Section Home

Department of Chemical Engineering

Department of Chemical Engineering
University of Utah
50 South Central Campus Drive, Room 3290
Salt Lake City, UT 84112-9203

Phone: (801) 581-6915
Fax: (801) 585-9291

Department Chair: Dr. JoAnn Lighty
Director of Graduate Studies: Dr. Mikhail Skliar
Associate Chair: Dr. Geoff Silcox
Undergraduate Student Advisors: Jenny Jones and Dr. Geoff Silcox

Visit the Department of Chemical Engineering website.


About the Department

The chemical engineering discipline encompasses many fields and industries, including environmental, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, process control, petrochemicals, specialty chemicals, polymers, biotechnology, and medicine. These specialties directly apply to the development of medicines; fibers for clothing and textiles; plastics for construction and consumer goods; clean and secure energy; fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals to assist in feeding the world; pharmaceuticals to enhance the lives of millions; biomedical devices and artificial organs; and new materials for use in high-tech products.

The Department of Chemical Engineering offers undergraduate and graduate degrees that allow students to apply math, science, and process engineering to help make the world healthier and more energy efficient. Chemical engineers develop ways to produce new and existing products more economically and with less environmental impact. Research in the department includes biotechnology; simulation of turbulent reacting systems; the development, production, and refining of petro-chemicals including fuels, chemicals, and oils; clean, new energy sources to power society; catalysis and reaction engineering; and environmental engineering.

Major Research Initiatives:

Associated Institutes and Research Centers:

Faculty:

Degree Programs:

  • Bachelor of Science (BS)
  • Master of Science (MS)
  • Master of Engineering (ME)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Average Starting Salary:1

Bachelor's: $59,361
Master's: $68,561
PhD: $73,667

1Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers