Clarkson University

What you'll study

The programme builds on core chemical engineering topics while emphasising electrochemical phenomena, materials and devices. Students take advanced courses in transport phenomena, thermodynamics and reaction engineering tailored to electrochemical systems, together with specialist modules such as electrochemical kinetics, electrode and electrolyte materials, battery and fuel cell engineering, corrosion science, and electrochemical measurement techniques.

Typical elements of the curriculum include:

• Core advanced topics: transport phenomena, advanced thermodynamics, and reaction engineering with applications to electrochemical processes.
• Electrochemical specialisms: electrochemical kinetics and mechanisms, electrode and electrolyte materials, battery technology, fuel cells, electrolytic processes and corrosion engineering.
• Modelling and characterisation: process and device modelling, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry and other laboratory characterisation methods.
• Laboratory and hands‑on work: practical lab courses and instrument training focused on cell testing, materials synthesis and performance evaluation.
• Research or project: option to complete a research thesis under faculty supervision or a substantial design/project report that integrates experimental, modelling or systems engineering work.
• Electives: topics such as nanomaterials for energy, catalysis, process control, separations and environmental aspects of electrochemical technologies.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a closely related engineering, chemistry or materials science discipline from an accredited institution. Admissions typically require a demonstrated record of undergraduate performance, academic transcripts, and supporting documents such as a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation.

Other common requirements include a curriculum vitae describing relevant laboratory or industry experience, and for applicants whose first language is not English, an approved English proficiency test score. Some applicants with closely related degrees may be asked to complete prerequisite undergraduate coursework before or during the programme.

Career prospects

Graduates with a master’s in electrochemical engineering pursue roles across energy, manufacturing and research sectors. Typical career paths include:

• Battery and energy storage engineer or scientist in companies developing lithium‑ion, solid‑state or next‑generation chemistries.
• Fuel cell and hydrogen systems engineer working on design, testing and scale‑up of electrochemical energy conversion technologies.
• Corrosion engineer and corrosion specialist in oil & gas, infrastructure and materials protection.
• Process engineer or electrochemical process developer for electrolysis, plating, and industrial electrochemical manufacturing.
• R&D engineer or research scientist in materials development, diagnostics and electrochemical characterisation at national labs, startups or established firms.
• Consultant in energy systems, sustainability and technology assessment, or progression to doctoral study and academic research.

Why study at Clarkson University

Clarkson University is recognised for applied engineering education and close ties with industry, offering students a learning environment that emphasises hands‑on laboratory work and faculty‑mentored research. The chemical engineering department provides access to modern instrumentation, small class sizes and opportunities to collaborate with faculty on industry‑relevant projects, internships and multidisciplinary teams.

Students benefit from a practical, career‑oriented curriculum that links fundamental electrochemical science with device development and scale‑up. The university’s focus on experiential learning helps graduates move quickly into professional roles in clean energy, advanced manufacturing and materials engineering or to continue into PhD programmes.