Texas is home to nine schools that can help you start a career in chemical engineering. Two schools have Associate’s degree programs. Eight schools have Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and doctoral degree programs. The average cost of tuition is $13,300 per semester.
Prior to starting any chemical engineering courses, you must meet the prerequisites laid out by your school. You may be expected to complete a variety of science and math courses, including Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus. This prepares you for lower-level engineering courses, like Principles of Chemical Engineering, Introduction to Polymers, and Circuit Theory. These courses are all part of most Bachelor’s degree programs.
On top of lecture courses that give you a theoretical understanding of chemical engineering, you may need to complete some dedicated lab courses. There are many benefits to lab courses. They show you how to safely work with chemicals, allow you to hone your engineering skills, and deepen your understanding of many chemicals.
Once you have the comprehensive education offered by a Bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a post-graduate degree. A Master’s degree takes two years, and a PhD can take from three to eight years.
Tuition rates vary considerably in Texas, so it’s important to evaluate tuition and financial aid at each school you’re considering. Prairie View A&M University is one of the most affordable schools in Texas; everyone pays $14,928 per year for tuition. Rice University is considerably more expensive, as tuition costs $19,130 per semester.
You can look for special engineering scholarships at each school to offset the cost of your education. At the University of Texas at Austin, you can apply for the NAWIC Austin Chapter Scholarship and the Shell Incentive Fund Scholarship.
Once you begin your career as an engineer, consider joining a local group like the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. This group can help you complete your required continuing education hours and network with other engineers in your area.
If you want to become a Professional Engineer, you can get your license from the Texas Board of Professional Engineers. Prior to getting your license, you must pass the Principles & Practice of Engineering exam. This may boost your earning potential. O*Net reports that the average salary for a Texas chemical engineer is $109,600 per year.