Chemical Engineer or Chemistry Major?

[ccw8076]

I was wondering which people thought was better. Chemical Engineering or Chemistry major. There are pro's and con's to both sides, and I was wondering what some of the experts and possibly some chem majors and chemical engineers thought about it?

[Enkidu]

I am studying Chemical Engineering.

I'd say that with a CHEE degree you're more likely to get a higher paying job, although not necessarily as interesting, than if you had a degree in Chemistry. In fact, I've heard that you need at least a master's degree to do any good (monetarily) with Chemistry.

The money's in the application of math and science, not in math and science themselves.

[Hobbit Porn]

When you ask "what's better", I'd say the engineering path, but it really depends what you are putting more value on.

I second what Enkidu said.

There is a better assurance of a job and money with engineering.

I switched to engineering in my second year of a science degree because I could see the prospects with a science degree were pretty limited.
From people I know who stuck with their science degree, a lot of them are in jobs that they would have been able to do if they had just completed a certificate or diploma at TAFE (sorry, I'm not sure of, or even if there is, an American equivalent), which would have taken them a considerably shorter time.

I could be wrong (since I'm not a chemical engineer or was doing a chemistry major), but I think the subjects and learning, and the eventual work, you do differ significantly between a Chem major and a chemical engineer.

[hickey]

Its the level of appreciation in chemistry that counts in your decision...the more you delve in it the more you will realize latter which part of that science is more important to you.......

[moontan]

If you're going to do a Chemistry major, a master's or the honors equivilant would be almost essential, and if you're not willing to to follow that up with a PhD you may be wasting your time.

That is of course if you intend to do research work, but then why else would you do undergraduate degree majoring in Chemisty?

Do the engineering if you want to get a better paying job sooner, unless you have the desire for all the frustration and joy of research.

[Kamelon]

I would have to agree that the chemical engineering path would get you a better paying job. However like Hickey said its really about finding out whats more of an interest to you. There are always going to be some jobs out there just find out what you like to do the most.

[anonymous411]

If you're going to do a Chemistry major, a master's or the honors equivilant would be almost essential, and if you're not willing to to follow that up with a PhD you may be wasting your time.


My grandfather was a research chemist without a PhD: he warned me against it, saying the hours are bad, you're on your feet all the time, and the smells are horrible.

What kind of chemistry really turns you on? Figure that out, and do whatever you have to do to make your career happen. No sense in doing what you don't enjoy and aren't passionate about just for the sake of a few measly bucks.

[hickey]

They should consider also if they are looking at doing creative research work or just routinary quality control chore.. Not all chemist have this itch to play boldly with chemicals ( literally with their hands in the wet lab) and there are chemistry professionals that would rely only instrumentation to get things done. Sadly many chemical engineers are like this....

That is why I sometimes consider that a true lover or chemistry will become a dedicated chemist not a chemical engineer.

Yes the things that really drives you to be on this profession will also motivate you to select which particular category of this science you prefer to be your lifework.

[PeterB2]

I'm facing the same dilemna. Although I'm still in highschool, I'm taking some engineering courses at the local community college to see if I would like that path or not. I think pure chemistry's for me.

With chem engineering, you end up with a courseload that's mostly meant for civil engineers and mechanical engineers for the first two years. You also end up with a lot of physics, mechanics, and electrical theory stuff. I picture chem e.'s sitting in an office doing calculus most of the time...not doing interesting things with chemicals.

I really enjoy the labwork in my gen chem course more than anything. I figure I don't want a dreary job that I hate but pays well...I want to be doing the thing I love.