Michigan State University

What you'll study

The programme combines core chemical engineering topics with specialist courses and laboratory experience in electrochemical science and engineering. Typical core topics include advanced transport phenomena, thermodynamics, reaction engineering and process dynamics, while specialist subjects address electrochemical kinetics, electrode materials, ion transport, solid-state electrochemistry, corrosion science and electrochemical reactor design.

• Advanced Transport Phenomena and Electrochemical Mass Transport
• Electrochemical Thermodynamics and Kinetics
• Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion (battery and fuel cell materials)
• Corrosion Science and Materials Protection
• Modelling and Simulation of Electrochemical Systems
• Laboratory courses and hands-on electrochemical characterisation (impedance, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic testing)
• Graduate seminar and research/thesis project supervised by faculty

Students may follow a thesis (research) route or a coursework route depending on career goals; the research route emphasises an original project under a faculty advisor and is suitable for those aiming at R&D roles or doctoral study. Elective choices allow interdisciplinary work with materials science, physics, electrical engineering and environmental engineering.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics or a closely related engineering discipline. Strong quantitative preparation in transport phenomena, thermodynamics, reaction engineering and calculus-based mathematics is expected.

• Academic transcripts demonstrating solid undergraduate performance in core engineering and science subjects.
• Statement of purpose outlining research interests and career goals, particularly how they relate to electrochemical engineering.
• Letters of recommendation (usually two or three) from academic or professional referees who can speak to technical ability and research potential.
• A current CV/resume highlighting relevant coursework, laboratory experience and any prior research or industry experience.
• International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted test unless otherwise exempt.

Some applicants may benefit from contacting potential faculty supervisors in advance if they seek the research/thesis route. The programme admits students with a range of backgrounds; applicants without formal chemical engineering degrees may be required to take or have completed foundational undergraduate courses.

Career prospects

Graduates from the electrochemical engineering pathway move into technical and leadership roles across energy, materials and process sectors. Typical career destinations include:

• R&D and engineering roles in battery, fuel cell and energy storage companies
• Corrosion engineering and materials protection in oil & gas, infrastructure and manufacturing
• Process development and scale‑up for electrochemical synthesis and industrial electroplating
• Analytical and test engineering roles focused on electrochemical characterisation and quality assurance
• Consulting, technology commercialisation and start‑ups in clean energy and advanced materials
• Continuation to PhD programmes for academic or advanced research careers

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State offers the electrochemical engineering option within a department known for close integration of chemical engineering and materials science, enabling interdisciplinary projects that span materials, modelling and device-level testing. Faculty working in electrochemical energy, corrosion and materials provide a range of expertise from fundamental electrochemistry to applied device engineering.

Students benefit from research-active laboratories and access to advanced instrumentation for materials characterisation and electrochemical testing, as well as collaboration opportunities with industry partners in the automotive and energy sectors located in the region. The programme’s combination of coursework, hands-on laboratory training and faculty‑mentored research prepares graduates for immediate technical roles or for further academic study.