Are you interested in designing new innovations in renewable and sustainable energy, treating disease, addressing climate change, or ensuring a safe and clean environment?
Chemical and Biological Engineers are problem solvers, trained and skilled in thinking through tough problems. We’ll give you the education and real-life skills to turn your curiosity into a life-changing career.
What is chemical and biological engineering? What will you learn? What interests should you have?
Visit the CSU Admissions page now to apply to the university and our program!
Get course requirements, objectives, and program details
Interested in transferring to Chemical and Biological Engineering? Find transfer requirements here.
Do you have a question that's not featured on this page? Undergraduate Advisor Claire Lavelle is happy to help! Email your question here.
Explore the major
What is chemical and biological engineering?
Chemical and biological engineering is a blend of basic sciences and the skills to describe, predict, and control all changes of matter.
What will you learn?
- You’ll gain the foundation to create cutting-edge materials and products.
- Design new devices to improve health or the environment.
- Design processes for the production of alternative energy sources and waste prevention.
- Investigating the feasibility of using algae as the primary life support system for a Martian base
- Using autonomous water-based drones to continuously detect toxic algae in lakes, rivers, and other inland water bodies
- Developing an improved process for large-scale carbon capture and optimizing carbon removal to address climate change
Careers and interests
- Health Care
- Biotechnology and Bioenergy
- Pulp and Paper
- Petrochemicals
- Food Processing
- Specialty Chemicals
- Microelectronics
- Electronic and Advanced Materials
- Polymers
- Environmental Health and Safety Industries
Suggested High School or previous courses
Math
Chemistry
Biology
Physics
Helpful optional courses
Computer Science or Programming
Computer science helps engineers show their concepts, optimize lab experiments, model project outcomes, and easier ways to work with large amounts of data.
Data or Statistics
Engineers use immense amounts of data in their projects. An understanding of basic data requirements can give you a step up in your undergraduate projects.
Opportunities and job types
- Process engineer
- Biochemical engineer
- Food hygiene engineer
- Thermo-fluid engineer
- Pharmaceutical engineer
- Medical Technologist
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Research Engineer
- Bioengineers
Undergrads get to do research too!
Highlighted research areas
Concerned about being ready for engineering?
Don't worry, we're here to help!
We're ready to support you with whatever you need through academic advising, Chem Prep, and math help.
Do you have a question that's not featured on this page? Undergraduate Advisor Claire Lavelle is happy to help! Email your question here.
ENcourage Engineering Math Program
The ENcourage Engineering Math Program is a summer program to help incoming engineering students who did not place “calculus ready” through the math placement tool to improve pre-calculus math skills.
Completion of ALL Chem Prep modules is required for all incoming Engineering students except for Computer Engineering students. Visit the Chem Prep page for more information.