Rice University

What you'll study

The programme builds on core chemical engineering principles while emphasising electrochemical phenomena, materials and systems. You will take advanced courses in transport phenomena, chemical thermodynamics and reaction engineering, alongside specialised modules in electrochemical kinetics, electrode and electrolyte materials, porous-electrode theory, battery and fuel‑cell engineering, electrochemical corrosion and electrochemical process design.

Typical elements of the curriculum include:

• Advanced transport phenomena and non‑ideal thermodynamics
• Electrochemical kinetics and electrode processes
• Materials for energy storage (liquid electrolytes, solid electrolytes, electrode materials, catalysts)
• Design and modelling of batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers
• Characterisation methods: electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, electron microscopy and spectroscopy techniques
• Process engineering for electrochemical manufacture and scale‑up
• Laboratory and capstone research projects, with options for a thesis or a project-based master’s route

Students commonly undertake a research project supervised by faculty in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, often in collaboration with materials scientists, chemists or electrical engineers. Facilities used by students include wet and electrochemical labs, materials characterisation equipment and battery test stands.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline with demonstrated competence in mathematics, physical chemistry and transport phenomena. Admissions typically consider the overall academic record, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose outlining research or professional goals, and a CV.

International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency where required. Relevant laboratory experience, prior coursework in electrochemistry or materials, and evidence of quantitative skills strengthen an application. Some applicants with strong research or industry experience but a non‑traditional background may be admitted with recommended preparatory coursework.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in industry, national laboratories and academia. Typical career paths include R&D engineer or scientist in battery and energy storage companies, fuel cell and electrolyser development, electrochemical process engineering (including electrolysis for chemical manufacture), corrosion engineering, materials development, and process scale‑up. Graduates also work in sectors such as automotive and transportation, grid storage, renewable energy integration, chemicals and petrochemicals, and instrument and sensor companies.

The degree also provides a strong foundation for those wishing to continue to a PhD in electrochemical engineering, materials science or related disciplines, or for entrepreneurial paths creating start‑ups in energy and materials technology.

Why study at Rice University

Rice offers a close‑knit engineering environment with strong faculty mentorship and access to interdisciplinary collaborations across materials science, chemistry and electrical engineering. Its location in Houston provides proximity to a broad industrial ecosystem and opportunities to collaborate with energy companies and research organisations.

Students benefit from hands‑on research facilities for electrochemical testing and materials characterisation, small cohort sizes that support personalised supervision, and institutional support for technology translation and entrepreneurship. The department's emphasis on rigorous fundamentals combined with applied research makes this programme particularly suitable for students aiming to advance electrochemical technologies for energy and industrial applications.