Southern University Launches Chemical Engineering Program, First Among Louisiana HBCUs
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Posted By: Roger The Great on June 17, 2026 Southern University has made history by becoming the first Historically Black College and University in Louisiana to offer a bachelor's degree program in chemical engineering, marking a significant milestone in expanding STEM opportunities at the Baton Rouge institution. The new program represents a strategic expansion of Southern University's engineering offerings and positions the institution to meet growing industry demand for chemical engineering professionals while providing students with access to a field that has traditionally seen limited representation from HBCU graduates. Key Takeaway: Southern University's new chemical engineering program breaks new ground as the first of its kind at a Louisiana HBCU, expanding access to this in-demand STEM field for students across the state. Chemical engineering combines principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, and biology to develop processes for producing, transforming, and transporting materials. The discipline plays a crucial role in industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and energy to food processing and environmental protection. The launch of this program aligns with broader efforts across HBCUs nationwide to strengthen STEM education and increase diversity in engineering fields where African Americans remain underrepresented. According to data from engineering professional organizations, Black engineers make up a small percentage of the chemical engineering workforce, making programs like Southern's particularly important for addressing this disparity. Southern University, founded in 1880, serves as Louisiana's only HBCU System and is one of the largest historically Black university systems in the nation. The Baton Rouge campus has long been recognized for its commitment to STEM education and has produced generations of engineers and scientists who have gone on to successful careers in industry, research, and academia. The addition of chemical engineering to Southern's academic portfolio is expected to attract students interested in pursuing careers in Louisiana's robust chemical and petrochemical industries, which represent major economic drivers for the state. The program will provide graduates with the technical expertise and credentials needed to enter these high-demand fields. This development comes at a time when HBCUs are increasingly being recognized for their critical role in diversifying the STEM pipeline and producing graduates who bring fresh perspectives to solving complex technical challenges facing society. Originally reported by Google News HBCU. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Roger The Great
Founder & CEO, HBCU CONNECT, LLC Hampton University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
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