Colorado State University

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework, qualifying examinations and an extended original research project leading to a dissertation. Core topics typically include electrochemical kinetics and transport, electrode and interface science, thermodynamics of electrochemical systems, and porous media transport. Students also take advanced chemical engineering subjects such as reaction engineering, transport phenomena, process modelling and materials science as they relate to electrochemical devices.

• Typical coursework: Advanced Electrochemical Engineering, Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage, Solid State Electrochemistry, Advanced Transport Phenomena, Materials for Energy Storage, and Modelling of Electrochemical Systems.
• Research focus areas: lithium-ion and beyond‑lithium batteries, fuel cells, electrolytic hydrogen production, CO2 electroreduction, corrosion and protection, electrochemical sensors, and electrochemical separations.
• Programme structure: initial semesters emphasise coursework and lab rotations (or research alignment with a faculty advisor), followed by a qualifying examination, focused dissertation research under a faculty supervisor, and public defence of the doctoral thesis.
• Methods and facilities: students gain hands-on experience with electrochemical characterisation (e.g. cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy), electrode and cell fabrication, materials characterisation (XRD, electron microscopy, spectroscopy), and cell-scale testing in dedicated battery and fuel cell labs. Computational methods such as continuum modelling and atomistic simulations are also incorporated where relevant.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant bachelor’s degree, and many admitted students have a master’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science or a closely related discipline. A strong academic record in core subjects—thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction engineering, physical chemistry and mathematics—is expected.

• Application materials normally include transcripts, a statement of purpose describing research interests, a curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation that address research potential.
• Research experience in electrochemistry, energy materials, or allied laboratory work strengthens an application. Applicants should identify potential faculty advisers whose research aligns with their interests.
• Proof of English language proficiency may be required for international applicants in line with university policy.
• Funding: many PhD students are supported through graduate teaching or research assistantships and internal fellowships; specific funding offers depend on faculty grants and departmental availability.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for research-oriented careers across academia, industry and government laboratories. Typical roles for alumnae include university faculty positions, postdoctoral research appointments, research scientist or R&D engineer roles in energy storage and conversion companies, electrochemical manufacturing, corrosion control, and analytical instrument firms.

• Industry: battery and fuel-cell manufacturers, electrolyser and hydrogen technology companies, materials and chemical producers, start-ups developing next-generation electrochemical devices.
• National and government labs: roles in national research laboratories and public-sector research groups focused on energy, environment and advanced materials.
• Academia and entrepreneurship: academic research and teaching careers, as well as founding or joining technology start-ups to commercialise electrochemical innovations.

Why study at Colorado State University

Colorado State University’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering offers a collaborative environment with faculty working at the intersection of electrochemistry, materials science and engineering. Students benefit from interdisciplinary research connections across campus and access to specialised laboratory facilities for cell testing and materials characterisation.

• Faculty expertise: research-active faculty whose work spans batteries, fuel cells, electrochemical catalysis and corrosion provide a broad set of mentorship options.
• Facilities and resources: access to dedicated electrochemical test labs, microscopy and spectroscopy instrumentation, and computational resources for modelling and simulation.
• Location and partnerships: the university’s location and regional industry network offer collaboration opportunities with national labs, regional companies and start-up ecosystems working on clean energy and advanced materials.
• Training emphasis: the programme balances rigorous technical training, professional development and opportunities to lead original research that addresses contemporary challenges in energy and sustainability.