Department of Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
Engineering collage

Established in 1910 as the first petroleum engineering program in the world, the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering has spent more than a century at the forefront of the field. Today, 40-plus faculty, 20-plus laboratories and learning centers, and a dedicated staff support education and research that span energy, materials, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, sustainability, and beyond.

Our students build a strong foundation in the science of how matter and energy transform - then put it to work. Through hands-on research, co-op experiences, and coursework designed around real-world problems, they graduate ready to lead in industries ranging from chemicals and polymers to electronics, food science, and health care. With growing global demand for solutions in energy, the environment, and advanced manufacturing, chemical engineers from Pitt are prepared to meet the moment.

News

Swanson School’s Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Welcomes Three New Faculty Members

Swanson School’s Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Welcomes Three New Faculty Members

The University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering has hired...

Susan Fullerton Shirey Named Interim Chair of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at Pitt

Susan Fullerton Shirey Named Interim Chair of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at Pitt

PITTSBURGH (August 24, 2026) ... Susan Fullerton Shirey has been named interim chair of the Department of Chemical and...

Chemical Processing Innovation Developed by Pitt and Lubrizol Recognized in 2025 Manufacturing USA Report to Congress

Chemical Processing Innovation Developed by Pitt and Lubrizol Recognized in 2025 Manufacturing USA Report to Congress

A University of Pittsburgh collaboration with Lubrizol, a global specialty chemical leader, was featured in the newly...

For Every Reaction, There’s an Action

For Every Reaction, There’s an Action

At first glance, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Chem-E Car Competition may not seem that daunting:...

Events

Sep 23

National Postdoc Appreciation Week - Wednesday Brew & Connect

Every great connection starts somewhere. Pull up a chair, pour a cup, and spend a few minutes with the postdoc...

Sep 23

National Postdoc Appreciation Week - Navigating the Postdoc Experience: Support, Strategies, and the Ombuds as a Resource

This virtual session is designed to help postdocs learn about confidential support, communication strategies, and...

Sep 23

National Postdoc Appreciation Week - Annual Fall Picnic

We are so excited that NPAW will again include our Annual Fall Picnic! Join us for a fun-filled, family-friendly event...

Sep 24

National Postdoc Appreciation Week - Thursday Fresh Brew, Fresh Faces

Good coffee is best shared. Drop in for a casual morning break and see who you meet across the postdoc community. We'll...

Sep 24

National Postdoc Appreciation Week - Postdoc Sketch Hour: Celebrating 150 Years of Discovery

Turns out there's more to postdoc life than pipettes and papers. Join us for a fun and relaxing midday drawing session!...

Sep 24

National Postdoc Appreciation Week - 150 Years of Postdocs in the United States: A CMU x Pitt Postdoc Celebration

Join CMU’s Office of Graduate & Postdoctoral Affairs and the University of Pittsburgh Postdoctoral Association for a...