University of Chicago

What you'll study

The programme combines core chemical engineering fundamentals with specialised courses and laboratory work focused on electrochemical systems. Core topics typically include transport phenomena, thermodynamics, reaction engineering and materials for energy, while elective and specialised modules cover electrochemistry, electrode and electrolyte materials, battery engineering, fuel-cell technology, electrochemical kinetics and corrosion, and modelling of coupled transport and reaction processes.

• Core coursework: transport phenomena, process thermodynamics, reaction engineering and numerical methods for engineers.
• Electrochemical specialisms: electrochemical kinetics and mechanisms, electrode/electrolyte materials, battery cell design, fuel cells and electrolyzers, corrosion science.
• Experimental and computational lab work: hands-on characterisation (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic cycling), materials synthesis and testing, and multiphysics modelling of electrochemical systems.
• Research project / thesis: an extended research project supervised by faculty, often aligned with groups working on energy storage, catalysis, or materials for electrochemical applications. Projects may be experimental, computational or combined.
• Interdisciplinary options: opportunities to take modules or collaborate with groups in materials science, applied physics, and molecular engineering to address systems-level challenges.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree (for example, chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics or a closely related engineering discipline) with strong academic performance equivalent to top UK second-class honours (2:1) or higher. Typical applicants will have completed coursework in thermodynamics, transport phenomena, kinetics and physical chemistry or materials science.

• Academic transcripts: official transcripts showing relevant undergraduate preparation.
• Supporting documents: a curriculum vitae, a personal statement describing research interests and goals, and two academic or professional references.
• Research experience: prior laboratory or project experience in electrochemistry, materials characterisation or computational modelling strengthens an application but is not always required.
• English language: applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English proficiency in line with the university's requirements.
• Additional requirements: some applicants may be asked for examples of prior work or to attend an interview. Standardised tests (such as the GRE) are not universally required but may be submitted where helpful.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a broad range of roles across industry, national laboratories and academia. Common career paths include positions in battery and energy-storage companies, fuel-cell and electrolyser manufacturers, materials and coatings companies, and chemical process industries. Many graduates work in research and development, process engineering, product development, quality and testing, or in technical consultancy and management roles.

• R&D engineer in battery, fuel-cell or electrolysis companies
• Materials scientist or characterisation specialist focusing on electrodes and electrolytes
• Process engineer for electrochemical manufacturing and scale-up
• Technical roles in testing, quality assurance and standards for energy technologies
• Further study: progression to PhD research in electrochemical systems, materials or catalysis

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers an interdisciplinary environment that brings together strengths in engineering, chemistry, materials and molecular engineering. Students benefit from close collaboration with research groups working on energy and materials problems, access to modern laboratory and computational facilities, and links with nearby national laboratories and industry partners. The programme emphasises rigorous quantitative training and research-led projects, preparing graduates to tackle complex electrochemical challenges in both industrial and academic settings.

• Interdisciplinary research culture connecting chemical engineering, materials science and molecular engineering.
• Access to advanced characterisation and modelling resources and opportunities to work with national laboratory partners and industrial collaborators.
• A focus on translating fundamental electrochemistry and materials research into practical energy technologies and scalable processes.