University of Alabama

What you'll study

The degree builds a strong foundation in core chemical engineering subjects—material and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering and process control—while allowing elective specialisation in electrochemical topics. Typical modules and course topics include:

• Core chemical engineering: calculus-based thermodynamics, transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering, process design and optimisation.
• Electrochemical specialisation: fundamentals of electrochemistry, electrode kinetics, electrochemical energy conversion and storage (batteries and fuel cells), corrosion science and mitigation, and electrochemical reactor design.
• Laboratory and practical work: laboratory courses in unit operations and electrochemical measurement techniques (potentiostat methods, impedance spectroscopy), materials characterisation relevant to electrodes and membranes, and safety training.
• Capstone design: year-long senior design project that typically involves team-based process or device design with economic, safety and environmental considerations; projects often address electrochemical technologies when students choose that emphasis.
• Supporting subjects: solid-state and polymer materials, physical chemistry, numerical methods and process control, plus recommended electives in materials science, environmental engineering and data analysis.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a high school diploma with strong attainment in mathematics (including pre-calculus or calculus), chemistry and physics. Colleges often prefer applicants who have completed advanced maths (calculus) and laboratory science coursework where available. Typical supporting application materials include transcripts, a personal statement demonstrating interest in engineering and electrochemical topics, and letters of recommendation; admissions offices will provide current guidance on test requirements and GPA expectations. Transfer applicants should present collegiate coursework in calculus, chemistry and physics for transfer credit evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates gain broad chemical engineering competence augmented by electrochemical specialism, preparing them for roles across energy and materials sectors. Common career paths include:

• Battery and energy storage: process engineer, cell development engineer, manufacturing scale-up and quality control for battery companies.
• Fuel cells and electrochemical conversion: R&D, system integration and product development for fuel cell and hydrogen technologies.
• Corrosion and materials protection: corrosion engineer, inspections and materials selection for infrastructure and manufacturing.
• Process and plant engineering: process design, optimisation and control in chemical, petrochemical and advanced manufacturing firms.
• Research and advanced study: graduate degrees (MS/PhD) in chemical engineering, materials science or electrochemical engineering, leading to research and academic careers.
• Consulting and regulatory roles: environmental and technical consulting related to electrochemical processes, safety and compliance.

Why study at University of Alabama

The University of Alabama's chemical and biological engineering department combines classroom teaching with hands-on laboratory experience and industry engagement. Students benefit from the department's teaching labs, senior design programme and opportunities to participate in faculty research projects related to energy storage, corrosion and materials. The university's relationships with regional and national industry provide internship and co‑op possibilities, while campus career services and engineering student organisations support professional development, networking and transition into engineering careers or graduate study.