Chemical Engineering

Engineering is that combination of the practical arts and pure science that produces materials and energy useful for humankind. The variety in engineering careers and the need for the engineer to work well with people makes a liberal arts education a wise choice. As we continue to utilize our natural environment for society’s needs, engineers will be in positions that involve complex problem solving, sensitivity to human values, difficult ethical questions, and continual use of important communication skills.

Bethel’s curriculum in pre-engineering recognizes these special needs and successfully combines a Christian liberal arts background with the highest quality courses in chemistry, computer science, mathematics, and physics. These courses have high standards of academic excellence, and a regionally and nationally acclaimed faculty is sensitive to you and your personal career aspirations.

The chemical engineering curriculum involves traditional chemistry courses as well as a variety of engineering courses. Chemical engineers solve the chemical problems associated with scaling up chemical reactions and processes to the large systems found in the pilot plant and in the manufacturing facility. Thus, in addition to chemistry, the chemical engineer takes extensive course work in thermodynamics and the properties of materials and material transport.

In the 3-2 dual degree program in Bethel, students take most of the pre-engineering course required of all engineering programs, however, they must take General Chemistry I and II and Organic Chemistry I and II in their first two years. General Physics is usually taken in the sophomore year. In this program, a student earns a B.A. degree from Bethel along with a B.S. in engineering from an accredited engineering program. Bethel maintains formal dual degree relations with two private engineering schools with national reputations: Washington University in St. Louis, and Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. Informal relationships exist between Bethel and the University of Minnesota as well as other engineering colleges in the United States. Graduates in the dual degree program are highly sought for some of the most challenging and interesting careers in engineering.

Students wishing to take a B.A. or B.S. in chemistry from Bethel should plan to enroll in junior and senior chemistry seminar, in addition to completing the requisite number of chemistry courses. The senior seminar requirement can be met by presentation of a senior research project to the department in the spring of the senior year. You should consult with a chemistry advisor by the end of your sophomore year if you are interested in this possibility.

The suggested academic plan on the rear of this page has been adapted for the University of Minnesota. If you are interested in the chemical engineering 3-2 program, you will need to work closely with your advisor to ensure that your program fits with the engineering school you are interested in attending.

To see a four-year plan for this dual-degree program, click here.

For more information about pre-engineering or a 3-2 dual degree program at Bethel University, please contact any of the chemistry department faculty members.