How competitive is the chemical engineering program at the US Naval Academy?

I'm thinking about applying to the US Naval Academy and am interested in chemical engineering. How challenging is this program, and what kind of opportunities do students typically have after graduation? Is it a popular choice among midshipmen?

The Chemical Engineering program at the U.S. Naval Academy is notably competitive and rigorous, challenging students with an in-depth exploration of processes at the molecular level and training in designing systems for chemical transformations. The program curriculum includes core engineering principles, along with specialized courses in chemical reaction engineering, process control, and material and energy balances.

After graduation, midshipmen primarily commission as officers in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps. The subjects you study in the program can be applied to various roles in the military, such as nuclear power school instructor or damage control officer. Some graduates also consider civilian roles in the chemical industry or government regulatory agencies.

Chemical Engineering is not the most popular major at the Naval Academy, but a healthy number of students do choose it each year.

The program also prepares you to pursue advanced studies if you decide to do so later in your career. We've seen that graduates from the Academy, in general, have a good track record of gaining admission to top grad schools. However, remember that attending the Naval Academy is a serious commitment, as you would be commissioned as an officer and are expected to serve after graduation. The career paths and opportunities you would have after graduation are generally related to the military.

Overall, the chemical engineering program is a robust, demanding option that prepares midshipmen not only for military service but for many different career paths in the field of Chemical Engineering.