University of Michigan

What you'll study

The programme combines core chemical engineering principles with specialised topics in electrochemistry and electrochemical energy conversion and storage. Teaching covers theory, modelling and hands-on laboratory practice so you gain both analytical and experimental competency.

• Core chemical engineering subjects: advanced transport phenomena, reaction engineering, thermodynamics for engineers and process analysis that underpin modelling of electrochemical reactors and systems.
• Electrochemical specialisms: electrochemical engineering, electrode kinetics and transport, electrochemical energy systems (batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers), corrosion and surface electrochemistry, and electrochemical materials for energy storage.
• Modelling and characterisation: multi-physics simulation of coupled ionic, electronic and thermal transport; electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; cyclic voltammetry; and materials characterisation techniques such as electron microscopy and X‑ray methods.
• Laboratory and project work: hands-on cell fabrication and testing, battery cycling, accelerated ageing studies, and laboratory-based research projects or thesis work carried out in departmental labs or interdisciplinary centres.
• Seminars and professional training: research seminars, safety and laboratory best practice, and training in scientific communication, data analysis and experimental design.
• Programme structure: students typically choose between a research (thesis) route and a course-only or project route. Degree requirements combine coursework, a culminating research project or thesis, and participation in seminars or qualifying assessments.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a good bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a closely related discipline (materials science, chemistry, mechanical engineering or physics) with solid preparation in undergraduate transport phenomena, thermodynamics and chemical reaction engineering. Successful candidates typically demonstrate strong quantitative skills and laboratory experience.

• Academic transcripts: official transcripts showing a relevant undergraduate curriculum.
• Supporting documents: a personal statement outlining research interests and career goals, a curriculum vitae, and two or three academic or professional references.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English must satisfy the university's English language requirements (for example by providing acceptable scores from recognised tests where required).
• Standardised tests: requirements for tests such as the GRE vary by entry route and may change; consult the department for current guidance. Relevant research experience, publications or strong recommendations can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates with a master's focused on electrochemical engineering are well placed for roles across energy, materials and process sectors. Typical career destinations include:

• Battery and energy storage industry: cell development, pack engineering, testing and quality, and scale-up for electric vehicle and grid-storage applications.
• Fuel cells and electrolyzer firms: research and development, system integration and performance optimisation.
• Corrosion and surface protection: materials selection, inspection and lifetime prediction in oil & gas, infrastructure and marine sectors.
• Water treatment and electrochemical manufacturing: process engineering roles using electrochemical separation or synthesis techniques.
• Research and national laboratories: applied research positions in government labs, private R&D groups or further academic study (PhD) leading to a research career.
• Consulting and technical services: process design, failure analysis, regulatory compliance and technical advisory roles.

Why study at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers a strong, interdisciplinary environment for electrochemical engineering within a large, research-intensive engineering faculty. Students benefit from collaborative links across materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and energy-focused centres, enabling projects that span fundamental electrochemistry to system-level deployment.

• Research facilities: access to modern laboratories for battery assembly and testing, advanced microscopy and materials characterisation, and computational resources for multi-physics modelling.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: opportunities to work with researchers on campus working in energy storage, sustainable energy technologies and materials, enabling industry-relevant projects and internships.
• Location and industry links: strong connections with regional and global companies in automotive, energy and materials sectors, supporting internships and employment pathways for graduates.
• Academic support: experienced faculty in electrochemical and materials research, active seminar series and professional development to prepare students for technical and leadership roles.