Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What you'll study

The Chemical Engineering degree (Course 10) provides a solid foundation in mathematics, physics, chemistry and core chemical engineering subjects, with opportunities to specialise in electrochemical engineering through elective subjects, laboratory projects and research. Core topics typically include thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, chemical reaction engineering, transport phenomena and process design. Electrochemical specialisation covers electrochemical thermodynamics and kinetics, electrode processes, mass transport in porous media, ion transport and membrane science, corrosion and materials degradation, battery and fuel‑cell fundamentals, electrochemical synthesis and separations.

Students combine classroom work with practical laboratory experience. Typical components include:

• Fundamental lecture courses in calculus, differential equations, linear algebra, classical mechanics and electromagnetism as they apply to engineering problems.
• Core chemical engineering subjects: material and energy balances, transport phenomena, chemical kinetics, reactor design and process systems engineering.
• Electrochemical electives: electrochemistry, battery science and technology, fuel cells, electrochemical materials, corrosion engineering and ion‑exchange/membrane processes.
• Laboratory subjects and project work providing hands‑on experience with electrochemical cells, electrode characterisation, impedance spectroscopy, electrochemical testing and design of experiments.
• Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) placements in faculty research groups working on energy storage, electrochemical synthesis, electrocatalysis and related areas.
• Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS) and communication requirements to develop broader context and professional skills.

Entry requirements

Admission to MIT is highly selective and assessed holistically. Applicants are expected to demonstrate excellence in secondary school studies, particularly in mathematics (including calculus where available), chemistry and physics. Typical preparation includes advanced mathematics (calculus and algebra), laboratory sciences, and strong performance in written work and problem solving. Successful applicants also submit academic records, teacher recommendations, evidence of extracurricular engagement (particularly in STEM activities or research), and personal essays that reflect curiosity, resilience and initiative.

For non‑native English speakers, evidence of English proficiency is usually required. International and transfer applicants should consult MIT admissions for specific documentation and credential requirements. Prior laboratory experience, participation in science competitions, internships or independent projects in electrochemistry or related fields strengthen an application but are not mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates with a chemical engineering degree emphasising electrochemical engineering find roles across industry, government and academia. Common career paths include:

• Energy storage and battery development: cell design, materials development, testing and scale‑up for lithium‑ion, solid‑state and emerging chemistries.
• Fuel cells and hydrogen technologies: catalyst and electrode development, systems integration and performance optimisation.
• Electrochemical manufacturing and electrolysis: industrial electrolysis for chemicals, metal refining and green hydrogen production.
• Corrosion and materials protection: failure analysis, coatings and durability engineering for infrastructure and transportation.
• Semiconductor and microfabrication industries involving electroplating, etching and thin‑film deposition.
• Research and development in national laboratories, corporate R&D and academic institutions; many graduates pursue PhD programmes in electrochemistry, materials science or chemical engineering.
• Consulting, product management, process engineering and entrepreneurship in cleantech and advanced materials start‑ups.

Why study at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT offers a rigorous chemical engineering curriculum combined with exceptional opportunities for hands‑on research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students can engage directly with leading research groups through UROP placements and access specialised facilities for electrochemical testing, materials characterisation and prototype development. The institute's proximity to a vibrant technology ecosystem enables industry partnerships, internships and pathways to commercialisation.

Additional advantages include a strong community of engineering peers, entrepreneurship support through MIT‑affiliated programmes, and close links between departments such as Materials Science & Engineering, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science and the Energy Initiative, which enrich electrochemical engineering education and research. Together, these resources prepare graduates to lead in developing sustainable electrochemical technologies and systems.