Widener University

What you'll study

The programme provides a foundation in mass and energy balances, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, chemical reaction engineering and process control, then builds specialised electrochemical content. Typical modules and learning experiences include:

• Core chemical engineering courses: material and energy balances, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering and process design.
• Electrochemical subjects: fundamentals of electrochemistry, electrode kinetics, electrochemical thermodynamics, corrosion science, and applied electrochemical engineering for batteries, fuel cells and electrolysis.
• Materials and characterization: electrochemical materials, solid‑state ionics, surface science and methods such as cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy and microscopy.
• Laboratory and instrumentation: hands‑on lab courses that include cell assembly and testing, sensors, instrumentation and data analysis relevant to electrochemical systems.
• Process design and scale‑up: design projects addressing battery pack integration, fuel cell systems, process flows for electrochemical manufacturing and life‑cycle considerations.
• Senior design capstone: a team project that integrates design, safety, economics and experimental validation, often with industry or faculty research sponsors.
• General education and electives: mathematics (calculus, differential equations), chemistry and physics sequences, computer programming for engineers, plus electives that allow deeper specialisation or interdisciplinary breadth.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary school with strong preparation in mathematics (including calculus where available), chemistry and physics. Typical admissions criteria include a competitive academic record, teacher or counsellor recommendations, and a personal statement describing interest in engineering and electrochemical topics. Standardised test submission policies may vary; check Widener's admissions guidance for current practice. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved exemptions.

Career prospects

Graduates with this background are well positioned for roles in a range of sectors focused on energy and materials. Common career paths include:

• Battery and energy storage engineer — cell and pack development, testing and manufacturing.
• Fuel cell and hydrogen systems engineer — materials selection, stack design and system integration.
• Corrosion and materials engineer — protection strategies, failure analysis and coatings.
• Process engineer in electrochemical manufacturing — scale‑up, process control and optimisation.
• R&D roles in industrial laboratories, start‑ups and national labs working on sensors, electrolysis and advanced materials.
• Further study — graduate programmes in chemical engineering, materials science or specialised electrochemical research.

Why study at Widener University

Widener offers a hands‑on, project‑oriented engineering education with relatively small class sizes and close faculty mentorship. Students benefit from well‑equipped laboratories, opportunities for undergraduate research with engineering faculty, and established connections with regional industry that support internships and co‑op placements. The curriculum emphasises practical design experience through team capstone projects and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration across chemistry, materials and engineering programmes, preparing graduates for immediate employment or advanced study in electrochemical engineering fields.