Chemical Engineering
About the Chemical Engineering Pathway
This pathway is designed to meet Associate in Science Track 2 degree requirements with an emphasis in chemical engineering. This pre-major pathway is designed to prepare you to transfer at the junior-level into an engineering program at a four-year college or university.
Students pursuing this pathway typically enjoy studying the development, design, and control of processes and products that involve molecular change, both chemical and biological, and the operation of such processes. Because many of the products that sustain and improve life are produced by carefully designed and controlled molecular changes, chemical engineers serves in a wide variety of industries. Chemical engineers design the reactors for a wide variety of industries ranging from chemical and energy companies to producers of all types of consumer and specialty products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, polymers, advanced materials, and solid-state and biomedical devices.
Chemical engineering is one of the most broadly-based engineering disciplines, which means the techniques and skills you’ll gain will be directly applicable to a wide range of real world work environments. Students in this pathway typically pursue careers in chemical manufacturing, processing, research, and business and work to design and develop solutions to some of the world’s most complex problems.
Transfer Programs Information Sessions
Come check out our Transfer Programs Information Sessions to learn more and ask questions about our programs. Learn more and sign-up!
Information Sessions will cover the following information:
- Overview of our campus community
- Benefits of attending South Seattle College
- How transfer degrees work
- Areas of Study and Program Pathways
- Student resources and funding opportunities
- Faculty Spotlights
- How to get started
Associate Transfer Degrees
Associate Transfer Degrees: Two-year transfer degrees let you take your freshman and sophomore classes at Seattle Colleges for a fraction of the cost, and then transfer to a four-year university with the skills and confidence to succeed. Be sure to work with a transfer advisor at Seattle Colleges and the four-year institution you plan to attend.
Depending on your program pathway, you can earn either an Associate of Arts (AA-DTA), Associate in Business (AB-DTA), or Associate of Science (AS), Track 1 or Track 2. Learn more.
Career Opportunities
- Chemical Engineering
- Process Development
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
- Scientific Research
- Fossil Fuel Industry
- Chemical Factories
- Environmental Regulation
- Production Engineering
- Chemical Safety
- Pollution Abatement
- Research and Development
- Microelectronics
- Biotechnology
A bachelor’s degree or higher degree may be required for some careers listed above. For current employment and wage estimates, please visit the following online resources and search for the relevant occupational term:
- Local Occupational Information from the Workforce Development Council of Seattle-King County
- National Occupational Information from the O*Net Resource Center (to simply enter a search term, visit O*Net’s keyword search tool).
Future Education Opportunities
Once you complete this Associate degree, additional education opportunities include:
- A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field at a four-year college or university.
- A Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree at one of the Seattle Colleges.
South Seattle College has direct transfer agreements with four-year institutions throughout Washington state, including University of Washington, Washington State University and Seattle University. Graduates from South have also transferred to out-of-state institutions.
Program and admissions requirements vary from college to college. Contact an advisor to create an educational plan tailored to transfer to the institution of your choice.
Length of Program
110 credits = 8 quarters if you take 10-15 credits* each term.
*Students who take 15 credits each quarter earn their degree faster, saving them time and money. Additionally, full-time students often qualify for more financial aid and earn more money over their lifetime because they complete their schooling faster. Meet with an advisor to build your education plan!
Which Quarter Can I Begin?
Fall, Winter, Spring, or Summer.
Class Times/Delivery Modes?
Most courses are offered M-TH, M/W, or T/TH during the daytime (between 8-1:30 p.m.) on-campus, online, or in hybrid (part on-campus, part online) format. We also offer some evening courses twice-a-week and science courses may include afternoon labs (between 1-4 p.m.). For the most recent class times, visit the online class schedule.
Approximate Costs Each Quarter
Tuition………………………………………………………….........………….............…………....$1550
Books, supplies, and miscellaneous fees……………………………………....$100-300
Tuition based on WA resident rates. Rates for international students and non-residents may vary.
Did you know that the average student at South spends three hours applying for financial aid and gets more than $4000 per year?
To apply for financial aid, including grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back, visit South’s Financial Aid Department for details.
Where can I go if I have questions about College Transfer?
New Students: Please contact our South Outreach Team by calling 206.934.5179 or by email at SouthOutreach@seattlecolleges.edu.
Current Students: Please make a Transfer Planning Appointment with the Advising Department. For more information about transfer events and opportunities, please contact Helen Tupufia Enguerra, Student Success Specialist, at Helen.Enguerra@seattlecolleges.edu.