The department has two strong undergraduate programs for a B.S. degree in chemical engineering and a B.S. in biomedical engineering. The Bachelor of Science program in Chemical Engineering is broadly based and built on a thorough grounding in mathematics, physics and chemistry followed by the study of thermodynamics, kinetics, fluid mechanics and unit operations. Economics, process design and more specialized technical electives are studied during the final year. Key goals of the program are to develop analytical and problem solving skills, communication skills and a level of general education that will allow the graduate to function effectively as a chemical engineer in the twenty-first century.

Chemical engineering students have the opportunity to participate in UMaine’s cooperative work experience program, which provides two semesters of paid practical training and work experience with a company. The UMaine Career Center also has excellent resources for students who wish to explore internship opportunities. Undergraduates have the opportunity to work with UMaine chemical engineering faculty, for academic credit and/or for pay. Projects have included development of biofuels and their bioconversion technologies, chemical compounds for detection and imaging of cancer, model cellular membranes for the study of membrane protein interactions, molecular biosensors for detecting pathogens and toxins, improved tissue-implant compatibility, and quality assurance in food products.