in areas such as:

  • pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
  • energy and sustainability
  • food and consumer products
  • polymers and advanced materials
  • environmental protection and water treatment

In addition to strong technical training, chemical engineering students also develop skills in process design, optimization, technical communication, teamwork, and professional decision-making. The curriculum includes exposure to topics such as:

  • process economics and business considerations
  • safety and risk analysis
  • engineering ethics
  • technical writing and presentations

These skills prepare graduates not only to design technologies, but also to lead projects, evaluate tradeoffs, and make decisions that balance technical performance, cost, safety, and societal impact.

Because chemical engineers learn how to move ideas from the laboratory to real-world production, they work at the intersection of science, engineering, and industry. This makes chemical engineering one of the most versatile engineering degrees and opens career paths across many sectors of the modern economy.

Yes. Chemical engineering is an excellent preparation for medical school because it provides a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and problem-solving. Furthermore, our department has several professors actively invovled in biomedical research.  Therefore, many students choose chemical engineering as a “pre-med” major while completing the additional coursework required for medical school admission.

The degree also provides flexibility: students graduate with strong engineering career options while preparing for medical or other health-related professional schools.

In some cases, high school students may also be able to participate in summer research experiences in faculty laboratories. These opportunities are arranged on an individual basis, and interested students should explore our Faculty Research Interests page to learn about the exciting research opportunities available in the department. Once you find a project that interests you, you are encouraged to contact the faculty member directly to ask about getting involved in their lab.