Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
The chemical engineering program at OU began in 1912, awarding its first graduate degree in 1918. Throughout its history, the program has maintained strong foundational coursework while adapting elective offerings to meet evolving industrial demands. In 1963, the institution merged Chemical Engineering with Metallurgical Engineering to form the School of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. This evolved further in 2008 when it was renamed the School of Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering (CBME) to better represent its growing bioengineering focus. Today's global challenges regarding nonrenewable energy scarcity and environmental concerns highlight the crucial role of chemical engineers. These professionals are essential in addressing issues related to fossil fuels, nuclear power, and emerging alternatives like biofuels. Their expertise has been instrumental in petroleum processing and now extends to natural gas liquefaction and coal gasification. Furthermore, chemical engineers are pivotal in developing renewable energy solutions involving biomass, geothermal systems, ocean thermal energy, and solar power.