Princeton CBE Undergraduate Program Guide 2026

Princeton CBE Program Overview

Princeton University’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) offers one of the most comprehensive and intellectually rigorous undergraduate engineering programs in the country. Renamed from Chemical Engineering in 2010 to reflect the growing importance of life sciences in the field, the department delivers an ABET-accredited Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE) that prepares students to transform laboratory concepts into real-world solutions across pharmaceuticals, energy, biotechnology, semiconductors, and environmental technology.

Chemical and biological engineering at Princeton is defined as an applied science that leverages chemistry, biochemistry, applied mathematics, and engineering principles to convert conceptual ideas into value-added products in a cost-effective and safe manner. The field’s extraordinary breadth — from pollution control and artificial organs to solar panels and biopolymers — ensures that CBE graduates possess versatile skills applicable across dozens of industries. Students considering similar top-tier programs may also find our Princeton MAE graduate program guide valuable for comparison.

What makes Princeton CBE distinctive is its combination of rigorous technical education with genuine research immersion. Every undergraduate must complete a two-semester senior thesis working closely with a faculty advisor, ensuring that all graduates leave with meaningful research experience — a rare requirement at the undergraduate level that positions Princeton CBE students for both academic and industry leadership roles.

BSE Degree Requirements and Structure

The Princeton CBE BSE degree requires 36 courses completed over four years, with most students taking alternating semesters of four and five courses. The curriculum is carefully structured to build from foundational mathematics and sciences through specialized engineering courses to culminating research experiences.

The School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) establishes baseline requirements including four mathematics courses (Calculus through Linear Algebra), two physics courses, general chemistry, a computer proficiency course, a writing seminar, and seven humanities and social sciences courses ensuring a well-rounded education. Beyond these, CBE students must complete advanced prerequisites in differential equations, organic chemistry (CHM 301), molecular biology (MOL 214), and an advanced chemistry or biology course at the 300-level or above.

The heart of the degree consists of nine CBE core courses spanning all fundamental aspects of chemical engineering: CBE 245 (Introduction to Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Principles), CBE 246 (Thermodynamics), CBE 250 (Separations), CBE 341 (Mass, Momentum and Energy Transport), CBE 346 (Laboratory), CBE 441 (Chemical Reaction Engineering), CBE 442 (Process and Energy Systems Design), and the two-semester senior thesis sequence (CBE 498-499). These courses provide the technical foundation that every chemical engineer needs regardless of specialization.

Students must also complete five program electives organized around their chosen area of concentration: three courses from their primary concentration area and two breadth courses from different areas. At least two of these electives must be designated Engineering Topic (ET) courses. A departmental GPA of at least 2.000 is required for graduation, and no required courses may be taken on a Pass/D/Fail basis.

Core Curriculum and Key Courses

The CBE core curriculum follows a carefully sequenced progression designed to build knowledge systematically. Students typically begin their CBE-specific coursework in sophomore year with CBE 245, which introduces the fundamental principles of material and energy balances that underpin all chemical engineering. CBE 246 (Thermodynamics) follows, providing the theoretical framework for understanding energy transformations in chemical systems.

Junior year intensifies with CBE 250 (Separations in Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology), which covers the unit operations essential for purifying products in both chemical and biological processes, and CBE 341 (Mass, Momentum and Energy Transport), arguably the most mathematically demanding core course, which develops the transport phenomena framework central to all engineering design. CBE 346, the laboratory course, provides hands-on experience connecting theory to physical reality.

Senior year culminates with CBE 441 (Chemical Reaction Engineering), which integrates thermodynamics and transport with chemical kinetics to design reactor systems, and CBE 442 (Process and Energy Systems Design), the capstone course where students apply everything they have learned to design complete chemical processes from scratch. This design course often involves team-based projects that mirror real industrial engineering challenges.

Princeton also offers alternative first-year pathways. The Foundations in Engineering (EGR) series provides an integrated approach to freshman math and physics, while the Integrated Science Curriculum (ISC 231-234) appeals to students interested in quantitative biology, substituting for general chemistry, physics, and molecular biology requirements simultaneously. These pathways demonstrate Princeton’s commitment to offering multiple entry points into engineering education.

Six Areas of Concentration

One of Princeton CBE’s most attractive features is its six areas of concentration, allowing students to tailor their education to specific career interests while maintaining the broad chemical engineering foundation that makes the degree so versatile.

Track 1: Bioengineering and Biotechnology draws from courses in molecular biology, neuroscience, ecology, and biomedical engineering. Students can explore metabolic engineering, tissue engineering, biomedical device design, and computational biology. This track is ideal for students targeting careers in pharmaceuticals, biotech startups, or biomedical research.

Track 2: Entrepreneurship and Management combines CBE technical knowledge with economics, operations research, and engineering management courses. Students take courses in high-tech entrepreneurship, financial engineering, and corporate strategy — preparing them for careers in consulting, venture capital, or launching their own companies.

Track 3: Energy, Sustainability, and Environmental Technologies addresses the critical intersection of engineering and environmental stewardship. Courses span renewable energy systems, environmental engineering, geosciences, and climate science. This track prepares students for the rapidly growing clean energy and sustainability sectors.

Track 4: Materials and Molecular Engineering focuses on the design and characterization of advanced materials, from polymers and ceramics to electronic materials and nanomaterials. Students explore structure-property relationships, characterization techniques, and materials processing — essential knowledge for careers in semiconductor manufacturing, materials R&D, or advanced manufacturing.

Track 5: Computation, Data Science, and AI/ML reflects the growing importance of computational methods in engineering. This newer track includes courses in algorithms, machine learning, statistical modeling, and computational optimization, equipping students with the data science skills increasingly demanded across all engineering disciplines.

Track 6: Applied Engineering Sciences provides the deepest technical dive into fundamental sciences underlying chemical engineering, with advanced courses in chemistry, physics, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. This track is particularly well-suited for students planning graduate study in engineering or the physical sciences.

Research Opportunities and Senior Thesis

Research is not optional at Princeton CBE — it is central to the undergraduate experience. Every student must complete a two-semester senior thesis (CBE 498-499), working closely with a faculty advisor on an original research project. This requirement ensures that every Princeton CBE graduate has conducted meaningful independent research, a distinction that sets the program apart from most undergraduate engineering programs nationwide.

The senior thesis process begins in spring of junior year, when students submit a ranked list of preferred faculty advisors. Most students receive one of their top two choices. The thesis spans the entire senior year and includes two progress reports, a final written thesis, a poster presentation at the departmental symposium, and a final oral examination graded by four different faculty members to ensure uniformity and rigor.

Recent senior thesis topics reveal the extraordinary breadth of research at Princeton CBE: metabolic engineering of yeast using optogenetics (Avalos lab), synthetic multiphase condensates in mammalian cells (Brangwynne lab), plasma-assisted catalysis for ammonia synthesis (Graves lab), lasso peptides for pharmaceutical applications (Link lab), and lignocellulosic biofuel supply chain optimization (Maravelias lab). These are not simplified undergraduate projects — they represent genuine contributions to active research programs.

For students eager to begin research earlier, junior independent work courses (CBE 398-399) allow exploration of research topics under faculty mentorship. Additionally, the Reiner G. Stoll Undergraduate Summer Fellowship provides approximately $5,850 for nine weeks of summer research under CBE faculty supervision, with no citizenship requirement — making it accessible to international students as well. Students exploring graduate research paths should also consider our other university program guides.

Faculty Excellence and Research Strengths

Princeton CBE’s 19 core faculty members represent some of the most accomplished researchers in chemical and biological engineering worldwide. The department is chaired by Christos Maravelias, the Anderson Family Professor, whose research spans energy systems, process optimization, and computational engineering. The Director of Undergraduate Studies, José L. Avalos, leads groundbreaking work in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology, ensuring that the educational program is shaped by active research perspectives.

Clifford P. Brangwynne, the June K. Wu ’92 Professor and Director of the Omenn-Darling Bioengineering Institute, has pioneered the study of biomolecular condensates — research that has transformed understanding of cellular organization. Celeste M. Nelson, the Wilke Family Professor in Bioengineering, leads innovative work in tissue morphogenesis and bioMEMS, while Athanassios Z. Panagiotopoulos, the Susan Dod Brown Professor, is a world authority on molecular simulation and phase transitions.

The department’s strength in polymer science is anchored by Richard A. Register, the Eugene Higgins Professor and Director of the Princeton Materials Institute, and Rodney D. Priestley, who serves dual roles as Dean of the Graduate School and Professor, bringing expertise in nanoscale polymer characterization and responsive materials. A. James Link, the Director of Graduate Studies, leads exciting work in peptide and protein engineering.

Newer faculty members bring cutting-edge research directions: Emily C. Davidson works on complex materials and liquid crystal elastomers, Michele L. Sarazen advances catalysis for carbon capture, Michael A. Webb develops computational approaches to biomolecular and materials engineering, and Andrew S. Rosen applies AI to materials discovery. The department also benefits from 16 associated faculty from other Princeton departments, creating a rich interdisciplinary research ecosystem.

Career Outcomes and Industry Connections

Princeton CBE graduates enter a remarkably diverse range of careers, reflecting the versatility of a chemical engineering degree from a world-class institution. The program’s six concentration tracks create natural pathways into specific industries while the broad engineering foundation enables career flexibility that few other degrees can match.

Students following the Bioengineering and Biotechnology track frequently enter pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and medical device manufacturers, or continue to MD or PhD programs at leading research universities. The Energy, Sustainability, and Environmental Technologies track feeds growing demand in renewable energy, climate technology, and environmental consulting. Materials and Molecular Engineering graduates find opportunities in semiconductor fabrication, advanced materials companies, and national laboratories.

The Entrepreneurship and Management track, combined with Princeton’s strong entrepreneurial ecosystem, has produced graduates who enter management consulting at firms like McKinsey and BCG, join venture capital firms, or launch their own technology companies. The Computation, Data Science, and AI/ML track positions graduates for the rapidly expanding intersection of engineering and data science, with roles at technology companies and quantitative finance firms.

The mandatory senior thesis and extensive research opportunities ensure that students pursuing graduate education are exceptionally well-prepared. Princeton CBE students regularly receive admission to top PhD programs, often with prestigious external fellowships, thanks to their demonstrated research capability and strong faculty recommendations.

Advising, Support, and Student Resources

Princeton CBE provides a structured advising framework that supports students from their first declaration of major through graduation. The Director of Undergraduate Studies (currently José L. Avalos) serves as the primary academic advisor for all CBE students, providing guidance on course selection, concentration choices, and research opportunities. Each student also has access to a residential college advisor during their first two years and their thesis advisor during senior year.

The department office, located in the A-Wing of the Engineering Quadrangle, serves as the administrative hub where students can obtain course information, thesis logistics support, and general guidance. Lab safety training is required before beginning any laboratory research, reflecting Princeton’s commitment to safe research practices. Students conducting research in other departments must coordinate with both their CBE advisor and the host department.

Academic policies are clearly defined and consistently enforced. A minimum of four courses per semester is required, no required courses may be taken on Pass/D/Fail, and a departmental GPA of 2.000 is necessary for graduation. The department’s policies on Advanced Placement credit are particularly detailed: while AP scores can satisfy specific course prerequisites, they do not reduce the overall 36-course requirement. Only Advanced Standing (completing Princeton courses during the summer before freshman year) can reduce the total course count.

Princeton’s broader campus resources complement the departmental support system, including the McGraw Center for Teaching and Learning, the Writing Center, the Office of Disability Services, and comprehensive mental health resources through Counseling and Psychological Services. Engineering students also benefit from the collaborative study culture within the EQuad and from peer mentoring programs organized by the CBE student community.

Funding Opportunities and Fellowships

Princeton CBE provides multiple funding mechanisms to support undergraduate research and academic activities. The Reiner G. Stoll Undergraduate Summer Fellowship, sponsored by The Camille and Henry Dreyfus Foundation, is the department’s premier summer research award. It provides approximately $5,850 (nine weeks at $650/week) plus research supplies for students conducting summer research under CBE faculty supervision. Rising juniors and seniors of any nationality are eligible, making this an inclusive opportunity for the department’s diverse student body.

Applications for the Stoll Fellowship require a one-page research narrative submitted via the SAFE system by mid-February. Importantly, students must discuss potential research topics with faculty before applying, ensuring that proposed projects are feasible and aligned with active research programs. One to two fellowships are awarded each summer based on the quality of the research proposal and the student’s academic record.

Senior thesis and independent work projects receive additional funding through the SEAS Dean’s Office. These funds cover consumable supplies, software licenses, small equipment and parts, and travel for field experiments — typically up to $600 per project, with higher amounts available upon written justification from the faculty advisor. Note that conference travel, books, copying costs, and capital equipment are not covered under this mechanism, though other university funding sources may be available for these expenses.

Princeton’s need-blind admission and generous financial aid policies ensure that the cost of attendance does not prevent talented students from pursuing a CBE degree. The university meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students, and the financial aid program includes no loans — only grants and campus employment opportunities.

How to Succeed in Princeton CBE

Success in Princeton CBE requires strategic planning, consistent effort, and proactive engagement with the department’s resources. Based on the program’s structure and requirements, several strategies can help students maximize their experience and outcomes.

Plan your course sequence early. The CBE curriculum has significant prerequisites and sequencing requirements. Differential equations (MAE 305) must be completed by fall of junior year, organic chemistry (CHM 301) feeds into upper-level CBE courses, and the timing of core courses determines when you can take electives. Work with the Director of Undergraduate Studies to map out a four-year plan that accounts for your chosen concentration and any study abroad interests.

Explore research opportunities from sophomore year. While the senior thesis is required, the strongest thesis projects often build on relationships and skills developed through earlier independent work (CBE 398-399) or summer research. Attending faculty research presentations and office hours during sophomore year helps you identify potential mentors well before the junior-year thesis advisor selection process.

Leverage the concentration tracks strategically. The double-counting opportunities between program electives and other requirements (advanced chemistry/biology, advanced CBE) can free up valuable course slots. With careful planning, you can use these freed slots for additional electives in a secondary concentration area or for courses that support your career goals. For more perspective on engineering career paths, explore our collection of university program guides.

Take advantage of interdisciplinary offerings. Princeton CBE’s cross-listed courses and associated faculty from other departments provide extraordinary opportunities to explore connections between chemical engineering and fields like machine learning, finance, neuroscience, and environmental science. The Computation, Data Science, and AI/ML track in particular reflects the growing importance of computational fluency in modern engineering careers.

Engage with the department community. Princeton CBE’s relatively small size means that faculty-student interactions are frequent and meaningful. Attend department seminars, participate in student organizations, and build relationships with both faculty and peers. The connections you make during your undergraduate years will form the foundation of your professional network throughout your career.