Chemical Engineering + Data Science
The Chemical Engineering + Data Science (ChemE+ DS) degree helps students understand both the core ideas of chemical engineering and how to use modern data tools to solve real-world problems. Chemical engineering has always combined science with practical problem-solving, like figuring out how heat or chemicals move through a system. Chemical engineers work on everything from clean energy and medicine to food production and environmental protection. To do this, they use science, math, and practical knowledge to solve complex problems. In the past, engineers relied on smaller sets of data and basic math tools to guide their decisions. But now, industries are collecting massive amounts of data, and companies need engineers who know how to use it.
At Illinois, the ChemE+DS major will train students to understand the science behind chemical processes and how to use data to make smarter, faster decisions. By learning how to analyze complex systems and use cutting-edge data tools, students will be ready for careers in fast-growing fields like biotech, energy, manufacturing, and sustainability. Just as importantly, the program also teaches how to use data responsibly—because being a great engineer isn’t just about solving problems, it’s about doing it in a way that’s thoughtful, safe, and forward-thinking.
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- Exclusive to Illinois. We're the first university globally to offer this undergraduate major, attracting top students nationwide.
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What You'll Study
This major is housed within our College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and maintains close ties with The Grainger College of Engineering. Students take advantage of resources and programs in both colleges. The Chemical Engineering + Data Science (ChemE+DS) bachelor's degree combines the principles of chemical engineering with training in data science. During the first two years, you will gain a strong foundation in basic sciences through physics, mathematics, chemistry, an introduction to what chemical engineers do, and the fundamental basis of chemical engineering. As you move through the program, students will take fewer electives and instead complete coursework that includes statistics, data analysis, data modeling, machine learning and other data science topics. A data science practicum course during your senior year will give you the opportunity to apply your learning to real-world chemical engineering problems. This major is sponsored jointly by the Departments of Statistics, Mathematics and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, the Siebel School of Computing and Data Science, and the School of Information Sciences.
Minor in Computer Science
The CS Minor is offered for students seeking significant knowledge of digital computing without the more complete treatment of a major in computer science. This minor may be taken by any student except majors in the Computer Science degree programs and in Computer Engineering.
Read Our Blog
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How to launch a startup from the place you call home
October 9, 2025
When Jack Cui needed a location to launch his startup, Yummy Future, the first robotics café in Illinois, he looked no further than Campustown. The Electrical and Computer Engineering alumnus calls both the Champaign-Urbana community and The Grainger College of Engineering his home.
- Undergraduate
- Experiences
July 10, 2025
This fall, Yasmin begins her sophomore year in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Before fully transitioning into ECE, she completed foundational coursework at Parkland College through the Parkland Pathway to Illinois program. Here, Yasmin shares her experience taking a nontraditional route to Grainger Engineering.
- Undergraduate
May 14, 2025
From building Lego sets to fixing household appliances with their father, Grant and Landon Lindsay were encouraged to be problem solvers. This foundation inspired them to apply their critical thinking skills to engineering.
Post-Graduation Success
The department has a history of producing outstanding graduates, from Arnold Beckman (BS ’22), inventor of the pH meter and founder of Beckman Instruments, to BP CEO Bob Dudley (BS ’78). Paul Adriani (BS ’85) with SunPower, develops new products that convert sunlight into electricity. At Pixelligent Technologies, which manufactures next-generation optical materials for the electronics industry, Amy Stabell (BS ’07) designed the company’s reactor for making the nanomaterials. Brian Kwok (BS ’00) is a lawyer focusing on intellectual property practice, including patent strategy and licensing. As senior product design engineer, Sonom Patel (BS ’11) develops consumer products for Procter & Gamble’s feminine care business. Other BS graduates, like Dan Pack (BS ’90) and Chris Arges (BS ’05), have gone on to earn their doctoral degrees and become chemical engineering faculty.
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