Moving from Chemistry into Chemical Engineering

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the transition from a BSc in Chemistry to a career in Chemical Engineering, focusing on the best educational pathways available, including options for MSc, PhD, and BEng degrees. Participants explore the implications of these choices on future employment opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest pursuing a PhD as the best option for transitioning into Chemical Engineering.
  • Others argue that a BEng is unnecessary for someone who already holds a BSc, and that the MEng is becoming the industry standard.
  • One participant notes that the MSc in Process Engineering may be accredited by the IChemE, potentially placing graduates on equal footing with MEng graduates.
  • Concerns are raised about the time and financial investment required for advanced degrees versus potential employment benefits.
  • There is a suggestion that pursuing a PhD may not be necessary if the goal is simply to change fields from chemistry to chemical engineering.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the value of pursuing a PhD versus an MSc or BEng, indicating that there is no consensus on the best educational path for transitioning into Chemical Engineering.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of considering the accreditation of degrees and the evolving standards in the industry, which may affect job prospects.

Chemist125
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Hi,

I'm almost finished my BSc degree in Chemistry in the UK and I'd like to move into Chemical Engineering.

My options are:

MSc Process Engineering;
PhD Chemical Engineering;
BEng in Chemical Engineering at the Open University.

Which route do you guys think is best?

Are there alternatives for me?
 
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I would go for the PhD.
 
Deathcrush said:
I would go for the PhD.

What's your reasoning?
 
it's just personal choice I guess, I'm studying chemical engineering already
 
Chemist125 said:
Hi,

I'm almost finished my BSc degree in Chemistry in the UK and I'd like to move into Chemical Engineering.

My options are:

MSc Process Engineering;
PhD Chemical Engineering;
BEng in Chemical Engineering at the Open University.

Which route do you guys think is best?

Are there alternatives for me?
What are your options regarding employment? 30 years ago, the pulp and paper industry was riding high here, and if you had an advanced degree in process control, chemical engineering, or chemistry, you could be practically assured of decent long-term employment at a good wage. If you are going to spend more time and money pursuing an advanced degree, it would be a good idea to balance the cost of that time and money against the possible gains that the advanced degree would give you in the work-force. Good luck!
 
No point in doing a BEng if you already have a BSc, and the MEng is fast becoming industry standard so even if you were to spend three or four years doing a BEng you'd still be quite limited in what jobs you can apply for.

Since the MEng is still an undergraduate degree, although it is at masters level, the logical conclusion is either the MSc or the PhD.

The MSc in process engineering will probably be accredited by the IChemE so with that you'll be on equal footing with MEng Chemical Engineering graduates.

I can't really see any point in doing a PhD if you merely want to change your line of work from chemistry into chemical engineering.
 
Shaun_W said:
No point in doing a BEng if you already have a BSc, and the MEng is fast becoming industry standard so even if you were to spend three or four years doing a BEng you'd still be quite limited in what jobs you can apply for.

Since the MEng is still an undergraduate degree, although it is at masters level, the logical conclusion is either the MSc or the PhD.

The MSc in process engineering will probably be accredited by the IChemE so with that you'll be on equal footing with MEng Chemical Engineering graduates.

I can't really see any point in doing a PhD if you merely want to change your line of work from chemistry into chemical engineering.


Thank you for your opinion.
 

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