Welcome to UMD's Chemical Engineering Department!

Engineering at UMD and the Department of Chemical Engineering ranked high by US News in 2008 in the category of "Best undergraduate engineering programs" at schools that focus on undergrads, or "Engineering schools whose highest degree is Bachelors or Masters,": 4th nationwide for best Chemical Engineering programs (ranked 2nd among public universities).

ChE Highlights GoldPASS! Dedicated, qualified faculty and staff Student-centered, accredited, four year program. Information on Admission Requirements, General Requirements, and Program Requirements can be found at: ChE Program Details. Students may be interested in Environmental Science as a major or minor. The program offers several tracks for a student to focus their studies: climate processes, environmental chemistry, global resources, habitats, and quantitative methods. Minor in environmental engineering. Mission and educational objectives to pursue knowledge and its application for the betterment of society. Develops the student's technical, communication, and leadership skills. Promotes chemical process safety and ethics. Prepares graduates for professional engineering registration and licensure.

Iron Range UMD Graduate Engineering Education Program

• Program
• Courses

Student Spotlight: Jake Klym

Hello. My name is Jake Klym. I am a senior Chemical Engineering student at UMD. Last year I worked as an engineering coop student at Cargill in Sidney, OH from January to August. The Sidney plant processes soybeans to oil extraction. The oil is used in a variety of food and chemical products. Within the first couple months my role was to become familiar with each department in the process so I could begin working on improving the efficiency. However, due to management change, I became responsible to manage projects left behind by transferring supervisors. As an engineering intern, I had the exciting opportunity to take charge of a major drag conveyor repair in which a major crane operation was needed. Both supervisory work and safety measures were needed for the crews/contractors consisting of 3-4 people during the operation. I was also given responsibility for a major feed tank operation in which the way the meal was transferred/ dealt with was changed. This project took approximately 3 months to plan, implement, execute, and complete. During the installation phase, I led a 4-man crew everyday making sure permits were signed and installation remained on pace all while reporting to management how the installation was coming along. Lastly, during the plant shutdown I managed various installations and repairs within the extraction/ cooling process including new valves, sand and hydro-blasting shell and tube heat exchangers, and installed a chemical system for a water cooling tower system. I never imagined that I would gain so much experience as a student. UMD Chemical Engineering prepared me for success now and in the future.

Past Student Spotlights

Allan Rudeck, Class of 1994, Inducted Academy of Science and Engineering

Allan S. Rudeck, UMD Chemical Engineering Class of 1994, was inducted into the Swenson College's Academy of Science and Engineering on September 30, 2011. Al is currently Vice President for Strategy, Planning and Asset optimization at Minnesota Power, an Allete Company. Al was honored for his leadership and service to his community, the profession, and the University. Al has been an advocate for the advancement of engineering and technology in his numerous roles at Minnesota Power and the communities they serve. He has advanced opportunities for all trades and crafts, contributed significantly through collaborative workforce development groups, led major economic development projects, and established some world class environmental awareness and performance metrics. He takes time to support continued education of all peers and coworkers, as well as offers help and support to those he leads. Beyond his many accomplishments in the industry, Al has been a leader in the community participating on levels ranging from community volunteer to city councilor.