A career in chemical engineering starts with a thorough education from one of Oklahoma’s three engineering schools. All three schools award Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and PhDs. Tuition rates vary widely within these three schools; however, the average cost of tuition is $21,000 per year.
Once you decide to study chemical engineering, you have to decide what type of degree to earn. A Bachelor’s degree includes all the theory and skills you need for most entry-level jobs in Oklahoma. You’ll be required to earn 120 to 130 credits in general education classes and engineering courses like Introduction to Polymers, Circuit Theory, and Process Simulation & Design.
Master’s degrees and PhDs both require Bachelor’s degrees. Since post-graduate degrees build on your Bachelor’s-level knowledge, your Bachelor’s degree must be in engineering or a similar field. A Master’s degree takes about two years, and a PhD takes an average of seven years. Some of the classes you may take at this level include Air Pollution Engineering Control, Chemical Engineering Kinetics, and Transport Phenomena.
As you evaluate each school in your area, it’s important to look at different tuition rates and financial aid opportunities. On the low end of the price range, you have Oklahoma State University, where tuition is $4,095 per semester for residents and $10,388 per semester for non-residents. At the University of Tulsa, tuition is considerably more expensive. All students pay $35,050 per year.
Applying for scholarships and grants can save you lots of money on your educational costs. At the University of Oklahoma, you can apply for the Freshman Engineering Scholarship, the Multicultural Engineering Scholarship, and the Chemical Engineering Scholarship.
The final step to becoming a Professional Engineer in Oklahoma involves passing the Principles & Practice of Engineering exam, which is administered by NCEES. You can then apply for your license through the Ohio State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. As a Professional Engineer, you can join the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers. This group supports local engineers with continuing education seminars, job listings, and more.
The average salary for an Oklahoma chemical engineer is $73,100, according to O*Net. This career really appreciates experience and seniority, so you may be able to earn more money each year.