Q: Who are the Faculty/Major Advisors?
A:
Class of 2024
W T. Godbey
Kyriakos Papadopolous
Class of 2025
Katie Russell
Nicholas Sandoval
Class of 2026
Katie Russell
Julie Albert
Class of 2027
W T. Godbey
Nicholas Sandoval
First Year Students
W T. Godbey
Transfer Students
Kyriakos Papadopolous
Q: What is the process for declaring majors/minors?
A: This is typically done in the Sophomore year. To declare the major, students must turn in a Major Declaration form and meet with an advisor. Completed forms should then be turned in to the Project Assistant in Boggs 300.
Q: Are there any professional organizations affiliated with this major?
A: The American Institute for Chemical Engineers has a strong student chapter at Tulane. Members of the department are also members of the Society for Women Engineers, as well as Theta Tau, a professional engineering fraternity, and the Society for Black Engineers.
Q: Is it important to perform an internship?
A: Absolutely! Internships are opportunities for students to get first-hand experience with potential employers, to learn and sharpen skills that are particular to a given enterprise, and to grow as young professionals. These are paid positions that take place without the distractions of coursework. Students with internship experience have been much more successful in obtaining full-time employment, independent of GPA.
Q: When should students apply for internships?
A: Because of the financial calendar for many companies, the interview process typically takes place in the fall. That means students should have their resumes ready to go at the beginning of the school year. A student is more likely to obtain an internship after the sophomore and junior years. Juniors in particular should be ready to apply by the beginning of September.
Q: Are internships the only thing students do in the summer?
A: An alternative to an internship experience is a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). REUs provide opportunities for student to travel to another institution for ~10 weeks in the summer to work in a research laboratory. Students can find out about these opportunities at https://www.nsf.gov/crssprgm/reu/
Q: Can students study abroad?
A: Yes. Given the number and sequencing of required courses for the major students should plan their study abroad experiences carefully. Consult with your departmental advisor (Brian Mitchell) before planning your study abroad experience. International research experiences during the summer are much easier to schedule, less costly, and just as rewarding. Interested students should consult with the department for information on international research experiences.
Q: Where do your graduates go?
A: Virtually anywhere. About 2/3 of our graduates go into industry in fields ranging from petroleum, specialty chemicals, or polymers, to food science, pharmaceuticals, or biomedical startup companies. The ~1/3 who go on for more education go into graduate (Ph.D.) programs in chemical engineering, biomolecular engineering, biomedical engineering, or into professional programs such as medical or law school. Still others have entered business school and/or opened their own startup companies.
Q: How will the department assist me in my job search?
A: Securing a job is the responsibility of the individual. However, companies visit the campus throughout the Fall semester to recruit our seniors. In addition, our department may take groups of students to meet potential employers in other locations. The professional organizations mentioned earlier can also be avenues by which students can be directed to employers who are seeking graduating seniors in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
Q: What is the 4+1 BSE/MS program?
A: The department has a combined 4+1 BSE/MS program in which a student can complete their MS (non-thesis) in twelve months and both degrees are awarded simultaneously. While an MS in Chemical Engineering is not necessary to get a job, there are some students who due to logistical issues or other constraints might find this program to be a good fit with their personal/development needs.
