University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

The PhD programme combines advanced coursework with an intensive, original research project supervised by faculty in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. Core study areas emphasise electrochemical phenomena and their engineering applications and typically include:

• Electrochemical fundamentals: electrode kinetics, double layer theory, and electrochemical thermodynamics.
• Transport phenomena: coupled mass, charge and heat transport in porous electrodes and electrolytes.
• Materials for electrochemical systems: battery and fuel cell materials, catalysts, solid electrolytes and corrosion-resistant alloys.
• Diagnostics and characterisation: in situ and ex situ electrochemical methods, spectroscopy and microscopy techniques.
• Modelling and simulation: continuum and multi-scale models, computational electrochemistry and design optimisation.
• System-level engineering: cell and pack design, balance-of-plant, reliability and lifecycle considerations.

Programme structure typically includes advanced graduate coursework, departmental seminars, teaching or research assistantships, a qualifying or candidacy examination and completion of an original doctoral dissertation. Students gain hands-on experience with electrochemical test stations, battery cyclers, impedance spectroscopy, surface analysis and access to campus and regional shared facilities. Interdisciplinary collaborations with materials science, physics, chemistry and regional national laboratories are common.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a bachelor's or master's degree in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics or a closely related discipline, with substantial undergraduate training in thermodynamics, transport phenomena and physical chemistry or electrochemistry. Typical expectations include strong academic performance in relevant coursework and demonstrated research potential.

Application materials usually comprise a curriculum vitae, transcripts, a statement of research interests (describing intended electrochemical research directions), and three academic or professional references. Many applicants have prior research experience in laboratories or industry; a completed master's thesis is advantageous but not mandatory. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through an approved test unless exempted by institutional policy. Standardised test requirements (such as the GRE) vary and should be checked on the department admissions page.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Electrochemical Engineering pursue a wide range of careers. Common destinations include:

• Academic research and faculty positions in chemical engineering, materials science and related departments.
• National and government laboratories, particularly in energy and materials research.
• Industrial R&D roles in battery and fuel cell manufacturers, automotive and aerospace companies, industrial electrolysis and corrosion mitigation firms.
• Technology commercialisation, start-ups and entrepreneurial ventures focused on energy storage, green hydrogen, electrochemical synthesis and advanced materials.
• Consulting, policy and technical leadership roles where deep expertise in electrochemical systems is required.

Doctoral training develops technical depth, experimental and modelling skills, project leadership and communication, preparing graduates to lead multidisciplinary teams or to found and advise technology companies.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder offers an interdisciplinary research environment with active collaboration across chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry and physics, and strong ties to regional energy research initiatives. Faculty in the department conduct leading research in electrochemical energy conversion and storage, electrochemical materials and diagnostics.

Students benefit from access to shared campus facilities and centres that support advanced materials characterisation and energy research, and from proximity to national laboratories and industry partners in the region. The department emphasises funded PhD study through research and teaching assistantships, regular seminar programmes, and professional development opportunities such as teaching experience and entrepreneurship support. The combination of technical resources, collaborative culture and career development services makes CU Boulder a strong choice for doctoral training in electrochemical engineering.