Frequently Asked Questions
Asking questions about the program and your chosen field of study is an important part of your decision-making process. We prepared this FAQ to help you make an informed decision. If you have a question not answered here, we encourage you to come to one of our open days or contact our registration center. To learn more about our programs, please call 1-800-55-1111 extension 2 or email us at moked@shenkar.ac.il. Please include your full name and contact information.
And now, the FAQ:
Is there a place for women in this field?
Absolutely! In fact, there are more women than men in our department, and the same is true for most other chemical engineering departments in Israel. Fifty percent of all chemical engineers in the industry are women, and they occupy the same positions as the men.
Will the department help me find a job?
We may not be an employment agency, but we do help our graduates find work. Our faculty members’ industry connections are often beneficial for students. Furthermore, in the fourth year, our students collaborate with real companies to work on their R&D graduate projects. Many students then find employment with those companies.
Do your alumni find jobs matching their qualifications?
Ninety-nine percent of our alumni occupy positions that match their qualifications six months after graduation, with many getting job offers and starting work during their fourth year at Shenkar.
Should I get an MBA after my engineering degree?
A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering is a strong degree on its own. It opens doors to all management levels even without further academic studies. Many senior managers in the industry are chemical engineers with bachelor’s degrees only. However, those who wish to deepen and broaden their knowledge can benefit from a master’s degree. An MBA is always useful, but we do not recommend pursuing one immediately after graduation. Instead, it is best to spend a few years working in your field, gain some experience and formulate a more mature outlook on the industry.
What about advanced degrees?
Every year, a few of our alumni decide to continue their studies and apply for an advanced degree program at Shenkar (in polymer materials engineering), the Technion, Ben-Gurion University, Tel Aviv University, Weizmann Institute, and even overseas, including at MIT. Among our alumni you will find professionals with master’s degrees and PhDs in chemical engineering, chemistry, environmental science and other fields. The degree our program awards meets the admission requirements for advanced degree programs in every college and university in Israel, although you may be required to complete certain courses to enter some programs.
Why do I need to study physics?
Because physics is the language engineers use to describe natural phenomena. All engineering programs include physics courses as a requirement, and here at the Department of Chemical Engineering, we are no different.
I didn’t take physics in high school. How will I get through the physics courses?
High school physics classes are challenging for many young people, even those who consider themselves STEM-oriented. Physics requires a good grasp of mathematics and problem-solving abilities, and many prefer to avoid the subject in high school as a result. As you get older, this changes. In our experience, most STEM-oriented people do well in physics courses. We begin with a pre-university-level course to catch you up on mechanics before moving on to high-level physics.
Are there specialized study tracks, and how do they affect my chances of finding work?
Our department used to offer specialization tracks in general chemical engineering, water and environmental engineering, and cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. However, we came to realize that this structure was too restrictive for some of the students and decided to offer more choices instead. Today, we allow students to choose freely from our list of specialized courses, as long as they meet the prerequisites. Students who wish to choose only courses focused on water and environmental studies may do so. Those who want to add a few courses in energy or pharmaceuticals to their curriculum are free to do so as well. The choice is yours!
Will I have to devote all my time to my studies?
Yes! Engineering studies are a full-time job, and chemical engineering is harder than most engineering disciplines. In your first year, your course load will be 25 hours a week. For every hour of classes, we recommend dedicating 1.5-2 additional hours to study. That adds up to a total of 65-75 hours a week! It is a good idea to plan ahead and figure out how to dedicate most of your time to your studies.
Why should I choose Shenkar over the Technion or Ben-Gurion University for my chemical engineering degree?
Because here you can learn chemical engineering at the highest level while enjoying a friendly atmosphere and direct access to lecturers and department heads. And of course, you will be studying on Shenkar campus, right next to Halacha Interchange in Ramat Gan, a mere 10-minute walk from Tel Aviv Savidor Central railway station.
Useful info
Head of department
Dr. Tal Goldrath
Duration of studies
Four years (160 credits)
Academic degree awarded by the department
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
