A multi-disciplinary approach to education is evident in the Chemical Engineering program's specialization areas of biotechnology, environmental engineering, and semiconductor processing. Elective courses are also available in science, business, and other engineering fields. This broad-based, multi-disciplinary education has proven to be an important factor for a student's future success, either at leading Silicon Valley companies or in Ph.D. programs. Class schedules are designed for the convenience of employed engineers who wish to pursue graduate work on a part-time basis.

The faculty are actively involved in research in a number of areas including: biochemical engineering, semiconductor processing, alternative energy, microfluidics, polymers and nanocomposites, nanotechnology, and environmental health and safety engineering, remediation, and bioprocess engineering. Research activity is sponsored by local industries as well as by government funding agencies.

The Chemical Engineering program welcomes students with undergraduate degrees in a variety of other engineering and science disciplines.