Michigan State University

What you'll study

The PhD programme emphasises original research in electrochemical engineering supported by advanced coursework. Core themes include electrochemical kinetics and transport, electrode and electrolyte materials, electrochemical reactor and cell design, corrosion and surface science, and multiscale modelling of electrochemical systems. Students balance classroom learning with laboratory and computational work to develop independent research programmes.

• Coursework: Advanced transport phenomena, chemical thermodynamics, reaction engineering, advanced electrochemistry, materials for energy, and courses in applied mathematics and numerical methods as appropriate to the research topic.
• Research rotations and lab training: Early-stage rotations or reading projects expose students to experimental techniques (electrochemical methods, spectroscopy, microscopy, cell testing) and computational tools (DFT, continuum modelling, multiphysics simulation) used in electrochemical research.
• Qualifying milestones: Students typically complete a qualifying exam or assessment and form a dissertation committee. Progress includes proposal defence, periodic committee meetings, publications in peer-reviewed journals and a final dissertation defence.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: Projects often draw on materials science, chemistry, physics and engineering disciplines and may involve collaborations with campus institutes or external research partners.

Entry requirements

Admission is selective and based on demonstrated academic preparation and research potential. Typical requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics or a closely related field; applicants with a relevant master’s degree are also competitive.
• A strong academic record in fundamental coursework such as transport phenomena, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, physical chemistry and differential equations.
• Evidence of research experience (undergraduate or graduate projects, publications, technical reports or laboratory internships) is strongly preferred.
• Application materials: a detailed statement of purpose describing research interests in electrochemical engineering, Curriculum Vitae, at least three academic or professional letters of recommendation, and official transcripts.
• English language proficiency test scores are required for applicants whose primary language is not English, in accordance with university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PhD in Chemical Engineering with an electrochemical focus pursue a range of careers:

• Academic research and teaching: Postdoctoral positions and faculty roles in chemical engineering, materials science and chemistry departments.
• National laboratories and government research: Roles developing large-scale energy storage, conversion technologies, and advanced materials.
• Industry: Technical and leadership positions at companies working on batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers, corrosion mitigation, coatings, chemical processing and advanced materials; roles span research and development, product engineering and scale-up.
• Start-ups and consulting: Technology commercialisation, entrepreneurship in clean energy and materials, and specialised consulting in electrochemical systems and failure analysis.

Why study at Michigan State University

Michigan State University offers a research-intensive environment with faculty whose work spans experimental and computational electrochemical science and engineering. The Chemical Engineering department provides access to well-equipped laboratories, facilities for electrochemical testing and materials characterisation, and collaborative links with related departments and campus research centres. Students benefit from interdisciplinary training, mentorship from established researchers, and opportunities to work on industry-relevant projects with regional and national partners. Located in the Great Lakes region, the university also offers proximity to a strong network of automotive, energy and materials companies for internships and technology transfer.