Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Bachelor of Science

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Johns Hopkins University

Program Overview

The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Bachelor of Science at Johns Hopkins University brings together chemistry, biology, mathematics, physics, and engineering to help students understand and solve real-world challenges in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, materials, energy, and data science. It is a great choice for students who enjoy both science and problem-solving and want to use engineering to develop new technologies, products, and solutions for chemical and biological systems.

Curriculum Structure

First Year: Students begin by building a strong foundation in science, mathematics, computing, and engineering. Courses such as Introductory Chemistry I, Introductory Chemistry II, Calculus I, Calculus II, General Physics: Physical Science Major I, General Physics Laboratory I, Gateway Computing: Python, and Chemical Engineering Today introduce the key concepts they will use throughout the degree.

Second Year: Students move into the core principles of chemical and biomolecular engineering while continuing to strengthen their mathematical and scientific skills. They study subjects including Introductory Organic Chemistry I, General Physics: Physical Science Major II, Introduction to Chemical & Biological Process Analysis, Engineering Thermodynamics, Transport Phenomena I, Mathematical Methods in ChemBE 1, and Mathematical Methods in ChemBE 2.

Third Year: The program becomes more advanced, with students exploring chemical reactions, biological systems, separation processes, and experimental methods. Courses such as Biochemistry, Kinetic Processes, Transport Phenomena II, Chemical & Biomolecular Separations, and an Advanced Chemistry or Biology Lab help students connect theory with practical engineering applications, while Probability and Statistics and Introduction to Chemical Process Safety develop important analytical and professional skills.

Fourth Year: In their final year, students focus on applying what they have learned to real engineering challenges through design, experimentation, process control, and advanced technical study. Courses such as Product Design Part 1 and Part 2, Multidisciplinary Engineering Design 1 and 2, Projects in ChemE/ChemBE Unit Operations with Experiments, Industrial Process Design, and Dynamic Modeling and Control prepare students to tackle complex problems in professional engineering environments.

Focus Areas

Students can develop their interests through three main focus areas: Interfaces and Nanotechnology (IN), Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (MCB), and Data Science and Machine Learning (DSML). Depending on their chosen area, students can explore subjects such as Biochemistry Project Lab, Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab, Cell Biology, Cell Biology for Engineers, Principles of Data Science, Physical Chemistry and Instrumentation Lab, and Materials & Surface.

Learning Outcomes

Students learn to solve complex engineering problems using mathematics, science, and engineering principles; design solutions that consider health, safety, environmental, social, and economic factors; communicate effectively; work successfully in teams; conduct experiments and analyze data; make responsible professional decisions; and continue developing their knowledge as new technologies and scientific discoveries emerge.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET under the criteria for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular, and similarly named engineering programs. The program also prepares graduates for professional careers as well as further study in areas such as chemical and biomolecular engineering, biomedical engineering, materials science and engineering, medicine, law, and business.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

Johns Hopkins highlights strong career opportunities for ChemBE graduates across chemical and pharmaceutical production, biomedicine, biotechnology, materials design, food, and energy. The program also provides a strong foundation for careers connected to data science, nanotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and microelectronics, while giving students the academic preparation needed for graduate and professional education.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering B.S. at Johns Hopkins University gives students plenty of opportunities to move beyond classroom theory and gain practical engineering experience. Through laboratory courses, design projects, undergraduate research, computational work, internships, and industry activities, students can develop the technical and problem-solving skills needed to work on real chemical, biological, and healthcare challenges. Students can also access research and engineering facilities across Johns Hopkins, including resources connected to the School of Engineering, School of Medicine, and Applied Physics Laboratory.

Students can put their knowledge into practice through a wide range of hands-on activities and specialized resources:

Product Design: Students complete Product Design Part 1 and Part 2 or Multidisciplinary Engineering Design 1 and 2, giving them experience developing and completing engineering projects.
Industrial Process Design: The Industrial Process Design course allows students to apply chemical engineering principles to realistic process-development and design challenges.
Senior Laboratory Experience: Through Projects in ChemE/ChemBE Unit Operations with Experiments, students gain practical experience with unit operations, experimentation, and engineering analysis.
Undergraduate Research: Students can become involved in research as early as their freshman year through opportunities in ChemBE and other areas of Johns Hopkins. Dedicated courses such as ChemBE Undergraduate Research and Interdepartmental Undergraduate Research allow students to receive academic credit for research activities.
Research Across Johns Hopkins: Students can explore research opportunities throughout the Whiting School of Engineering, School of Medicine, and Applied Physics Laboratory, working alongside researchers on advanced engineering and scientific projects.
Institute for NanoBioTechnology: Students can participate in research through the Institute for NanoBioTechnology, with research areas that include drug delivery, nanotechnology, alternative energy, and cancer-related technologies.
Computing and Data Science: Students gain programming experience through courses such as Gateway Computing: Python, Gateway Computing: JAVA, and Bootcamp: Python. Those following the Data Science and Machine Learning focus can develop additional skills in data-driven engineering and machine learning.
Specialized Laboratory Courses: Students receive hands-on laboratory training through courses including Biochemistry Project Lab, Introductory Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Physical Chemistry and Instrumentation Lab, and Protein Engineering and Biochemistry Lab.
Advanced Facilities: Students can make use of specialized resources such as the Whiting School of Engineering Manufacturing facilities, Materials Characterization and Processing facilities, Johns Hopkins Integrated Imaging Center, Whitaker Microfabrication Lab, and other Johns Hopkins core facilities.
Computational Research: Access to advanced computing and supercomputing resources supports computational modeling, data analysis, and research projects involving complex chemical and biological systems.
Study Abroad: ChemBE students can spend a semester studying abroad, with the department recommending the sophomore or junior year as suitable periods for this experience.
Technical University of Denmark Laboratory Experience: Students can take a summer laboratory course at the Technical University of Denmark in Copenhagen before their senior year. This experience can be used as a substitute for the required senior laboratory course.
Internships and Career Experience: The department provides opportunities for students to explore professional interests through internships, career networking, and research activities, helping them connect their academic studies with potential careers.
AIChE Activities and Plant Tours: Through the student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), students can meet practicing engineers, attend career and graduate-school talks, and take part in local chemical plant tours.
Chemical Process Safety: Introduction to Chemical Process Safety gives students practical knowledge of laboratory and industrial safety, including hazards, regulations, personal protective equipment, toxicology, good laboratory practices, and engineering controls.

Progression & Future Opportunities

A Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering degree from Johns Hopkins University can open doors to careers across biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, materials, energy, food production, consulting, and other technology-driven industries. The degree also gives students a strong foundation for further study in engineering, medicine, law, business, and other professional fields, while creating opportunities to explore research and entrepreneurship.

Typical career paths include Chemical Engineer, Biochemical Engineer, Pharmaceutical Engineer, and Materials Engineer:

Career support: Johns Hopkins' Life Design Lab helps students prepare for life after graduation through career guidance, mentoring, networking, and connections to professional opportunities. The university reports that 98% of students enter the workforce with pre-professional experience, highlighting its strong focus on career preparation.
Internships and professional experience: ChemBE students can pursue internships, career networking, and research opportunities alongside their degree. The department also highlights Baltimore's location as an advantage for accessing companies, research organizations, internships, and professional opportunities.
Industry connections: Johns Hopkins provides opportunities to connect with employers and alumni through its engineering career resources and professional network. These connections can help students gain industry experience, meet potential employers, and explore different career directions.
Research and industry exposure: Students can work with researchers across the Whiting School of Engineering, School of Medicine, and Applied Physics Laboratory. They can also become involved with the Institute for NanoBioTechnology, where research includes areas such as drug delivery, nanotechnology, alternative energy, and cancer research.
Salary outlook: According to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) 2023 salary survey reported by Johns Hopkins, the median salary for chemical engineers was $150,000, while the median starting salary for new graduates was $74,500. The survey also reported that chemical engineering graduates from 2020–2022 found their first job in approximately 5.3 months on average.
Entrepreneurship opportunities: Students interested in creating their own companies or commercializing new technologies can benefit from the Pava Marie LaPere Center for Entrepreneurship, which supports students through training, funding, workspace, and an entrepreneurial community.
Professional accreditation: The B.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering is ABET-accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission under the criteria for Chemical, Biochemical, Biomolecular, and similarly named engineering programs. This provides graduates with a recognized quality benchmark for an engineering education and supports their long-term professional development.
Graduate outcomes: Graduates move into a broad range of fields, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, energy, materials and chemical manufacturing, consumer products, food manufacturing, sustainability, finance, and consulting. Others continue into graduate or professional education or pursue research and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S., students can continue their education through graduate programs in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, and related fields. Students can also pursue professional degrees in medicine, law, or business, while the ChemBE department provides opportunities to continue into master's and Ph.D. study for those seeking advanced technical expertise or research careers.