Tennessee Technological University

What you'll study

The programme delivers the full chemical engineering core—material and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, separations and process control—while integrating elective and specialised coursework in electrochemical engineering. Typical technical subjects include:

• Electrochemical engineering/electrochemistry: fundamentals of electrochemical cells, electrode kinetics, mass transfer in electrochemical systems, and practical design issues for batteries and fuel cells.
• Materials for energy: corrosion, surface science, electrode materials, polymers and composite materials used in electrochemical devices.
• Energy conversion and storage: principles and design considerations for batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers and capacitors.
• Core chemical engineering: transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering, process dynamics and control, separations and thermodynamics.
• Laboratory and pilot‑plant practice: experimental measurement, process instrumentation, unit operations labs and electrochemical testing techniques.
• Design and capstone: team-based senior design project that typically addresses realistic process or electrochemical device design, scale‑up and economic evaluation.

Students may also take supporting courses in applied mathematics, physical chemistry, materials science and computer programming. The programme emphasises hands‑on laboratory experience, computational modelling and opportunities for undergraduate research under faculty working on energy systems, batteries, corrosion and related topics.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to meet University undergraduate admission standards and demonstrate strong preparation in mathematics and the sciences. Typical preparation includes:

• High school algebra, geometry, trigonometry and calculus (or estimated placement into first‑year college calculus).
• High school chemistry and physics with laboratory experience.
• A competitive high school GPA; additional consideration is given to the strength of coursework (AP/IB or dual‑enrolment where available).
• For international applicants, proof of English proficiency through recognised tests or accepted alternatives.

Advanced standing or credit may be awarded for prior college coursework, AP/IB exam results or successful placement tests in mathematics and chemistry. Transfer applicants from community colleges with appropriate technical and general education credits are welcome; programme advisers can evaluate transcripts for degree progress mapping.

Career prospects

Graduates with a chemical engineering degree and an emphasis in electrochemical engineering are well placed for careers in a range of sectors, including energy storage and conversion, advanced manufacturing, materials and surface science, chemicals and petrochemicals, and environmental engineering. Typical roles include:

• Battery or fuel cell engineer involved in cell design, testing and scale-up.
• Process or plant engineer in chemical or electrochemical manufacturing facilities.
• Corrosion engineer or materials engineer working on lifetime and reliability of electrochemical systems.
• R&D engineer or technical specialist in companies developing energy storage, electrolyzer, or sensor technologies.
• Consultant in process optimisation, safety, or production scale‑up; or progression to graduate study (MS/PhD) in electrochemical engineering, materials science or related disciplines for research and academic careers.

Internships, co‑op experiences and undergraduate research projects at Tennessee Tech help build industry contacts and practical experience valued by employers in the regional and national energy and manufacturing sectors.

Why study at Tennessee Technological University

Tennessee Tech offers an ABET‑accredited chemical engineering programme with strong hands‑on and applied learning opportunities. The university has active faculty research in energy systems, materials and electrochemical technologies and facilities that support experimental work and senior design projects. Students benefit from small‑class interaction with faculty, industry partnerships across Tennessee, and career services that facilitate internships and employment connections.

The campus environment in Cookeville provides access to regional industry, while the department supports undergraduate research participation, student chapters of professional societies and experiential learning that prepares graduates for immediate employment or further study in electrochemical and energy engineering fields.