Overview
Get hands-on chemical engineering training in world-class labs that replicate common industrial processes and practice working with industrial-grade equipment and process units.
In this program, you’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of unit operation, process control, and equipment design while you learn to operate, troubleshoot, maintain, and design safe processing units and plants. In addition, our industry-trained instructors will teach you design calculations, process simulation and control, industry safety, and environmental engineering. You will also learn to work with engineering software that will give you an edge to jump-start your career.
Through the capstone project, you’ll advance your skills further to prepare you for a career in process engineering, water treatment and other chemical industries. Chemical engineering technology is a broad discipline and the skills learned provide the potential to have a career in various industries. You can choose to start your career right away as a chemical technologist, an environmental technician, a process engineering technologist or a process designer. Or you can to continue your studies through transfer options to universities.
Is this the right fit for you?
An interest in science and mathematics is an asset. Specific interest in physics and chemistry are desirable.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by Technology Accreditation Canada (TAC). Graduates are eligible for registration in the Alberta Society of Engineering Technologists. Periodical registration agreements exist with U.S. and British societies.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT diploma in Chemical Engineering Technology.
Learn more about our energy and environmental programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in engineering design, computer-based process simulation, technical sales, field operations, and environmental work. Potential positions include:
- engineering design assistant
- production operator
- technologist
- technical sales
- environmental field technician
- production technologist
Related careers include:
- petroleum and natural gas processer
- environmental consultant
Tuition and fees
Estimated cost per year:
Domestic total 2023/24
- Year 1: $7,492
- Year 2: $7,210
International total 2023/24
- Year 1: $21,243.64
- Year 2: $20,306.80
Final costs are dependent on the number of courses a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
Hands On: Aerobic water treatment control unit
This small-scale treatment plant gives water resource management students big-picture insights into automated processes they'll use in domestic and industrial labs to address local and global water challenges.
Admission requirements
Program requirements
Completion of the following courses or equivalents:
- at least 60% in Math 30-1, or at least 75% in Math 30-2, AND,
- at least 60% in English Language Arts 30-1 or 75% in English Language Arts 30-2, AND,
- at least 60% in Chemistry 30, AND,
- at least 60% in Physics 20.
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program meets the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program for international students as long as the student is enrolled in the on-campus delivery mode or completes more than 50% of the courses on campus (for the blended option). International students attending all classes online will NOT be eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit. International students are responsible for maintaining their eligibility throughout their studies.
Communication during admission
Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the macphail.students@sait.ca domain to your safe senders' list or you risk missing critical email messages.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 6, 2022 | April 28, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | April 26, 2024 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
Open Studies courses available
Some courses in this program are available through Open Studies.
Open Studies is a great way to explore a certain subject before diving into the full program. See what courses are offered by finding this program on the Open Studies courses tab.
First year
Semester 1
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CHEM-224 | Engineering Chemistry I | 1.5 |
| COMM-256 | Professional Communications and Presentation Skills | 3.0 |
| COMP-220 | Computer Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| INRY-200 | Introduction to Chemical Engineering | 1.5 |
| MATH-238 | Math for Engineering and Tech I | 3.0 |
| THRM-235 | Thermodynamics | 3.0 |
| Semester 1 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 2
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| INST-256 | Instrumentation and Process Control | 3.0 |
| ENGD-275 | Flow Diagram Development and AutoCAD | 1.5 |
| FLDS-255 | Industrial Fluid Systems | 3.0 |
| CHEM-264 | Engineering Chemistry II | 3.0 |
| MATH-288 | Mathematics for Engineering and Technology II | 3.0 |
| STAT-245 | Statistics for Engineering and Technology I | 3.0 |
| Semester 2 Total | 16.5 | |
| First year Total | 31.5 | |
Second year
Semester 3
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CHEN-308 | Chemical Engineering Calculations | 3.0 |
| CHEN-309 | Process Computer Simulation Lab | 1.5 |
| CHEN-312 | Unit Operations Laboratory | 1.5 |
| CHEN-313 | Heat Transfer | 3.0 |
| CHEN-314 | Mass Transfer | 3.0 |
| PROJ-327 | Technical Project Management | 3.0 |
| Semester 3 Total | 15.0 | |
Semester 4
| Course Code | Course Name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| CHEN-350 | Analytical Instrumentation | 3.0 |
| EMTL-350 | Materials | 1.5 |
| ENVS-365 | Environmental Engineering and Management | 3.0 |
| OCHS-350 | Occupational Health and Safety | 3.0 |
| PETR-310 | Petroleum Production | 1.5 |
| PROJ-396 | Energy Capstone Project | 3.0 |
| Semester 4 Total | 15.0 | |
| Second Year Total | 30.0 | |
| Program Total | 61.5 | |
Progression
Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.
Review our grading and progression procedure >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $178
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $5,607 | [brick: sait-fee-total ref: fees-year22-23] | $553 | $7,076 |
| 2 | 2 | $5,340 | [brick: sait-fee-total ref: fees-year22-23] | $553 | $6,809 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $600.54
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $18,917.01 | [brick: sait-fee-total ref: fees-year22-23] | $553 | $20,386.01 |
| 2 | 2 | $18,016.20 | [brick: sait-fee-total ref: fees-year22-23] | $553 | $19,485.20 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $196
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $320
- Student support fee: $200
- Student technology fee: $200
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $291
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
For more information on health and dental benefits for international students, please contact the International Centre.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies cost approximately $1,800 in the first year and $900 in the second year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Costs 2023/24
Tuition and fees
The following costs are effective as of July 1, 2023. They are an estimate of tuition and fees based on the recommended course load per year. *
Domestic students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $5,922 | $948 | $622 | $7,492 |
| 2 | 2 | $5,640 | $948 | $622 | $7,210 |
International students
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | $19,673.64 | $948 | $622 | $21,243.64 |
| 2 | 2 | $18,736.80 | $948 | $622 | $20,306.80 |
*For a detailed breakdown of tuition costs per course, visit the domestic and international fee tables.
Fees
Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)
Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside of the typical 15-week program.
Learn more about what your fees are for
Fees are subject to change without notice.
| Fees | < 9 credits per semester | > 9 credits per semester |
| SAIT fees | ||
| Campus athletic and recreation | $51.50 | $103 |
| Student support fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| Student technology fee | $52.75 | $105.50 |
| UPass* | N/A | $160 |
| Total | $157 | $474 |
| Saitsa fees | ||
| Student association fee** | $16.22/credit | $146 |
| Health plan*** | N/A | $86 ($172 annually) |
| Dental plan*** | N/A | $79 ($158 annually) |
| Total | $311 maximum | $476 |
*Additional eligibility requirements apply for students to obtain a UPass. To check your eligibility, visit our Upass page.
**Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.
***Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. In most cases, program fees quoted are based on students paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Learn more at saitsa.com/benefits.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies cost approximately $1,800 in the first year and $900 in the second year.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about your tuition and financial aid options
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Your program orientation (ORNT 118) will take place on campus on Aug. 31. Check your schedule in mySAIT for the time and location details.
Learn more about campus orientation.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on March 1 through March 15 for Spring 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
Required personal protective equipment (PPE)
The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes.
PPE is required in various labs. You'll need a lab coat and CSA-approved safety glasses (with uvex and side shields) by the first day of class to enter the chemistry labs.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
MATH 123: Mathematics Refresher
Give your math skills a boost, refresh some of the basics and get ready for calculus with a review of algebra, geometry, functions, graphs, trigonometry, exponents, systems of equations and more.
MATH-123 is specifically designed to help prepare students who must take MATH 238 as part of their program.
The course is virtual, self-paced, and can be accessed on Brightspace (D2L) from January 3, 2023 until April 28, 2023.
Register online between November 23, 2022 and January 23, 2023.
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date.
Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck, no textbook purchase is required this term.
Contact
Email: MacPhail.students@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
Your journey starts here
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