Chemical Engineering

General Planning Tips For chemical Engineering 

  • With careful and early planning, you can study abroad and still graduate on time. 
  • The minimum eligibility requirements to study abroad are the completion of one semester on campus and a GPA of 2.5 or higher.  Some programs may have additional eligibility requirements.
  • Study abroad is a great way to satisfy your KU Core requirements. Therefore, it is a good idea to reserve some of your KU Core classes to take abroad.
  • Scholarships are available for study abroad both through KU Study Abroad & Global Engagement and national organizations. Connect with your School of Engineering advisor to learn more about scholarship opportunities for engineering students pursuing international study.
  • Courses to take at KU: In addition to Thermodynamics (C&PE 221), you should plan to take your upper division engineering courses at KU.  Meet with your academic advisor to learn more about which courses you can take abroad so that you can effectively plan for a study abroad experience.

When To Go

Freshman

  • Schedule a meeting with an engineering advisor during your first semester at KU to discuss your graduation plan and identify specific courses as well as specific timing opportunities for your study abroad experience.
  • After you've met with your academic advisor, continue your program research by visiting the KU Study Abroad Info Center in Lippincott Hall. Study abroad peer advisors can help you to identify suitable study abroad options based upon the information you received from your advisor.
  • Studying abroad usually requires two letters of recommendation, so it's good to start identifying individuals who can speak to your academic qualifications as well as your ability to be successful during an international experience.
  • There are a few summer programs that offer good course options for chemical engineering students, and the best time to pursue these programs is the summer before your sophomore year.  These programs typically offer courses such as physics and/or upper level math.  Otherwise, summer is a great time to take some of your KU Core courses abroad.
  • If you are considering studying abroad during the fall of your sophomore year, you are encouraged to take Material and Energy Balances (C&PE 211) before you go.  This course is offered at KU during the summer term.  It can be difficult to find an equivalent for this course abroad, so taking C&PE 211 before you study abroad will allow you to enroll in your subsequent C&PE courses upon your return to KU for the spring semester of your sophomore year.

Sophomore

  • Fall semester of your sophomore year is the ideal time for Chemical Engineering students to study abroad.  
  • You can take a combination of mathematics, basic sciences, KU Core, basic engineering sciences, and/or ChemE Emphasis courses abroad.
  • ChemE students should plan to take Thermodynamics (C&PE 221) at KU.  Because this course is only offered at KU during the spring term, it is not recommended that ChemE students study abroad during the spring of their sophomore year.   
  • If you are not planning on an internship during the summer, this is another great opportunity to take some of your KU Core requirements abroad.

Junior and Senior

  • It is not recommended that Chemical Engineering students pursue a semester study abroad program their junior or senior year.  However, short term programs offered during Winter Break, Spring Break, and/or the Summer term would be a good option during this time.

Courses and Credit 

  • Engineering faculty have already pre-approved a number of engineering courses abroad. To see available pre-approved courses, visit the Course Equivalency Database.
  • If you want to take a class/classes that have not been pre-approved, complete the credit approval process.

Recommended Programs For Chemical Engineering

To help you get started on your search, see recommended programs for Chemical Engineering.  We also encourage you to visit the study abroad Info Center for drop-in advising to meet with a Peer Advisor to discuss your interests and learn more about available options. 

Optimization and the Cold War: Logistics in Berlin

Recommended Timing: Summer - after freshman year

Course: C&PE 601

Universidad Pontificia Comillas SAPIENS Summer – Spain

Recommended Timing: Summer after Freshmen year

Sample courses: Research courses, upper-level math

TU Graz Summer Research- Graz Austria.

Recommended Timing: Summer after Freshmen year till Graduation

Sample Course: Multiple research products for credit.

CEA Engineering in Rome-Student Initiated Programs in Italy and Greece

Recommended Timing: Summer – after freshman year

Sample courses: Match courses, Engineering Electives

CEA Engineering in Paris-Student Initiated Programs in France and Belgium

Recommended Timing: Summer – after freshman year

Sample courses:Engineering Electives. 

CEA Engineering in Prague-Student Initiated Programs in Central Europe

Recommended Timing: Summer – after freshman year

Sample courses: Engineering Electives. 

CEA Engineering in Buenos Aires-Student Initiated Programs in Spain, Portugal and Latin America

Recommended Timing: Summer – after freshman year

Sample courses: Dynamics, Circuits, Differential equations and Linear Algebra. 

 

Summer Global Internships

Recommended Timing: Summer – after freshman or sophomore year

Sample courses: varies by location