Frequently Asked Questions

An engineering education provides students with the skills and methodology for applying basic scientific principles towards the design and manufacture of products and processes. A student acquires technical competence in a discipline, develops good problem-solving skills, and above all, cultivates the desire and confidence to sustain life-long learning.

Why is life-long learning important? [ Top ]

It is impossible to learn everything that you will ever need to know during your four years of college, not so much because of time constraint but because of the evolution of knowledge. Thus, it is important for you to learn how to learn. With a solid understanding of fundamental principles and good problem-solving skills, a well-educated engineer is very adaptive in keeping up with new information and technology. It is equally important for you to distinguish between content and skills. Knowledge as a collection of facts is not very useful unless you know how to apply that knowledge to solve problems.

Will technical competence guarantee a successful engineering career? [ Top ]

Technical competence is a necessary but insufficient condition to being a good engineer. To be effective, an engineer must be able to work in teams, communicate with people, and understand the world in which he or she lives. After all, solutions to engineering problems are constrained not only by technical knowledge, but also by other issues related to business, politics, and the law.

What can I do then as an engineering student to develop these non-technical skills? [ Top ]

Being aware of their importance is already a good start. Some specific steps to strengthen these skills are working with your peers, working in groups, reading extensively (technical and non-technical materials), writing a lot, talking with people and listening to what they have to say, giving talks, and taking your general education courses seriously. In other words, focus on the breadth of your education and strive to become a well-rounded person. There is one caveat; you should develop these skills in addition to, and not in lieu of, your technical skills. Developing technical competence should remain your top priority.

Will a degree in chemical engineering restrict me to practice as a chemical engineer? [ Top ]

It should not. While most engineers start out working in the discipline of their undergraduate degrees, a significant number end up practicing in other disciplines as their careers develop. There is a set of skills that are common to all engineering disciplines. If you learn them well, you should be able to move from one discipline to another after acquiring the discipline-specific language. Furthermore, since chemical engineers get a broad exposure to physical and chemical sciences, as well as to economics and systems engineering, they are often successful in research and development, and in management positions.

Will an engineering degree limit me to an engineering career? [ Top ]

Not at all. For example, an engineering education is a good first degree for careers in medicine, law, and business. Basically an engineering student learns to be an analytical thinker, a good problem solver, and a well-rounded individual. These are the traits that will make you successful in many career paths.

Where can I find out more about an engineering education? [ Top ]

Talk with you advisor and other chemical engineering faculty members. There are also two recently published major reports which provide in-depth analyses of the critical issues facing engineering education: Engineering Education: Designing an Adaptive System published by the National Research Council in 1995 and Engineering Education for a Changing World published by the American Society of Engineering Education in 1994.

CAREER CHOICES

What types of jobs can I get with a B.S. degree in chemical engineering? [ Top ]

The typical jobs would be entry-level positions in production and process engineering at a plant site, technical service (providing engineering advice and analysis to the production people), marketing (including technical sales), and market development.

What are the traditional and emerging areas of employment for chemical engineers? [ Top ]

The traditional areas are the petroleum and chemical industries and the emerging ones are electronics, food, pulp and paper, and pharmaceutical industries. In all these industries the areas that are of increasing importance are environmental (waste reduction, remediation or cleanup) and safety. There are also opportunities as consultants in investment firms and banks.

What can I do while in school to make myself more "marketable" with a B.S. degree? [ Top ]

First of all, grades are important. But you also need to develop other important skills, through activities inside and outside of the classroom, such as communication, group and personal skills, and leadership. Make as many constructive contacts with faculty as possible. Try to take a summer job in industry or to do a research project if you are interested in graduate school (see the section on graduate study). Knowing a foreign language is also becoming more important as companies compete globally. Finally, see the section on minors.

Do engineers move from one company to another during their careers, or should they consider their first company the place where they will retire? [ Top ]

If the fit is right, then a person who works diligently can expect a long term career with one company. However, he or she might have to accept transfer within a company to different jobs and/or different parts of the country/world.
The climate in industry today is less conducive to one career/one company than in the recent past. In the past, chemical companies prided themselves on employee/employer loyalty, as long as both sides were doing their jobs. Now, however, we are seeing terminations based on company needs, not necessarily employee faults (although this is hard to discern in every case), and individuals are more willing to accept an offer from a different company to get a promotion. One feature of the law that has enhanced employee mobility from company to company is "vesting" of pensions. Now an employee can take his or her pension to a new company. For some people, moving to a new company is often a way to advance, but making too many moves too fast is viewed negatively.

So what are the employment prospects for chemical engineering graduates over the next 5 years? [ Top ]

It is a cliché, but the future is really difficult to predict. All we can say is that there will be a steady need to replace chemical engineers who retire, quit to pursue other interests, and/or leave the profession for personal reasons. There are about 50,000 practicing chemical engineers in industry today, of whom about 75% have a B.S. as their highest degree. Assuming an attrition of 10% per year, the industry will need to hire about 3,750 new engineers with a B.S. per year. In 1993 there were 4,674 B.S. degrees, 1,127 M.S., and 667 Ph.D. degrees granted in the U.S. (Data are from the Engineering Workforce Commission.) In 1996 the average annual salary for entry-level B.S. chemical engineers was close to $43,000.
A recent trend that is likely to continue is that an increasing fraction of graduates find jobs in small and medium companies; many start with small consulting firms. The important point for you to realize is that a chemical engineering education prepares you for many different career paths.

When is a good time to start interviewing for jobs? [ Top ]

If you want to increase the likelihood of having a job at graduation, start early and plan ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to put together a resume and submit it to the Career Services, in the Busch Campus Center, early in the senior year. You should aim at having your interviews in the fall semester or early in the spring. See the section on summer jobs about networking and obtaining industrial experience.

Can I do research in industry without a graduate degree? [ Top ]

It is possible but not likely. If a graduate with a B.S. degree works in research, he or she will be at a disadvantage when compared to an M.S. or Ph.D. graduate, especially on new projects.

Then is my career limited in industry with only a B.S. degree? [ Top ]

It is probably limited in research and may be limited in process design. The limitation is greatest when there is more emphasis on the technical side of engineering than on the commercial side of the business. However, a graduate degree next to one's name is always nice (never hurts) when promotions are considered.

It sounds as though I should consider graduate school as on option. Where can I get more information? [ Top ]

See the section on graduate study. You should know that, nationwide, only about 20% of the B.S. chemical engineers go to graduate school. At Rutgers University, that number has fluctuated between 10 and 25% over the last five years.

What is the value of an M.S. degree in chemical engineering? [ Top ]

This is not an easy question to answer because the marketability of an M.S. degree has changed from time to time and has varied among companies. In general, an M.S. degree could be beneficial in a process design or an applied research position. The same recruiter who talks with B.S. candidates also interviews M.S. candidates, while a different recruiter is often sent for Ph.D.'s. This indicates that an M.S. graduate is considered more like a B.S., graduate with greater technical expertise.

Would a degree in business, say an M.B.A., help my career? [ Top ]

It would not be helpful for a career in process and project engineering or in research but might be beneficial in technical marketing or in management. The feeling now is that an M.B.A. in addition to an engineering degree is not as desirable as it was 10 years ago. In general, a young engineer would be wise to work at least two years in industry before pursuing an M.B.A.

Can I become over-qualified with a graduate degree? [ Top ]

Yes. You would be over-qualified if your job is close to the commercial/ product side and marketing/sales. You may also be over-qualified for process engineering.

How about a Ph.D. degree? When is it desirable? [ Top ]

A Ph.D. is desirable for research and development positions, large-scale design, and process research in industry and for teaching positions in academia. Note, however, that traditionally only about 10% of Ph.D. chemical engineers go into college teaching/research; the others go into industry and government. So it is a misconception that you only pursue a Ph.D. when you want an academic career.

How expensive is it to get a graduate degree? [ Top ]

You should not have to pay for a graduate degree, especially at the Ph.D. level. If you have a strong academic record here, you should be accepted by a research university which will offer you a fellowship or an assistantship that covers your tuition and a stipend. See the section on graduate study.

How is process research different from process engineering? Specifically, why does the former require a graduate degree and the latter does not? [ Top ]

This is a simple but fairly accurate way to distinguish between the two activities: process research deals with the design or retrofit of an entire process; process engineering is concerned with the operation of that process. Both are important functions, but the former requires advanced study because it requires a deeper understanding of basic science and engineering principles.

SUMMER JOBS

Are summer jobs in or around the chemical process industries (CPI) only available for junior or senior students? [ Top ]

This is not necessarily so. All students (freshmen through seniors) should be applying for and winning summer jobs. Sure, your odds are better at gaining jobs that are at higher professional levels as you gain more education, but all jobs in the CPI are important experiences. At the freshman and sophomore level you might be assisting in the quality control laboratory, taking samples for environmental compliance, and doing other similar jobs. Learning how to do these jobs well and asking additional questions to extend your knowledge of the plant or process would be most beneficial professionally. In addition, later in your career, you will be asking others to take samples, carry out quality control procedures, etc., and it is most illuminating to have observed it first hand to appreciate what it takes to get these tasks performed well.

What type of summer jobs are there for undergraduate students? [ Top ]

It depends partly on the organization for which you are working and partly on you. Let's face it, you are not likely to be given the most exciting and satisfying jobs in your first summer experience with an organization. You are probably not educated enough or experienced enough to handle many assignments. It is really hard to design a summer job assignment that can be completed in about three months and has a large and satisfying impact on the organization. However, you can make a big difference in the satisfaction you derive from the job by working hard to do the task you are given and seeking out other jobs or tasks that seem more interesting to you. An appropriate amount of this kind of initiative is often very much appreciated.

Are summer jobs a good pathway for gaining permanent job positions? [ Top ]

This is definitely true for industrial summer jobs, especially in hard times when the number of people hired is low and the cost of recruiting is being reduced. If you have been a summer employee with a company, they have gotten to know you and you them. This reduces the risk of either party not being happy with the other in the critical first year of employment.

How should I go about finding a summer job? [ Top ]

Looking for summer job postings in the department office or in Career Services at the Busch Campus Center, is a good start, but a large majority of summer jobs are obtained by extensive 'networking.' Networking is the activity that involves letting lots of people (professors, family, classmates, friends, church members, professional society members, etc.) know that you are very seriously searching for summer employment. Searching the want ads is another surprisingly successful way for finding summer jobs. All of these activities require a large dose of get-up-and-go, self-promotion, blowing-your-own-horn, and general good salesmanship. Gather up your courage, get your self confidence fired up, and don't take no for an answer (easily). It is also important that you do not wait until the last minute to start looking. You need to make networking contacts throughout the year. Consider the Job Fair (organized by Career Services) and other similar business fairs as important contacts for even more links. Start working in earnest early in the spring semester towards finding a summer job.

How well can I expect to be paid? [ Top ]

Again it depends on the industry. The larger organizations tend to pay slightly higher; the general range is $8 to $10 per hour. The salary is important but not as important as the experience. You should consider trading $2 to $3/hr for a better experience if you can accept the financial consequence.

Should I look for summer jobs in large corporations or small firms? [ Top ]

It really does not matter because you can get valuable industrial experience in both. On the other hand, companies of different sizes do have different work cultures. So if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to work in small and large companies in the summer, you will have a better idea of the kind of environment you would like for a permanent job.

Should I only look for summer jobs that are close to home? [ Top ]

Having a summer job near home brings certain advantages, the most obvious of which is that you can save some money by living at home. But many larger companies that offer summer jobs away from your home help the student find housing, organize summer employee activities, etc. Since you really should seek out the most rewarding experience, both personally and professionally, you should not restrict your job search geographically unless you have a special need.

Will I be able to get a good idea of what a career in industry will be like from my summer job? [ Top ]

It will give you a glimpse of the types of things that a full time professional might do. These views can be very illuminating and can change your career direction. You will be viewed very differently as a summer employee than as a permanent employee and a stay of a bout three months is not normally long enough to understand what the dynamics of the organization or the profession are like. If you really love it or really hate it, wait a year and check back. Things change.

Is my resume the key item in gaining a summer job? [ Top ]

The most important item is really your network contact, the person or persons who will link you into the organization. The resume is important and should be prepared carefully and separately for each job position. The resume should be shaped to stress your strengths as they relate to the company and the job position. If you don't know about the company and job position, then get to work and find out. Call the company and get their literature. Try to use your network contact to find out more about the job. Go to the library and read about the industry that the company serves. Read in depth about the technology that is important to the company. This is hard work but it makes a big difference.

What other information should be in my resume? [ Top ]

The Career Services, located in the Busch Campus Center, has samples of resumes. Use them as a guide in putting together a draft of your resume; then show it to your advisor or other faculty members for feedback.

How should I prepare for a summer job interview? [ Top ]

The most important part is to show that you understand the industry and the company's goals. To ask good questions, to listen attentively, and to indicate that you will be a willing and eager summer employee are also very important. Looking good is appropriate but do not get carried away. A coat and tie or business dress is all that is required to show respect for the time that they are giving you in the interview. Call ahead and see if you will be touring the plant and dress accordingly. Again, the Career Services, Busch Campus Center, has an informative handout on interviews. You should get a copy and read it carefully.

Are there summer job opportunities other than industrial positions? [ Top ]

There are summer research internships in university and government labs. In recent years, many of our students have found such jobs in fields other than chemical engineering and at other universities, so do not limit your search. The search strategy is actually similar to that for industrial jobs: network, start early, and look aggressively. A research position in a university usually pays less than in industries (in the range of $6 to $8 per hour) but would be helpful to students who are interested in graduate study.

CO-OP PROGRAM

What is a co-op program? [ Top ]

Co-op program is one that allows students to take a job in industries and if the job involved is approved by the department undergraduate director, the job can be classified as part of a professional education and the student gets credits for doing the job. The said job is different from a summer job in that: 1). The minimum duration continuous of the job is six months 2) A summer job does not need the approval of the undergraduate director and, 3) A written report is required when the job is finished.

How many credits are allowed? [ Top ]

A maximum of (6) six credits are allowed toward the 137 (137.5) credits required for graduation. Students are given six credits (pass/fail) for six months successful work in an approved job. The course numbers for co-op 155:497 and 155:498.

How do you look for a co-op position? [ Top ]

Like looking for a summer job, you can look for a job that will go beyond three summer months. You are encouraged to look for the co-op position on your own.. You are encouraged to look for the co-op position on your own. Your can also come to the department or your advisor to ask for some leads.

Should I do the co-op program? [ Top ]

If you prefer experimental work and practical work to theoretical work, and if you like to work with people (or seeking experiences of working with people), maybe co-op is for you. If you need money to pay for your education, co-op is a way to help the situation. Getting college credits and getting paid in the mean time.

Can I get a job on campus for co-op credits? [ Top ]

In general, no. Co-op credits are those earned from industrial jobs. If you are interested in doing research, register for 155:491 and 155:492, the special problems course. These are not co-op credits.

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Why should I consider doing undergraduate research? [ Top ]

Research can be an enriching educational experience. You will have the opportunity to learn about research, do an independent project, and interact closely with a faculty member. It is a particularly useful experience for students who are interested in graduate study. On the other hand, not everybody enjoys doing research, so it is a choice each individual student has to make.

How does one go about getting a research project? [ Top ]

You can participate in a research project in several ways. You can do it for credit by enrolling in either Special Problems (155:491 or 155:492) or the J. J. Slade Scholar Program. The latter course, however, is only open to juniors and seniors with a cumulative GPA of at least 3. 2. You can also do research as a paying job either as a workstudy or non-workstudy student. Finally, if you really are interested in the experience, then you can volunteer your service as a research assistant.

How many credits can I get for doing a research project? Can I use these credits to replace any required courses? [ Top ]

This depends on the nature of the project and the mechanism by which you participate in it. You will not receive academic credits for volunteered or paid work. Most students take 155:491 or 155:492 for 3 semester credits. The J. J. Slade Scholar Program requires 6 semester credits beyond those required for graduation, which can be taken in the summer after your junior year or over the two semesters in your senior year.

When can I do a research project? [ Top ]

In principle you can start as a freshman. In reality most students participate in research in their junior and senior years as you often need the first few chemical engineering courses as background. Research projects go on during the academic year as well as in the summer.

Is there a GPA requirement for doing research? [ Top ]

As mentioned above, the J. J. Slade Scholar Program is open only to juniors and seniors whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.2. But, as long as you are in good academic standing, there is no minimum GPA requirement to register for 155:491 and 155:492.

How can I find out about available research projects? [ Top ]

You can start by finding out the research interests of our faculty from the graduate brochure (a copy of which is in the Department Office). Then you have to see the individual faculty members regarding any open positions.

Can I always get to work on the project I want? [ Top ]

As much as we would like to accommodate all interested students, we do have limited resources so sometimes a student may not get his or her first choice or may not get a project at all. However, you should realize that you can learn the methodology of research by working on any topic and that, in the past, the majority of students who are interested and persistent have found a research position.

What criteria do professors use in choosing students for research? Do they vary from one professor to another or is there a departmental policy? [ Top ]

Each professor might have a different set of criteria depending on the nature of the project. By and large we are looking for students who are responsible, motivated, diligent, and enthusiastic. This is why it is important for you to have an interview with whomever you are interested in working.

What are the procedure and academic requirements for participating in a project? [ Top ]

After you have found a faculty member who is willing to supervise you, you should discuss with him or her the nature of the project, the number of semester credits that you will be getting, and the criteria for grading. Usually you are required to submit a written report at the end of the project.

To whom else can I talk to get more information? [ Top ]

You should feel free to talk to your academic advisor or your course instructor. Another excellent source of information comes from juniors and seniors who are doing, or have done, projects. Ask them to share their experience with you so that you can make an informed choice.

GRADUATE STUDY

Why should I consider going to graduate school? [ Top ]

As an undergraduate you learn about chemical engineering principles primarily through course work. In graduate school, even though you will continue taking some advanced courses, the primary objective is for you to learn to become an independent researcher. In other words, a graduate education is different in scope from, rather than a continuation of, an undergraduate education. One way to look at this is that you absorb knowledge as an undergraduate, but you create and disseminate knowledge as a graduate student. You should consider going to graduate school if you are interested in a career in research and development or teaching at the college level.

Is there a minimum GPA requirement for attending graduate school? [ Top ]

Most chemical engineering departments will not consider applicants with a GPA below 3.0. A GPA of at least 3.5 is usually required for admission to the top 10-15 departments, but the GPA is not the only criterion for admission. Other factors, such as the Graduate Records Examination (GRE), strong letters of recommendation, and research experience, are also important.

How do I know to which schools to apply? [ Top ]

The best source of information is the faculty: your academic advisor, your instructors, or just anybody on the faculty. It is a good idea to ask several different faculty members for their opinions. The chemical engineering academic world is fairly small, and the faculty have a pretty good idea of what is happening at a number of universities. They also have a sense of what schools might be best suited to you.

How do I get information from different schools? [ Top ]

The American Chemical Society Directory of Graduate Research is a good reference for chemical engineering departments, as well as chemistry and biochemistry departments. It lists the faculties of each department with a brief synopsis of each faculty member's research interests. Important data, such as department addresses and phone numbers, are also listed. Write to the director of graduate admissions for each department in which you are interested and ask for the department's guide to research and graduate studies. Each year the Chemical Engineering Division of American Society for Engineering Education publishes a graduate education issue listing all graduate programs. A copy is available in the Department Office.

When is the appropriate time to start the graduate school application process? [ Top ]

Begin collecting information (research guides, applications) no later than the beginning of the fall semester of the senior year. Some people start contacting schools for information in their junior year, but keep in mind that you will not receive the most up-to-date research guides. However, it doesn't hurt to start early. Each university will specify an application deadline, typically in January. Most chemical engineering departments require the general G. R. E. exam, and a handful require the engineering G. R. E. exam. Be sure you are aware of the requirements of every department to which you intend to apply. The GRE exam can be taken in the junior or senior year and can be repeated. Most students take it in October of the senior year.

To how many schools should I apply? [ Top ]

You should apply to one or two "dream schools," one or two into which you have a good chance of being accepted, and one or two "fallback schools. " So, five to six is a good number.

How easy is it to get financial support? [ Top ]

Admission to a Ph.D. program is usually accompanied by an offer of financial aid. Financial aid includes tuition and a stipend for living expenses and ranges from $1000-$1300 per month, The amount can vary quite a bit from one university to another. Some universities offer small "signing bonuses" as incentives, but they amount to very little when averaged over the four or five years of graduate school. Some prestigious fellowships are available, including ones from the National Science Foundation.

Should I apply for the M.S. degree first? [ Top ]

Most chemical engineering departments have de-emphasized their M.S. programs because it takes several years for a student to learn about research and to solve a significant problem. Some departments even discourage M.S. applicants by offering these applicants either a program that involves no research or a lower stipend (if any at all) than to Ph.D. students. If you are indeed uncertain about whether you want a Ph.D., you should discuss your situation with the person who is in charge of admissions in a particular program and seek his or her advice.

Should I consider a Ph.D. degree if I am not interested in an academic career? [ Top ]

As pointed out in the section on career choices, it is a misconception that you only pursue a Ph.D. degree if you want to be a professor. The plain fact is that the vast majority of all Ph.D. recipients in chemical engineering in the U.S. accept industrial positions.

After I apply, when will I know if I am admitted? [ Top ]

The time varies a lot from one department to another. Most departments make acceptance offers in "waves" and let their applicants know sometime between late January to early March. The majority also follow the April 15 deadline of informing applicants about acceptance.

Should I visit the departments where I have been accepted? [ Top ]

It is a very good idea to visit a school before accepting an offer of admission. It is the best way to get all your questions answered, to find out about the faculty and their research programs in more detail, and to meet some of the students with whom you may someday be spending a lot of time. It is common practice to invite those students who have been offered admission to visit the department. Very often, with some notable exceptions, the travel and hotel expenses will be paid by the host department.

If I am lucky enough to have multiple offers, then how should I decide to which school to go? [ Top ]

This is a very difficult question to answer because only you know what the most important factors are for you. But remember, if you pick carefully the schools to which you apply initially, then you can hardly make a bad decision. You will receive a good education at any one of them, but remember, you should have the big picture in mind when you make your decision. In other words, you should be looking for the best education to fulfill your career goals. Issues such as a difference in stipend and the cost of living in a particular city are really not significant in the long run.

Is it possible to get a job right after graduation and then have them pay for your graduate school? [ Top ]

Some companies will do this, but it is perhaps the least common funding route for graduate school. It is more common for the M.S. degree than for the Ph.D. Financing the education is typically not an issue for the Ph.D. student.

Is it better to get a job for a few years after graduation and then go to graduate school, or to go straight to graduate school with little work experience? [ Top ]

This is a matter of personal choice and people have done it successfully both ways (even though more students go straight to graduate school). Future employers might consider someone with prior work experience to be a plus, but students who attend graduate school immediately after completing the B.S. degree do not seem to be at a disadvantage when it comes time to find a job at the Ph.D. level. Success in graduate school is the primary determinant. Some people, who have worked before returning for a graduate degree, will find it difficult to get away from the responsibilities and nice salaries they may have enjoyed during their post-B.S. employment. This often causes people to abandon their graduate school plans after a few years in the workplace.

How hard is it to change majors between undergraduate and graduate school? [ Top ]

Many chemical engineers do extremely well in medical and law school. Some go into related areas, such as chemistry, for graduate school, but this is less common. Chemical engineers are often well suited for graduate school in programs that may not have associated undergraduate degrees, such as biomedical or environmental engineering.

What if you are not sure what sort of research you want to do? [ Top ]

Some students start graduate school knowing exactly what research group they want to join and even what project to pursue in that group, and change their minds a couple of months later. Most departments give students sufficient time and encouragement to familiarize themselves with all the research possibilities in the department. There is ample time to talk to faculty and other students to get a good idea of which direction you want to take. In fortunate cases, there may even be special courses, which can be taken during the first semester, that are closely related to the research of one or more professors. It is perfectly acceptable not to know your research interest when you apply for graduate school. In any case, you should join a department only if there are three or four faculty members with whom you would be happy to work. Finally, remember that you go to graduate school to learn the research process; the research problem itself is simply a means to an end.

How much time is spent taking classes vs. doing research in graduate school? [ Top ]

Typically, the first year is devoted primarily to taking classes, and research begins in earnest in the summer after the first year. The few remaining classes required for graduation can usually be completed by the end of the second year. You may also be required to participate, as a teaching assistant, in teaching two or three courses. Many students, especially those interested in an academic career, find this to be a rewarding experience. Although you may be slightly involved in teaching, remember that the Ph.D. is primarily a research degree.

MINORS

What is a minor? [ Top ]

A minor allows you to pursue an area of interest that is outside the field of interest for your major. Pursuing a minor usually means taking a series of courses in that area.

What is the difference between a minor and a double major? [ Top ]

A minor involves limited study in a curriculum and normally consists of 6 courses designated by the minor department. A double major involves satisfying the core requirements of two separate majors.

Can a chemical engineering student pursue a minor outside of Rutgers? [ Top ]

No; however, a selected number of courses may be taken elsewhere if approved by the minor department.

What have been the most popular minors for chemical engineering students? [ Top ]

Sciences, mathematics, economics and psychology have been popular with our students.

Do I need a separate advisor for a minor? [ Top ]

Yes, you should contact the minor department.

When do I have to decide whether I want a minor? [ Top ]

Again, this depends on the minor in which you are interested. In general, the earlier you plan, the easier it is to work out your schedule because you will have more semesters to take the required courses. This is particularly important for a minor outside of the sciences because scheduling conflicts often arise. Your first meeting with your academic advisor is the best time for you to discuss your plans regarding a minor.

After I decide to pursue a minor, what do I need to do and can I change my mind? [ Top ]

Go to the Academic Affairs Office (Engineering B-100) to get a "Declaration of Minors" form, fill it out, obtain the required signatures, and return it. A copy of this form will stay in your file. Inform the Dean's office promptly should you change your mind later. For example, if you decide not to finish a minor you need to consult the Dean's office to ensure that the alternate courses would still satisfy the requirements for your major.

Would having a minor enhance my employment opportunities upon graduation? [ Top ]

In some cases it would. For example, if a company is looking for a particular skill in a prospective employee, then having a minor which specializes in that skill gives you an advantage in the interview. However, not having a minor usually does not hurt since most employers are looking for broadly educated chemical engineers. By pursuing a minor, you are sacrificing breadth for depth because you will be committing most, if not all, of your electives to a particular area. The bottom line is the pursuit of a minor just to make yourself more marketable may lead to disappointments at graduation.

Would it help me get into graduate school? [ Top ]

Most graduate recruiters would not value a minor as highly as good grades, strong letters of recommendation, and research experiences. Having a minor would help is if you are applying to a graduate program in that minor.

Why should I even consider pursuing a minor? [ Top ]

A minor is not an essential part of your education and will not affect your career options after receiving your degree. Remember, pursuing a minor is a choice. You should make that choice if you are genuinely interested in a subject matter, intellectually curious about it, and enjoy it.

Will I be recognized for having done a minor? [ Top ]

Yes, a formal recognition will be included on your transcript and in the commencement program.

ACADEMIC SERVICES

What are academic support services? [ Top ]

These resources at Rutgers help the students succeed in their academic programs by offering assistance other than faculty advising.

What are some of the services available? [ Top ]

Familiarize yourself with the following services:

Learning Resource Centers: provides time management and learning skills

Office of Special Programs: provides tutoring in specific subject

Counseling and Student Development Center: provides counseling and psychological support

Career Center: provides career counseling.

The Educational Opportunity Program and Office of International Student Services: serve the needs of minority and international students, respectively.

Where are these organizations located? [ Top ]

Here is a list of the locations and telephone numbers of these services (as of July 1997):

Learning Resource Centers: Kreeger Center, CAC; 932-1443

Special Programs: College of Engineering; 445-2687

Career Services: Busch Campus Center; 445-6127

Educational Opportunity Programs: College of Engineering; 445-2687

International Student Services: 180 College Avenue; 932-7015.

What are learning skills and why should I know about them?
[ Top ]

Learning skills include such things as textbook reading strategies, lecture note taking, test anxiety and time management, and stress management. Often a student is having difficulty with a course due to weaknesses in one or more of these skills. Finding out what your weaknesses are is an important first step towards improving your academic performance.

What services are provided by the Counseling and Student Development Center? [ Top ]

The main services provided by the Center are individual psychotherapy, crisis support and management, and group counseling and workshops. You should seek professional help if you encounter personal, emotional, and interpersonal difficulties that are adversely affecting your academic performance. Contact Assistant Dean Donald Brown at Special Programs for referral.