University of Arizona

What you'll study

The PhD combines advanced coursework with sustained, original research under the supervision of faculty in the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. Students take core courses in transport phenomena, reaction engineering, and advanced thermodynamics alongside specialised classes in electrochemical engineering, electrochemical kinetics, electrode/materials science, and electrochemical energy systems. Coursework is designed to provide rigorous grounding in continuum-level modelling, physical electrochemistry, materials characterisation and experimental methods for testing electrodes, cells and stacks.

Research projects typically address topics such as rechargeable battery materials and testing, fuel cell and electrolyser development, electrochemical conversion and separations, corrosion and protection, scale-up of electrochemical reactors, and coupled multi-physics modelling of electrodes and porous media. Training emphasises hands-on use of electrochemical workstations, impedance spectroscopy, battery cyclers, microscopy and spectroscopy techniques available through campus core facilities.

The programme structure normally includes a period of coursework, qualifying examinations to demonstrate readiness for research, proposal development, a sustained research phase culminating in a dissertation, and opportunities to gain teaching experience. Students are expected to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present work at national and international conferences.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a good bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline; many admitted students hold a master’s degree. Strong preparation in undergraduate-level transport phenomena, thermodynamics, kinetics, physical chemistry (including electrochemistry) and mathematics (differential equations, linear algebra) is expected.

Application materials typically include official academic transcripts, a statement of purpose describing research interests, a curriculum vitae, and at least two academic references from people familiar with the applicant’s research or coursework. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency to meet university requirements. Standardised tests may be optional or required depending on current departmental policy, so applicants should check the department’s admissions guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Chemical Engineering focused on electrochemical systems have a wide range of career options. Common paths include:

• Academic research and faculty positions in chemical engineering, materials science or related departments.
• Research scientist and engineering roles in national laboratories and government research institutes working on energy storage, conversion and sustainability challenges.
• Industry positions in the battery, fuel cell, electrolyser and electrolysis sectors, including R&D, cell engineering, scale-up and validation.
• Process development and process engineering roles in chemical, petrochemical and speciality chemical companies where electrochemical processes are applied.
• Technology development and consulting roles in start-ups and established firms commercialising electrochemical technologies, as well as roles in intellectual property and technical management.

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers an interdisciplinary environment with faculty whose research spans electrochemical energy conversion and storage, materials for electrodes, and modelling of electrochemical systems. Students benefit from access to campus core facilities for materials characterisation and instrumentation, and from collaborations across departments such as materials science and physics.

The department supports graduate students with mentoring, opportunities for teaching and professional development, and pathways to secure research funding through faculty grants and collaborative projects. The programme’s emphasis on both experimental and computational skills prepares graduates to take leadership roles in academia, national labs and industry sectors tackling energy transition and electrochemical process challenges.