Case Western Reserve University

What you'll study

The programme builds a firm foundation in mathematics, physics and chemistry before progressing to chemical engineering fundamentals and specialised electrochemical topics. Early years focus on calculus, differential equations, general and physical chemistry, thermodynamics and fluid mechanics. Core chemical engineering courses cover transport phenomena, reaction engineering, separations, process control and materials science.

Electrochemical engineering emphasises courses and laboratory work in electrochemistry, corrosion science, electrode materials, battery and fuel cell principles, and electrochemical sensor technologies. Students typically take modules such as:

• Physical and Analytical Electrochemistry
• Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage
• Corrosion and Materials Degradation
• Electrode Materials and Electroplating Processes
• Advanced Materials Characterisation
• Computational methods for electrochemical systems and process modelling

The programme is hands-on: laboratory courses, instrumentation training (potentiostats, impedance spectroscopy, surface analysis), and a senior design project or capstone focused on industrially relevant electrochemical problems are integral. Opportunities for independent research with faculty in electrochemical labs and interdisciplinary collaborations with materials science, mechanical engineering and environmental engineering are available throughout the degree.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have completed secondary-school level mathematics (including calculus where available), chemistry and physics. Strong preparation in algebra, trigonometry and laboratory sciences is important. Case Western Reserve University considers academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement and any relevant extracurricular experience in STEM when evaluating applicants.

International applicants should present an equivalent secondary credential and evidence of English language proficiency where required. Prospective students with advanced placement, IB or A-level credits may receive course placement or exemptions subject to departmental assessment. For transfer applicants, a background in core engineering or science coursework and a competitive GPA are typical expectations.

Career prospects

Graduates with chemical engineering training and an electrochemical specialisation are sought after in several sectors. Common career paths include:

• Battery and energy storage engineer or scientist (cell development, testing, scale-up)
• Fuel cell systems and hydrogen technologies
• Corrosion engineer and materials integrity roles in oil, gas, maritime and infrastructure
• Electroplating and surface finishing engineering in manufacturing
• Process engineering, scale-up and manufacturing in electrochemical plants
• R&D positions in industry and national laboratories, and further study at graduate level (MS/PhD)
• Technical consulting, patents and product development roles

Many graduates move into multidisciplinary teams addressing clean-energy technologies, industrial electrification and sustainable manufacturing. Senior design projects and research placements aid employability by providing practical experience and industry contacts.

Why study at Case Western Reserve University

Case Western Reserve University offers chemical engineering in a research-active engineering school where students can work closely with faculty on electrochemical topics. The department emphasises small-class teaching for core courses alongside access to well-equipped laboratories for electrochemical characterisation and materials testing.

Students benefit from interdisciplinary collaborations across materials science, mechanical and environmental engineering, and from partnerships with regional industry and research institutions. The curriculum includes experiential learning through laboratory work, senior design, internships and summer research, preparing graduates for both industry roles and graduate study in electrochemical engineering and related fields.