Chemical Engineering Major Standardization v1.0

Chemical Engineering

Major

Chemical Engineering at West Point prepares future Army officers to design, analyze, and manage complex systems that transform energy, materials, fuels, and biological processes at scale. Cadets combine rigorous engineering education with leadership development to solve mission-critical problems in sustainment, protection, and operational resilience.

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Chemical Engineering at West Point

Engineering systems that power the Army

Chemical Engineering turns scientific principles into large-scale, practical solutions. At West Point, cadets apply mathematics, chemistry, and engineering fundamentals to design and operate systems that support energy security, chemical defense, medical readiness, and force sustainment.

This major develops systems thinkers who understand how technical decisions scale into operational consequences.

Quick Facts

  • Degree Type: Bachelor of Science
  • Department: Chemical & Biological Science & Engineering (CBSE)
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Accreditation: ABET (Engineering Accreditation Commission)
  • Tracks: Standard, Honors
  • Lab & Design Focus: Extensive, project-based

Core Themes & Focus Areas

  • Mass and energy balances
  • Thermodynamics and transport phenomena
  • Chemical reaction engineering
  • Process modeling, simulation, and control
  • Materials, polymers, and fuels
  • Biological and biochemical systems
  • Safety, risk, and systems optimization

Cadet Quote (example placeholder):

“Chemical Engineering taught me how to think in systems. Whether planning logistics, managing risk, or leading people, I learned how small decisions scale into big consequences—and how to lead responsibly when they do.”

The West Point Advantage

West Point offers one of the most mission-focused undergraduate chemical engineering programs in the nation. As an ABET-accredited program, Chemical Engineering at West Point combines technical rigor with leadership development and real-world application.

Cadets graduate with both the engineering credentials and leadership experience expected of officers entrusted with complex systems.

ABET-Accredited Rigor
  • The Chemical Engineering major is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, ensuring nationally recognized standards in engineering education.
  • This accreditation supports licensure, graduate school admission, and technical credibility across the Army and beyond.
Applied, Mission-Focused Design
  • Chemical Engineering cadets work on design problems, simulations, and laboratory projects that mirror real industrial and military systems.
  • Coursework emphasizes applying theory to practical constraints such as safety, efficiency, and scalability.
Faculty With Engineering and Operational Experience
  • CBSE faculty bring expertise from academia, industry, and military service.
  • Small sections allow faculty to mentor cadets closely through demanding coursework, design projects, and career planning, ensuring cadets are supported through one of West Point’s most rigorous majors.
Engineering Education Built for Service
  • Chemical Engineering at West Point integrates accredited engineering rigor with applied leadership development.
  • Cadets are expected to lead teams, communicate technical results clearly, and take ownership of outcomes.

The Journey Continues: A Career of Leadership, Shaped by Chemical Engineering

Service first. Engineering skills that scale.

Commissioning Pathways

Chemical Engineering aligns well with branches and functional areas such as:

BranchDescription
Engineer CorpsPlan and execute infrastructure, mobility, and environmental engineering operations that enable combat power and humanitarian missions.
Ordnance and LogisticsManage ammunition systems, fuel distribution, maintenance operations, and industrial-scale sustainment systems that keep the force mission-ready.
Chemical CorpsLead units responsible for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense, including detection, protection, decontamination, and consequence management.
Acquisition & Program Management (FA51)Development and fielding of complex systems
Medical Service CorpsSupport medical logistics, bioengineering initiatives, and force health protection programs that safeguard Soldier readiness and operational capability.
AviationApply engineering discipline to aircraft systems, sustainment planning, and safety in complex operational environments.
CyberIntegrate process control and systems engineering knowledge into the protection and management of critical information networks.
Acquisition & Program ManagementOversee development, testing, and fielding of advanced energy, materials, and defense technologies across the Army.
Military IntelligenceAnalyze industrial capacity, energy infrastructure, and technical systems to inform operational decision-making.

Learn how commissioning works

Post-Graduate Opportunities

Chemical Engineering majors are highly competitive for advanced study and specialized development throughout their Army careers.

Graduate School & Scholarships

  • National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship

  • Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Gates-Cambridge, and Churchill Scholarships

  • Army-funded master’s degrees at institutions such as MIT, Stanford, Cambridge, Caltech, Purdue, and other leading universities

  • Health Professions Scholarship Program and Uniformed Services University pathways for medical careers

Research, Fellowships & Technical Development

  • Army Research Laboratory

  • Army Futures Command initiatives

  • National laboratories including Sandia, Los Alamos, and Lawrence Livermore

  • Defense-focused fellowships and technical internships

  • Technical Scholars Program and Dawkins Scholars Program mentorship

Professional Pathways

  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) preparation
  • Advanced technical and systems leadership roles

These pathways allow officers to deepen expertise in energy systems, chemical defense, advanced materials, biotechnology, and force health protection while continuing to serve.

Explore Scholarships and Graduate Opportunities

What Chemical Engineering Officers Do: Across a Career

Early Career: Lead Soldiers and Manage Critical Systems

Newly commissioned officers take immediate responsibility for people, equipment, and mission execution. Chemical Engineering majors are often trusted to manage fuel distribution systems, oversee environmental safety programs, assess chemical risks, and ensure operational resilience.

Representative responsibilities include:

  • Leading engineer or chemical units in training and deployment

  • Managing energy, water, and fuel systems in austere environments

  • Supporting medical logistics and force health protection programs

  • Advising commanders on chemical and environmental risk mitigation

Mid-Career: Command, Specialize, and Advance Capability

As officers progress, many move into roles requiring deeper technical expertise and broader organizational leadership. Chemical Engineering backgrounds support assignments in chemical defense units, research organizations, acquisition programs, and medical support systems.

Officers may:

  • Command companies in the Engineer or Chemical Corps

  • Lead research initiatives in energy resilience or advanced materials

  • Manage programs supporting bioengineering or medical readiness

  • Serve in acquisition roles overseeing development of protective technologies

Senior Career: Shape Strategy and Modernization

At senior levels, Chemical Engineering trained officers influence how the Army modernizes energy systems, strengthens environmental security, enhances chemical defense, and improves force health protection.

Senior leaders may:

  • Command battalions or brigades

  • Serve in senior staff positions overseeing sustainment or engineering operations

  • Guide policy on chemical defense, environmental security, or medical support systems

  • Direct acquisition programs that affect Army readiness at scale

Missions and Real-World Impact

Chemical Engineering officers operate where science, risk, and leadership intersect. Their work may include:

  • Enhancing energy resilience and power generation for deployed forces

  • Designing safer fuel and water systems

  • Developing detection and protection systems against chemical threats

  • Supporting bioengineering initiatives that improve medical readiness

  • Contributing to disaster relief and humanitarian engineering missions

Beyond Initial Service

While officers serve first and foremost in uniform, the leadership, analytical rigor, and systems thinking developed through Chemical Engineering prepare graduates for advanced study and continued technical leadership. 

Many pursue funded graduate education or research-intensive careers after fulfilling their Army commitment, building on a foundation earned through leading Soldiers and stewarding complex systems.

Questions Prospective Cadets Ask

Clear answers to help you decide—and take the next step

Do I need to be “perfect at chemistry or math” to choose this major?

No. Chemical Engineering is rigorous, but you are not expected to arrive as an expert. Cadets are selected for their work ethic, curiosity, and willingness to take on challenge. Structured instruction, faculty mentorship, and academic support are built into the program to help motivated students succeed.

If you are willing to work hard and grow, you are ready to start.

What sets Chemical Engineering at West Point apart from similar programs?

At most universities, chemical engineering focuses only on technical preparation. At West Point, it also prepares you to lead.

You will study energy systems, materials, reaction engineering, and process design in the context of national defense, chemical protection, medical readiness, and operational sustainability. Every course is connected to leadership responsibility and service.

What happens after graduation?

Graduates commission as Army officers. Chemical Engineering majors serve in branches such as Engineer Corps, Chemical Corps, Medical Service Corps, Aviation, Cyber, and Acquisition.

You will begin your career leading Soldiers and managing complex systems where safety, precision, and mission success matter.

Over time, many officers pursue advanced education, research roles, or strategic leadership positions.

How early can I start internships or applied experiences?

Cadets typically participate in Academic Individual Advanced Development experiences during the summer after sophomore or junior year. These internships may take place at Army research laboratories, national laboratories, defense organizations, or private industry partners.

Many cadets also participate in research during the academic year through laboratory courses or individual research projects.

Is research required?

All Chemical Engineering majors complete a senior design and process development experience. Additional research is strongly encouraged and widely accessible.

Cadets conduct laboratory research in areas such as energy storage, advanced materials, chemical defense, biotechnology, and force health protection. Many present at conferences or co-author publications with faculty.

Can I double major or add a minor?

Many cadets pursue an academic minor that complements Chemical Engineering, such as bioengineering, systems engineering, applied statistics, or foreign language.

Double majors are possible depending on academic performance and scheduling. Department advisors work closely with cadets to ensure academic choices align with commissioning requirements and long-term goals.

How selective is the Chemical Engineering major?

Chemical Engineering is demanding, but selection emphasizes preparation, motivation, and potential rather than exclusivity.

You do not need to declare a major before applying to West Point. The best next step is to begin your application, which gives you access to advising and guidance as you explore your options.

What about cost and financial support?

Cadets at West Point receive a fully funded education that includes tuition, room, board, and academic resources in exchange for service as an Army officer after graduation.

This allows you to focus fully on academics and leadership development without traditional college debt.

If you are interested in leading in technical, high-stakes environments and want your engineering education tied directly to service and impact, Chemical Engineering may be the right path.

Start your application today.

Still deciding?

You don’t need to have every answer before you apply. The admissions process is designed to help you explore options, confirm fit, and understand what comes next.

Key Deadlines:

  • Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) open

  • April 15 – SLE application closes

  • Fall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications due

  • Jan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadline

View Full Admissions Requirements

Your future as a leader begins here. Take the first step today.

Starting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.

Begin Your Journey in STEM at West Point

Get Answers to Your Questions

Discover West Point for Yourself

Resources for Current Cadets

What You’ll Study

Chemical Engineering cadets study how materials and energy move, transform, and interact within systems. The curriculum emphasizes modeling, design, experimentation, and decision-making under constraints.

How the Curriculum Builds Your Expertise

  1. Foundational Knowledge: Build strength in chemistry, physics, mathematics, and engineering science to understand complex physical systems.

  2. Advanced Application: Apply thermodynamics, reaction engineering, separations, transport phenomena, and process control through laboratory and design courses.

  3. Leadership & Military Relevance: Use engineering insight to lead teams, manage risk, and support energy resilience, chemical defense, medical logistics, and sustainment operations.

Course Highlights

CourseWhat You'll Learn
Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (CH365)Understand energy transformation and equilibrium in physical and chemical systems; equips you to evaluate power generation, energy resilience, and efficiency in military operations.
Chemical Reaction Engineering (CH364)Design and assess chemical reactors and reaction systems; prepares you to support chemical defense, energetic materials, and industrial-scale production processes.
Separation Processes (CH363)Apply principles of distillation, filtration, and extraction; prepares you to manage purification systems for fuel, water, and environmental remediation.
Heat and Mass Transfer (CH485)Analyze how heat and materials move through systems; equips you to optimize thermal systems, protective equipment, and energy conversion technologies.
Introduction to Automatic Process Control (CH367)Design and evaluate feedback and control systems; prepares you to manage automated industrial processes and mission-critical infrastructure systems.
Chemical Engineering Laboratory (CH459)Design experiments, collect and interpret data, and communicate technical findings; sharpens decision-making skills required for real-world engineering leadership.
Chemical Engineering Process Design (CH402)Integrate technical knowledge into a full-scale process design project; prepares you to evaluate risk, manage constraints, and lead engineering solutions that support Army sustainment, protection, and modernization efforts.

View the Full Chemical Engineering Curriculum

Year-by-Year Snapshot

This progression builds a rigorous scientific and mathematical foundation, advances into applied engineering analysis and laboratory experience, and culminates in full-scale system design tied to Army-relevant challenges.

First Year – Scientific and Mathematical Foundations

Build your grounding in calculus, chemistry, physics, and introductory engineering principles.

Develop disciplined problem-solving habits and laboratory skills that support all upper-level engineering coursework.

Sample Courses:

  • General Chemistry II

  • Calculus I and II or Advanced Multivariable Calculus

  • Physics II

  • Core military and leadership curriculum

Sophomore Year – Core Engineering Principles

Transition from general science to chemical engineering fundamentals.

Learn to model systems using mass and energy balances while strengthening your understanding of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics.

Sample Courses:

  • Mass and Energy Balances (CH362)

  • Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics (CH365)

  • Thermodynamics (ME301)

  • Fluid Mechanics (ME362)

Junior Year – Applied Chemical Engineering Systems

Dive into reaction engineering, separation processes, heat and mass transfer, and process control.

Conduct laboratory experiments, analyze data, and begin applying engineering solutions to real operational challenges in energy, materials, and chemical defense.

Sample Courses:

  • Chemical Reaction Engineering (CH364)

  • Separation Processes (CH363)

  • Heat and Mass Transfer (CH485)

  • Introduction to Automatic Process Control (CH367)

  • Chemical Engineering Laboratory (CH459)

Senior Year – Integration, Design, and Leadership

Synthesize your technical knowledge through advanced electives and full-scale process design.

Evaluate complex engineering trade-offs while considering safety, environmental impact, sustainability, and operational risk.

Sample Courses:

  • Chemical Engineering Process Design (CH402)

  • Chemical Engineering Professional Practice (CH400)

  • Engineering electives such as Nuclear Engineering, Energy Conversion Systems, Bioengineering Modeling and Analysis, or Systems Management

Capstone / Culminating Experience

Cadets complete a comprehensive senior process design project that integrates technical analysis, safety, economics, and communication. Working in teams, they design and evaluate systems that reflect real Army or industrial challenges. 

The capstone demonstrates readiness to lead complex technical efforts in operational environments.

Faculty and Mentorship

Meet the Faculty

Chemical Engineering cadets learn from faculty committed to undergraduate engineering education and leader development.

Featured Faculty

  • COL Corey James, Ph.D.
    Department Head and Professor. Teaches chemical engineering and general chemistry while leading the department’s academic modernization and research efforts.

  • LTC Lucas Fallot
    Associate Professor and Director of the Center for Molecular Science. Oversees cadet research programs and supports laboratory-based learning across the major.

  • Dr. Ryan Limbocker
    Research faculty in protein biophysics. Guides cadet research in biomedical and neurodegenerative disease applications relevant to soldier health and protection.

  • LTC Brian Holloway
    Director of the Photonics Research Center. Supports interdisciplinary collaboration in energy systems, materials, and defense technology research.

Faculty assignments vary by year. All Chemical Engineering majors receive individualized advising and long-term mentorship from faculty who understand both engineering rigor and Army leadership demands.

Department Culture

  • Chemical Engineering cadets learn in a disciplined, collaborative environment where technical precision and leadership development go hand in hand. 

  • Faculty emphasize hands-on laboratory experience, clear technical communication, ethical responsibility, and practical problem solving tied directly to Army needs.

  • Small class sizes ensure cadets are challenged academically while receiving direct feedback, guidance, and mentorship.

Faculty Achievements

  • Faculty lead nationally recognized research programs in energy storage, chemical defense, bioengineering, and advanced materials.

  • Cadets regularly co-author peer-reviewed publications and present at national conferences such as AIChE and ACS.

  • Department faculty mentor cadets who earn Goldwater, Stamps, Rhodes, Barry, and other competitive scholarships.

  • Research programs partner with Army Research Laboratory, national laboratories, and leading universities to give cadets real-world exposure.

Student Faculty Success Stories

  • Chemical Engineering cadets have conducted energy storage research that led to national scholarships and doctoral study at institutions such as Caltech and Cambridge.

  • Cadets in the Multi-Functional Materials Laboratory have co-authored peer-reviewed publications in advanced materials science and energy applications.

  • Research conducted in partnership with Army laboratories has supported soldier protection, fuel cell innovation, and chemical hazard detection initiatives.

Meet the Chemical Engineering Faculty →

Expand Your Expertise

Chemical Engineering at West Point is designed to be rigorous and flexible. Cadets deepen their expertise through focused technical electives, honors research, and complementary minors that align with Army branch interests and long-term professional goals.

Choose Your Specialization Path

Within the Chemical Engineering major, cadets tailor their academic focus through elective sequences and research opportunities in areas critical to Army readiness and modernization.

  • Energy Systems and Resilience: Study power generation, energy conversion, and storage systems that strengthen installation resilience and deployed operations.
  • Chemical Defense and Force Protection: Focus on detection, mitigation, and protection against chemical and biological threats, supporting Chemical Corps and force health protection missions.
  • Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology: Explore materials engineering, nanomaterials, and structural energy systems that enhance soldier protection and equipment performance.
  • Bioengineering and Medical Applications: Apply engineering principles to medical logistics, biosensors, regenerative materials, and technologies that improve soldier health and survivability.

Cadets may also pursue Honors research through Individual Research courses, working directly with faculty in laboratory environments.

Pair With a Minor

Many Chemical Engineering cadets expand their expertise by adding a minor that strengthens technical depth or broadens leadership capability.

MinorOpportunity
Bioengineering
  • Develop medical and biological engineering solutions that support force health protection and medical readiness.
  • Access the Multi-Functional Materials Laboratory and Protein Biophysics Research Group.
Systems Engineering
  • Learn to manage complex technical systems and integrate engineering design with operational planning.
  • Work with modeling, simulation, and systems management tools used across the Army.
Nuclear Engineering
  • Understand radiation effects, nuclear systems, and weapons-related engineering.
  • Access coursework in radiological engineering and nuclear effects analysis.
Applied Statistics
  • Strengthen data analysis and quantitative modeling skills for research, process optimization, and acquisition roles.
  • Apply statistical methods to laboratory research and system performance evaluation.
Engineering Management
  • Build project management and production operations skills essential for sustainment and acquisition leadership.
  • Engage with coursework in project management and operations systems.

Laboratories and Research Facilities

Chemical Engineering cadets have access to advanced facilities that support specialization and applied research:

  • Multi-Functional Materials Laboratory

  • Biodefense Protection Technologies Laboratory

  • Protein Biophysics Research Group

  • Center for Molecular Science

These laboratories provide hands-on opportunities to design experiments, analyze data, and contribute to research in energy storage, chemical defense, biotechnology, and advanced materials.

Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West Point

Apply today to pursue a Physics major while gaining world-class leadership training, a fully funded education, and a career-launching experience. Admission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.

Key Deadlines:

  • Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) open

  • April 15 – SLE application closes

  • Fall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications due

  • Jan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadline

View Full Admissions Requirements

Your future as a leader begins here. Take the first step today.

Starting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.

Begin Your Journey in STEM at West Point

Get Answers to Your Questions

Discover West Point for Yourself

Resources for Current Cadets

  • Department of Physics & Nuclear Engineering (PaNE) Homepage
    Primary hub for courses, faculty, research areas, and announcements.

  • Physics Major Curriculum & Sample Course Plans
    Helps cadets visualize workload, sequencing, and honors options.

  • Contact a Physics Major Advisor
    Direct link to schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor or major director.

Chemical Engineering Beyond the Classroom

Through hands-on laboratory work in facilities such as the Multi-Functional Materials Laboratory and the Center for Molecular Science, research partnerships with Army laboratories, and summer Academic Individual Advanced Development internships, cadets gain operationally relevant experience that directly supports warfighter readiness. This integration of engineering, leadership, and mission impact defines the Chemical Engineering experience at West Point.

Hands-On Opportunities and Unique Experiences

ExperienceWhat You'll Do / Why It Matters
InternshipsCadets work with Army research laboratories, medical centers, and national laboratories on energy, chemical protection, and biomedical challenges.
ResearchCadets conduct laboratory research in advanced materials, energy storage, biosensors, and soldier health protection.
Leadership

Cadets lead laboratory teams, manage design projects, and brief technical solutions.

Global Experience

International internships and research exchanges broaden operational and cultural understanding.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Projects integrate mechanical, electrical, nuclear, and biological engineering disciplines.

PartnershipsPrograms collaborate with Army Futures Command, Army Research Laboratory, national laboratories, and leading universities.

Internships and Field Work

  • Chemical Engineering cadets participate in Academic Individual Advanced Development internships with Army research laboratories, national laboratories, medical centers, and defense partners. 

  • Opportunities include work at Army Research Laboratory, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Sandia National Laboratories, and energy and materials research programs across the Department of Defense.

  • Cadets apply chemical engineering principles to real challenges in fuel systems, chemical defense, energy resilience, medical logistics, and environmental security.

Research Opportunities

  • Cadets conduct hands-on research in the Multi-Functional Materials Laboratory, the Center for Molecular Science, and other department research groups. 

  • Projects focus on advanced energy storage, nanomaterials, biosensors, chemical threat detection, and soldier health protection.

  • Many cadets co-author peer-reviewed publications, present at conferences such as the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Chemical Society, and contribute to Army-focused technical solutions.

Leadership Opportunities

  • Applied learning is cadet-led by design.

  • Chemical Engineering majors lead laboratory teams, serve as project managers for design courses, and brief technical findings to faculty and Army stakeholders. 

  • Cadets develop the ability to manage risk, communicate complex data clearly, and lead technical teams in high-consequence environments.

Global Programs and Special Experiences

  • Cadets participate in international internships, language immersions, and research exchanges that broaden technical and cultural understanding. 

  • Programs include overseas laboratory placements, multinational collaboration, and participation in Army and interagency missions abroad.

  • These experiences prepare future officers to operate effectively in joint and coalition environments.

Interdisciplinary Opportunities

  • Chemical Engineering cadets collaborate with peers in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, biology, and systems engineering.

  • Projects in energy systems, advanced materials, process control, and bioengineering integrate multiple disciplines to address Army modernization priorities.

Partnerships with Army, Government, and Industry

  • Hands-on experiences are supported by partnerships with Army Futures Command, Army Research Laboratory, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Department of Defense laboratories, and leading universities.

  • Cadets contribute to projects in energy storage, chemical protection, biotechnology, and materials innovation that directly enhance warfighter readiness.

Explore Cadet Research →

Cadet Life in This Major

CADET LIFE

Chemical Engineering is a disciplined and collaborative academic community.

Cadets participate in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers student chapter and Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society. They present research at national conferences and participate in Projects Day and Army technical symposia.

 

Chemical Engineering at West Point is a tight-knit academic community built around shared challenge, collaboration, and professional growth.

Department Clubs

  • Cadets engage in organizations such as the American Institute of Chemical Engineers student chapter and Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society. 

  • These groups foster mentorship, professional development, and peer support within the major.

Co-Curricular Experiences

  • Many cadets participate in laboratory research teams, design competitions, and engineering projects that extend learning beyond the classroom.

  • These activities reinforce teamwork, leadership, and applied problem-solving skills.

Professional Associations

  • Chemical Engineering majors connect with national professional communities through conference participation, technical symposiums, and departmental mentorship.

  • Cadets frequently present research at regional and national engineering conferences, gaining early exposure to graduate-level scholarship and professional networks.

Community and Department Events

  • The Department of Chemical and Biological Science and Engineering hosts Projects Day research presentations, guest lectures, award ceremonies, and technical workshops.

  • These events strengthen community, celebrate cadet achievement, and connect students with Army and academic partners.

Conferences, Competitions, and Immersions

  • Cadets travel to conferences such as the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Annual Meeting and Army technical symposia.

  • Research competitions, scholarship programs, and technical forums provide opportunities to test ideas, present findings, and represent West Point on a national stage.

Explore More Cadet Experiences →

Ready to Lead? Start Your Journey at West Point

Apply today to pursue a Physics major while gaining world-class leadership training, a fully funded education, and a career-launching experience. Admission is competitive, but this major is open to all cadets who meet USMA’s academic, physical, and leadership standards.

Key Deadlines:

  • Feb. 15 – Application & Summer Leaders Experience (SLE) open

  • April 15 – SLE application closes

  • Fall (Senior Year) – Nomination applications due

  • Jan. 31 (Senior Year) – Candidate Checklist deadline

View Full Admissions Requirements

Your future as a leader begins here. Take the first step today.

Starting the application does not commit you to a major. It opens the door to guidance, advising, and a clearer picture of your path forward.

Begin Your Journey in STEM at West Point

Get Answers to Your Questions

Discover West Point for Yourself

Resources for Current Cadets

  • Department of Physics & Nuclear Engineering (PaNE) Homepage
    Primary hub for courses, faculty, research areas, and announcements.

  • Physics Major Curriculum & Sample Course Plans
    Helps cadets visualize workload, sequencing, and honors options.

  • Contact a Physics Major Advisor
    Direct link to schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor or major director.

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Chemical Engineering at the United States Military Academy is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the commission's General Criteria and Program Criteria for Chemical Engineering and similarly named engineering programs.

Current ABET Chemical Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) Student Outcomes

Student outcomes are statements that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do by the time of graduation. 

Cadets who qualify for graduation with a Chemical Engineering major from USMA will demonstrate:

  • an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics.
  • an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors.
  • an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences.
  • an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts.
  • an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives.
  • an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions.
  • an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

ABET Chemical Engineering program educational objectives

Program educational objectives are broad statements that describe the career and professional accomplishments that the program is preparing graduates to achieve.

The Chemical Engineering program seeks to prepare future Army officers for productive and rewarding careers in engineering or related professions for service to the nation.

Five to seven years after graduation, cadets who majored in Chemical Engineering will have been successful Army officers who:

  • Demonstrate effective leadership by leveraging chemical engineering expertise and precise technical communication.
  • Contribute to the solution of complex problems in a dynamic environment.
  • Apply disciplined technical expertise to succeed in advanced study programs.

For the current and recent enrollment and graduate statistics, click the link for “View by Major” under the section "Enrollment for Select Majors."