Thoughts on Tufts Chemical Engineering Program?

Hey everyone! I'm considering applying to Tufts University for Chemical Engineering. What can you guys tell me about the program, like how strong is their engineering department, the faculty, research opportunities, etc? Any opinions or personal experiences would be much appreciated!

Hello! Tufts University has a strong reputation for its Chemical Engineering program. Tufts is especially known for its focus on interdisciplinary approaches, so you'll find quite a few opportunities to connect your engineering studies with other fields, such as biology or environmental science.

The faculty in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is diverse and extremely talented, and they regularly engage in cutting-edge research. Students have positive experiences working with the faculty, who are not only experts in their fields but also approachable and committed to teaching. While the class sizes for major-specific courses tend to be smaller, which creates a more personalized learning environment, the general engineering courses may be a bit larger.

Tufts has plenty of research opportunities for undergraduate students, including paid research positions during the academic year and over the summer. Research areas range from soft matter and biomaterials to photovoltaics and energy storage. You can work directly with faculty members on their ongoing projects, or you can develop your own research project and seek mentorship from faculty with similar interests.

The School of Engineering also offers several valuable resources to help you succeed in your studies, such as the Center for STEM Diversity, which provides advising, tutoring, and workshops to ensure engineering students, in particular, underrepresented groups, have the support they need to thrive.

Finally, networking and staying engaged in the field is something Tufts encourages through student organizations, such as the student chapters of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). These clubs give you a platform to connect with your peers, attend conferences, and hear from professionals in the industry.

Overall, the Chemical Engineering program at Tufts is known for its strong academics, research opportunities, and supportive faculty. However, I would recommend visiting the campus and speaking with current engineering students, if possible, to get a sense of whether the program and the school's culture will be a good fit for you. Good luck with your application!