Vanderbilt University

What you'll study

The Chemical Engineering curriculum provides a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry and core chemical engineering principles before moving into specialised courses and hands‑on projects in electrochemical engineering. Core topics include material and energy balances, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering and process design.

• Foundational courses: general chemistry, calculus, differential equations, physics for engineers.
• Core chemical engineering: thermodynamics, transport phenomena, separations, reaction engineering, process control and unit operations laboratory.
• Electrochemical specialisation: electrochemistry, electrode kinetics, ionic transport, battery materials and design, fuel cell technology, corrosion science, and electrochemical reactor design.
• Laboratory and design experience: experimental lab courses, instrumentation and measurement techniques, and a senior capstone design project addressing practical electrochemical system challenges.
• Research and electives: opportunities to work with faculty on research in energy storage, catalysis, materials for electrodes and membranes, and related topics through undergraduate research placements and elective modules drawn from materials science, electrical engineering and chemical engineering graduate courses where appropriate.

Entry requirements

Applicants should demonstrate academic achievement in a high school curriculum with strong preparation in mathematics (including calculus) and the physical sciences, particularly chemistry. Typical successful applicants present competitive grades in advanced maths and science subjects and strong letters of recommendation that attest to quantitative ability and laboratory or project experience.

• High school diploma or equivalent with strong performance in mathematics and chemistry.
• Recommended preparation: calculus (or advanced mathematics), physics and laboratory chemistry; coursework or extracurricular projects in engineering or research are advantageous.
• Personal statement and recommendations that show motivation for engineering and experience with team projects or laboratory work.
• Vanderbilt considers each application holistically; applicants should review the School of Engineering guidance on academic preparation and any testing or portfolio recommendations.

Career prospects

Graduates with a chemical engineering degree focused on electrochemical systems are well placed for roles in the energy and materials sectors, or for further study. Career paths commonly pursued include positions in battery and energy storage development, fuel cell and hydrogen technologies, corrosion and materials protection, electrochemical process engineering, and chemical process design.

• Industry roles: battery and energy storage companies, fuel cell manufacturers, chemical and process plants, materials and coatings firms, and engineering consultancies.
• Research and development: positions in national laboratories, corporate R&D centres and startups working on next‑generation electrochemical technologies and materials.
• Advanced study: many graduates pursue graduate degrees (MS/PhD) in chemical engineering, materials science, electrochemistry or related disciplines, or professional degrees for careers in management or policy.
• Transferable skills: modelling and simulation, experimental design, process design and optimisation, data analysis and teamwork prepare graduates for a broad range of technical and leadership roles.

Why study at Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt offers a student‑centred engineering education with access to interdisciplinary research groups and facilities relevant to electrochemical engineering. Students benefit from hands‑on laboratory courses, opportunities for undergraduate research with faculty, and collaborative centres that connect chemical engineering with materials science, electrical engineering and energy policy.

• Undergraduate focus: small class sizes and close faculty mentorship that support early research involvement and guided design projects.
• Research connections: access to research initiatives and institutes focused on energy, materials and sustainability that provide internships and project opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary environment: the programme encourages collaboration across departments, enabling students to combine electrochemical engineering with materials, nanoscience or systems engineering topics.
• Career support: institutional career services and industry partnerships that help students secure internships, co‑ops and employment in energy and chemical sectors.