Why study Chemical Engineering at Dal?

Transform everyday products

From energy to foods to cosmetics and antibiotics, Chemical Engineers transform raw materials into greener, safer and innovative products that we use in our everyday lives. Regarded as one of the most versatile areas of engineering, Chemical Engineering combines the world of chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, design and process engineering. 

Degree overview

Undergraduate Degree: Bachelor of Engineering, BEng
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering; Faculty of Agriculture
Department: Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science
Campuses: Sexton Campus, Halifax; Agricultural Campus, Truro
Program Length: 4 years non co-op program. 5 years co-op program
Program Start: September & January



What will I learn?

In the first two years of your degree, all engineering students complete the Core Engineering Program. This Program can be taken on the Sexton Campus in Halifax, or the Agricultural Campus in Truro. You will study core courses in math, science, engineering science and design, developing a broad foundation in engineering.

At the end of your first year, you can apply to one of our six tailored engineering disciplinesincluding Chemical Engineering. Placement in a specific discipline is competitive and based on academic performance in the first year.

In the third year of your degree, you will transition into your discipline and can choose to combine your degree with co-operative education.

The Chemical Engineering program at Dalhousie provides opportunities to specialize in a variety of areas:

-  Biorefining and value added manufacturing
-  Oil and gas production
-  Industrial safety
-  Fermentation technology and brewing 
-  Food engineering 
-  Biochemical engineering 
-  Computational process design 

Students enrolled in the Chemical Engineering Program at Dalhousie can combine their degree with a Certificate in Biomedical Engineering



Careers and future study

A degree in Engineering from Dal gives you the knowledge and skills you need to be highly employable in a wide variety of areas, whether you decide to launch your career locally, nationally or internationally. The range of career options you’ll find in engineering is truly impressive. Here are just a few of the jobs that our grads have undertaken:

  • Food and beverage industry
  • Nutraceutical and pharmaceuticals
  • Production and utilization of energy
  • Production and utilization of chemicals
  • Pulp and paper
  • Polymers, textiles
  • Water treatment
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Industrial effluent treatment 
  • Advanced materials
  • Metallurgical operations
  • Biotechnology

Graduating from Dalhousie is the first step towards becoming a professional engineer and the beginning of a lifelong learning experience. After earning your Bachelor of Engineering, you will need to be admitted as an Engineer in Training (EIT) by an Association of Professional Engineers in Canada. 

Once you have completed four years of suitable work experience, you may apply to become a professional engineer.



Admission requirements

Undergraduate admission requirements vary based on your previous education and your intended program of study at Dalhousie. Learn about our admissions requirements, book a campus tour, or connect with an advisor if you have questions about your eligibility for admission.

View admission requirements



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