In Wisconsin, there is one school you can attend to get a thorough education in chemical engineering: University of Wisconsin—Madison. This school awards Bachelor’s, Master’s, and doctoral degrees in this field. The average cost of tuition is $9,200 per semester.
If you are starting school with little or no background in chemical engineering, you should consider earning a Bachelor’s degree. This four-year degree includes a curriculum that gives you all the practical skills and knowledge you need to work as a chemical engineer. You may take courses like Chemical Process Control, Chemical Reaction Engineering, and Cell & Tissue Engineering.
On the other hand, a post-graduate degree may be right for you if you have already earned a Bachelor’s degree. Plan on spending two additional years in school for a Master’s degree or spending seven years to earn a PhD. Commonly required courses at this level include Air Pollution Engineering Control, Polymer Rheology & Processing, and Chemical Reactor Analysis & Design.
Tuition rates at the University of Wisconsin—Madison vary for residents and non-residents. Wisconsin residents can plan on paying $5,200 per semester for tuition. Non-residents can plan on paying $13,326 per semester. Minnesota residents enjoy tuition rates that are slightly lower than the out-of-state tuition rate.
You can apply for a variety of nationwide, statewide, and school-specific scholarships to cover the cost of your education. At the University of Wisconsin—Madison, you can apply for several scholarships, including the Gensler Scholarship, the Merk Hobson Scholarship, the Schreiber Scholarship, and the Dana L. Craig Scholarship.
Chemical engineering salaries in Wisconsin vary, although you may be able to earn more as you gain more experience and seniority. According to O*Net, the average salary for a Wisconsin chemical engineer is $73,800 per year.
You may be able to boost your earning potential by taking advantage of professional development opportunities. Joining the Wisconsin Society of Professional Engineers gives you access to the organization’s continuing education opportunities, networking events, and job postings.
Many chemical engineers decide to pursue Professional Engineering licensure. In Wisconsin, all licensure goes through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. This process involves passing the NCEES-administered Principles & Practice of Engineering exam.