University of Cincinnati

What you'll study

The programme is built on a core chemical engineering curriculum and augmented with specialised electrochemical subjects. Core topics include material and energy balances, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, chemical reaction engineering and process control. Building on that foundation, electrochemical‑focused coursework typically covers electrochemistry fundamentals, corrosion science, electrochemical kinetics, electrode materials, ion transport, and energy conversion devices such as batteries and fuel cells.

• Foundational modules: calculus, differential equations, general chemistry, physics, materials science, and engineering mathematics.
• Core ChE modules: transport phenomena, separations, reactor design, process dynamics and control, and unit operations laboratory.
• Electrochemical modules: principles of electrochemistry, corrosion and protection, electrochemical energy storage and conversion, electrode and electrolyte materials, and modelling of electrochemical systems.
• Laboratory and practical work: hands‑on labs in electrochemical techniques (potentiometry, voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy), materials characterisation and pilot‑scale testing.
• Capstone and design: senior design project with an emphasis on industrially relevant electrochemical systems, often integrating experimental validation and economic/scale‑up considerations.
• Co‑operative education: structured industry co‑op placements that allow students to apply classroom learning within companies active in energy storage, corrosion management, coatings, or chemical manufacturing.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to have a strong background in mathematics and the physical sciences. Typical preparation includes high‑level secondary courses in calculus, chemistry and physics. The University of Cincinnati considers academic achievement in high school (or equivalent) alongside the strength of STEM coursework.

• Academic background: successful completion of secondary education with rigorous maths (calculus if available), chemistry and physics.
• Recommended preparation: AP/IB or A‑level maths and science subjects, plus coursework in computer science or engineering fundamentals where possible.
• International applicants: equivalent secondary qualifications and recognised proof of English proficiency if the primary language of instruction was not English.
• Other considerations: personal statement, letters of recommendation and demonstrated interest in engineering or electrochemical topics strengthen an application. For admitted students, placement and advising will determine first‑year course sequence.

Career prospects

Graduates combine chemical engineering training with electrochemical specialism, making them attractive to a broad range of employers. Typical roles and sectors include:

• Process or design engineer in chemical and battery manufacturing plants.
• Electrochemical engineer working on batteries, fuel cells, electrolyzers and energy storage systems.
• Corrosion engineer and materials specialist for infrastructure, pipelines and marine industries.
• R&D engineer in materials, coatings, sensors and electrochemical devices.
• Quality, production and process improvement roles in coatings, metal finishing and surface treatment industries.
• Consultancy, regulatory and technical sales roles supporting electrochemical technologies.
• Further study: graduate degrees in chemical engineering, materials science, electrochemistry or related disciplines for careers in research and academia.

Why study at University of Cincinnati

The University of Cincinnati College of Engineering integrates a strong practical focus with academic rigour. A distinguishing feature is the cooperative education (co‑op) programme, which gives students multiple extended work placements with industry partners — an important advantage for applied fields such as electrochemical engineering. Students benefit from modern teaching laboratories, senior capstone design projects with industrial relevance, and faculty research that spans energy storage, corrosion and materials for electrochemical applications.

Located in a city with a diverse manufacturing and technology base, the programme offers opportunities for local industry collaboration and internships. The combination of rigorous core engineering training, hands‑on labs, co‑op experience and targeted electrochemical coursework prepares graduates for immediate industry roles or for advanced study.