Syracuse University

What you'll study

The programme combines core graduate chemical engineering topics with specialised coursework and laboratory experience in electrochemical systems. Core subjects typically include advanced transport phenomena, chemical thermodynamics, reaction engineering and process modelling. Electrochemical-focused modules cover topics such as electrochemical kinetics and mechanisms, electrode and electrolyte materials, corrosion science, battery and fuel cell technology, electrochemical sensors and analytical techniques, and modelling of coupled electrochemical–transport processes.

Students choose between a thesis (research) and a non-thesis (project/coursework) route. The research route centres on an independent project under faculty supervision, often involving electrochemical characterisation, cell design, materials synthesis or computational modelling. The non-thesis route emphasises advanced coursework and a capstone design or research project. Laboratory work, hands-on experimentation, and use of instrumentation for electrochemical characterisation (e.g. cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy, battery cyclers) are integral parts of the curriculum.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics or a closely related engineering discipline. Typical admission materials include a detailed academic transcript, curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose outlining research interests in electrochemical engineering, and two or three academic or professional letters of recommendation. Applicants whose first language is not English must provide an approved English language test score unless exempted by the university.

Relevant undergraduate coursework that strengthens an application includes physical chemistry, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, numerical methods and introductory electrochemistry. Where applicants have deficiencies in background knowledge, bridge or prerequisite courses may be required as part of the programme plan. Admissions decisions are based on the overall academic record, fit with faculty expertise, and potential for research or professional success.

Career prospects

Graduates with a master’s in Chemical Engineering specialising in electrochemical engineering enter a wide range of industries and roles. Common career destinations include battery and energy storage companies, fuel cell and hydrogen technology firms, corrosion control and materials protection services, electroplating and surface finishing industries, and sensor and electrochemical device manufacturers.

Typical job titles include process engineer, electrochemical engineer, materials or battery development engineer, corrosion engineer, R&D scientist, product development engineer and technical consultant. Graduates may also pursue doctoral study or roles in national laboratories and research centres focused on renewable energy, grid-scale storage and advanced materials. The programme provides both technical skills and problem-solving experience valued in industrial research and development, scale-up and process optimisation roles.

Why study at Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science offers a research-active environment with access to interdisciplinary collaborators across materials science, mechanical engineering and chemistry. Students benefit from close faculty supervision, laboratory access for electrochemical characterisation and opportunities to work on applied research projects with external partners and industry contacts in the Northeast region.

The university emphasises professional development through seminars, career services and connections to regional technology clusters. Small cohort sizes enable personalised mentoring and the chance to develop specialised expertise that is immediately applicable to careers in energy, materials and electrochemical technologies.