The emergence of chemical engineering as a field of science was strongly due to the formation of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. In 1908 there were about 500 scientists present in the world that would fit into the definition of a "chemical engineer," a cross between a chemist and a mechanical engineer. 19 scientists decided that in order unite the field of chemical engineering, a society should be formed in order to establish a solid foundation of literature upon which the field could be firmly established. On June 22, 1908 at the Engineers' Club in Philadelphia, AIChE was offically formed and the future of chemical engineering was guaranteed.

For the next 30 years, growth of AIChE was slow due to the exclusive nature and "club-like atmosphere" of the group. This occured in order to prevent conflict with the American Chemical Society (ACS) which was extremely powerful at the time. Once the restriction was lifted, membership increased rapidly. In the 1990's, about 70% of chemical engineers were AIChE members.

Since the first meeting of AIChE, the number of chemical engineers has grown tremendously, and continues to become even larger. Today there are over 50,000 AIChE members and 150 student chapters.