Chemical & Life Science Engineering Department
Chemical and life science engineering is a diverse field that involves the design of processes to manufacture chemicals, biochemicals and biologics for application in polymers, nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, clean fuels, environmental protection, medicine and more.
Our department’s small size will be an advantage for you, providing ample opportunity for close interaction with faculty through independent study, research and social events. Look forward to an enriching, hands-on education with a wide range of job prospects after graduation when you join the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering.
Within VCU’s vibrant and intellectually stimulating community, you’ll work collaboratively with faculty on exciting topics like:
- Continuous pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Materials science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmaceutical engineering
- Stem cell engineering
- Urban sustainability
Through strategic partnerships with other VCU departments and private industry, the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering brings experts from different fields together. This includes working with VCU faculty from:
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Dentistry
- Forensics
- Life sciences
- Medicine,
- Pharmacy
When you join our program, you’ll take part in interdisciplinary work that places importance on collaborating with other fields of expertise. This concept of “engineering without boundaries” maintains a high standard for excellence and innovation in research.
The nation's first Ph.D. program in pharmaceutical engineering
Focused on providing a collaborative and team-based experience for students, VCU’s Ph.D. in pharmaceutical engineering is a collaboration between VCU’s School of Pharmacy and the College of Engineering. The first of its kind in the nation, the pharmaceutical engineering Ph.D. will prepare you to become a leader in the science and engineering of pharmaceuticals.
Chemical and life science engineering academic programs
Earn a master's degree in less time
The College of Engineering offers accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s degree programs for all five departments. Students can earn both degrees in a minimum of five years by taking approved graduate-level courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program.
Faculty Research
Exceptional research expertise is what distinguishes the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering. Our faculty are leading experts in their fields and participate in fundamental and interdisciplinary research that includes:
- Artificial intelligence
- Advanced materials research
- Drug discovery and manufacturing
- Cellular engineering
- Protein science and engineering
- Advanced energy development and storage systems
- Oceanic and waterway health
Research expenditures are a measure of faculty productivity and the impact of their scholarly pursuits. The Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering is well funded with:
- $14.7 million in annual research expenditures in 2023, ranking us among the top five chemical engineering programs in the United States.
- Over $1 million per faculty member in research expenditures, demonstrating our commitment to supporting groundbreaking research.
Virginia Commonwealth University and its College of Engineering are home to the Medicines for All Institute and Center for Pharmaceutical Engineering and Sciences. These organizations can provide you with practical learning opportunities. As a student of the College of Engineering, you’ll also have access to state-of-the-art tools through the Virginia Microelectronics Center, Nanomaterials Core Characterization Facility and core laboratories and institutes.
The important work we do leads to the funding of faculty and student research by prestigious agencies. These organizations include the:
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
- Department of Defense (DoD)
- Department of Energy (DOE)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- National Institutes of Health (NIH)
- National Science Foundation (NSF)
Combining expert faculty, significant research funding, organizational support and advanced tools, the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering will prepare you for success after graduation.
$14.7m
total research expenditures in 2023
$1m+
in research expenditures per faculty member*
$85k
average starting salary of chemical engineers in the U.S.
*Ranked in the top 5 in the country alongside Cal Berkeley, MIT, Delaware, Cal Tech and Johns Hopkins
State-of-the-art-facilities
