Villanova University

What you'll study

The programme builds on core chemical engineering fundamentals while offering targeted coursework and laboratory experience in electrochemical engineering. Typical topics include electrochemical kinetics and transport, electrode and electrolyte materials, battery and fuel cell design, corrosion science, electrochemical reactor engineering, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, applied electrochemistry, and computational modelling of electrochemical systems.

• Core chemical engineering modules: advanced transport phenomena, reaction engineering and process control
• Specialist electrochemical modules: electrochemical kinetics, battery and fuel cell technology, corrosion and protection, electrochemical materials and interfaces
• Laboratory and experimental components: hands-on work with electrochemical cells, materials characterisation, and measurement techniques (e.g. cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy)
• Design and modelling: electrochemical reactor design, multi-physics modelling and simulation of coupled mass, charge and heat transfer
• Research or project option: thesis or culminating project conducted with faculty supervision, often involving collaboration with industry partners or interdisciplinary research groups

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering or a closely related physical science or engineering discipline. A strong academic record in core subjects such as thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction engineering and physical chemistry is desirable.

• Transcripts demonstrating relevant undergraduate preparation
• Letters of recommendation (typically two or three) that speak to academic and/or professional potential
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals
• A current CV or résumé detailing academic, research and professional experience
• International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English (accepted evidence includes recognised tests such as IELTS or TOEFL)
• Standardised tests (e.g. GRE) may be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on background and departmental admission policy

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for careers that apply electrochemical principles across energy, materials and process sectors. Common roles include R&D engineer for batteries and fuel cells, process engineer in electroplating or corrosion mitigation, materials scientist focusing on electrodes and electrolytes, and technical specialist in energy storage companies. Alumni also move into roles in consulting, quality and failure analysis, product development, and regulatory or standards organisations. The degree also provides a foundation for those who choose to continue to doctoral research or academic careers.

Why study at Villanova University

Villanova offers a focused engineering environment with relatively small cohorts, enabling close mentorship from faculty active in electrochemical and materials research. Students benefit from laboratory access for experimental electrochemistry and materials characterisation, opportunities for collaborative projects with regional industry and research partners in the greater Philadelphia area, and a curriculum that balances theoretical rigour with practical, hands-on experience.

The university’s professional development resources, engineering career services and alumni network support internships and job placement, while Villanova’s Augustinian values emphasise ethical leadership and community engagement—an advantage for engineers addressing sustainable energy and environmental challenges.