University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

The programme builds a solid foundation in chemical engineering fundamentals before introducing specialised electrochemical topics. Early years focus on calculus, differential equations, general and physical chemistry, classical mechanics and introductory engineering principles such as material and energy balances.

• Core chemical engineering subjects: mass and energy balances, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering, process dynamics and control, separations and unit operations.
• Electrochemical and materials topics: electrochemistry fundamentals, electrode kinetics, corrosion science, electrochemical energy storage and conversion (batteries, fuel cells, electrolysers), ion transport in membranes, and materials for electrodes and electrolytes.
• Laboratory and practical experience: experimental labs in transport phenomena and reaction engineering, electrochemical characterisation techniques (cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy), materials synthesis and testing, and hands‑on build/test modules for cells and devices.
• Design and capstone: multi‑term senior design capstone projects that often address real engineering problems — for example battery pack integration, scale‑up of electrochemical reactors, or life‑cycle analysis of electrochemical systems — including economic and safety considerations.
• Electives and interdisciplinary options: opportunities to take electives in materials science, solid‑state chemistry, renewable energy systems, control systems, computational modelling, and entrepreneurship.

Students are encouraged to engage in undergraduate research with faculty working on electrochemical energy storage, corrosion, and catalysis, and to take advantage of internships with local industry and national laboratories.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a secondary school diploma with a strong academic record and relevant preparation in mathematics and sciences. Typical preparation includes:

• High achievement in advanced mathematics (calculus recommended) and a strong background in physics and chemistry.
• Good grades in STEM courses; admissions normally considers overall academic performance and the rigor of secondary‑school programme.
• Standardised tests are considered according to the university's current admissions policy; review the university website for the most up‑to‑date guidance.
• For transfer applicants, completion of collegiate calculus, general chemistry and introductory physics with competitive grades is typically expected; course‑by‑course review determines advanced standing.

Beyond grades, successful candidates demonstrate problem‑solving ability, teamwork experience, and motivation for engineering — extracurriculars such as science clubs, research experience, or relevant internships strengthen an application. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements as specified by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates with an electrochemical focus are prepared for roles across the energy, materials and manufacturing sectors. Common career paths include:

• Battery and energy storage engineer — cell development, pack design, testing and validation.
• Fuel cell and electrolyser engineer — development of electrochemical conversion and hydrogen technologies.
• Corrosion and materials engineer — protecting infrastructure and designing resilient materials.
• Process engineer and chemical plant roles — design, operation and optimisation of chemical and electrochemical processes.
• Research and development roles in industry or national laboratories, and progression to graduate study (MS/PhD) in electrochemical engineering, materials science or related fields.
• Technical roles in start‑ups, clean‑energy companies, and consulting firms, including product development and scale‑up engineering.

The degree also provides transferable skills valued by employers: quantitative modelling, laboratory techniques, project management and multidisciplinary teamwork.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder offers a strong environment for electrochemical engineering through an engineering curriculum integrated with active research centres and industry partnerships. Faculty in chemical and biological engineering conduct research in battery materials, electrochemical interfaces and sustainable energy conversion, giving undergraduates access to contemporary projects and mentorship.

• Research opportunities: collaborations with campus research institutes focused on renewable and sustainable energy and links with nearby national laboratories and industry provide routes into hands‑on research and internships.
• Facilities and labs: hands‑on laboratory instruction and specialised electrochemical characterisation equipment support practical learning and senior design work.
• Location and industry connections: Colorado's growing clean‑energy and advanced manufacturing ecosystem offers internship and employment opportunities with companies and national research centres in the region.
• Entrepreneurship and career support: resources for student innovation, entrepreneurship programmes and a university career centre help translate technical projects into internships, start‑ups or further study.

Overall, the programme combines rigorous core chemical engineering training with targeted exposure to electrochemical systems, preparing graduates for technical careers or advanced study in energy and materials fields.