University of San Diego

What you'll study

This PhD programme combines advanced coursework, independent research and professional development focused on electrochemical phenomena and applications. Core topics typically covered include electrochemical kinetics and thermodynamics, mass and charge transport in porous electrodes, electrochemical materials and interfaces, corrosion science, catalysis for electrosynthesis, and mathematical and computational modelling of electrochemical systems.

• Advanced electrochemical methods and instrumentation (impedance spectroscopy, rotating disk/rotating ring techniques, potentiostatic/galvanostatic methods)
• Materials for energy conversion and storage (battery electrode materials, solid electrolytes, catalysts for oxygen reduction/evolution)
• Transport phenomena and porous media in electrochemical devices
• Computational modelling of electrochemical cells, multi-physics simulations and data-driven approaches
• Corrosion and materials degradation in electrochemical environments
• Electrosynthesis, separations and sensors
• Research seminars, ethics in research and scientific communication

Programme structure generally includes initial coursework to provide depth and breadth, laboratory rotations or early-stage collaborative projects to identify a dissertation adviser, a qualifying examination or proposal defence, and several years of concentrated original research culminating in a written dissertation and an oral defence. Students are expected to present work in seminars and to publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a relevant undergraduate degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science or a closely related discipline; many successful applicants also hold a master's degree with research experience. Key application components include:

• A strong academic record demonstrating readiness for graduate-level study
• Evidence of research experience (research projects, lab experience, publications or reports)
• A statement of purpose outlining research interests in electrochemical engineering and fit with faculty expertise
• Letters of recommendation from academic or professional referees who can speak to research potential
• A curriculum vitae detailing technical skills, laboratory experience and relevant coursework
• Proof of English language proficiency for international applicants where applicable

Admission is competitive and based on the match between an applicant's research interests and available faculty supervision as well as demonstration of independence and potential for original research. Prospective students are encouraged to contact faculty whose research aligns with their interests before applying.

Career prospects

Graduates with a PhD in Chemical Engineering specialising in electrochemical engineering are prepared for a range of careers. Typical destinations include:

• Academic positions as postdoctoral researchers, lecturers or tenure-track faculty conducting fundamental and applied electrochemical research
• Industry R&D roles in energy storage and conversion (battery and fuel cell companies), electrolyser and hydrogen technology firms, and developers of electrochemical sensors and industrial electrosynthesis
• Technical leadership and specialist roles in materials development, corrosion management, process scale-up and systems modelling
• Government and national laboratories working on energy, environment and advanced materials projects
• Consultancy and start-up opportunities where deep technical expertise is required to translate electrochemical innovations to market

Graduates combine experimental, modelling and problem-solving skills valued across sectors focused on decarbonisation, sustainable chemical production and advanced manufacturing.

Why study at University of San Diego

The University of San Diego offers a doctoral environment with close faculty mentorship, access to modern laboratories and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across engineering, chemistry and materials groups. The university’s location in the San Diego region provides proximity to a dense ecosystem of companies, research institutes and start-ups active in energy, materials and biotechnology, facilitating industry collaborations, internships and translational research opportunities.

Students benefit from a student-centred research culture that emphasises professional development, oral and written communication, and preparation for varied career paths. The programme’s emphasis on hands-on experimental training, combined with computational and theoretical approaches, prepares graduates to address practical and fundamental challenges in electrochemical engineering.