Why Chemical Engineering?

As we start the 21st century the medical profession is drastically changing. Areas like biotechnology and tissue engineering are becoming widespread and commonplace. In these areas, as well as others, understanding complex phenomena is of the utmost importance.  A chemical engineer’s knowledge of fluid dynamics, kinetics, mathematics, and process control puts them in the forefront of medical research and practice.

As a small, private rural University, we are focused on teaching and the success of our undergraduates. Students meet with their advisers periodically throughout their stay at the University to make sure they are on track to complete the necessary requirements for medical school.

There is no preferred major for medical school, however, most medical schools require:

• Two semesters of General Chemistry with laboratories
• Two semesters of Organic Chemistry with laboratories
• Two semesters of Biology with laboratories
• Two semesters of Physics with laboratories
• Two semesters of English with emphasis on communication skills

While most students considering medical school will opt for the Bioprocess minor, a straight Chemical Engineering degree can be obtained. However, two semesters of biology must be used as electives.

Due to the hard work, as well as four years of preparation, we encourage/assist students to work or volunteer in the area hospitals or with local doctor offices to obtain needed experience. In addition, for those students that decide a medical career is not for them, a B.S. in Chemical Engineering gives them a solid degree, with an average salary starting around $50,000. This is almost double the starting salary for students that major in Natural Sciences or Humanities.

Additional Web sites of Interest:

Association of American Medical Colleges' suggested schedule: www.aamc.org/students/considering/msartimeline.pdf. For the exact requirements, it is best to look at the web site of your school of interest.

Below are some links for the general requirements at neighboring state schools:

Michigan
Ohio State
Penn State
Indiana
Illinois (Chicago)
Kentucky