Virginia Commonwealth University

What you'll study

The programme builds on the core chemical engineering curriculum—material and energy balances, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, chemical reaction engineering, process control, and unit operations—while offering specialised coursework and laboratory experience in electrochemical systems. Typical subjects include:

• Core chemical engineering: calculus-based chemistry and physics, material and energy balances, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, process dynamics and control, and separations.
• Electrochemical specialisms: fundamental electrochemistry, electrode kinetics, mass transport in electrochemical systems, corrosion science, electrochemical reactors, batteries and fuel cells, electrochemical sensors and surface electrochemistry.
• Laboratory and design: hands-on labs in unit operations and electrochemical techniques (e.g. cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy), instrumentation, materials characterisation, and a capstone design project that frequently addresses practical electrochemical devices or processes.
• Supporting topics: materials science for energy applications, computational methods and modelling, chemical process safety, and electives that allow cross-training with materials science, electrical engineering or environmental engineering.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a high school diploma or equivalent with strong preparation in mathematics (including precalculus or calculus), chemistry and physics. Typical preparation includes A-levels/IB or equivalent with calculus and chemistry; relevant higher-level examinations or college preparatory courses are advantageous. Evidence of academic readiness is evaluated via transcripts and, where submitted, standardised test scores; schools may consider advanced placement, IB, or college coursework for credit.

Successful candidates demonstrate numerical and analytical ability, laboratory familiarity, and an interest in engineering problem solving. Transfer applicants from community colleges or other universities are evaluated on college-level course performance in calculus, chemistry and physics, plus completion of introductory engineering coursework where possible.

Career prospects

Graduates with an electrochemical emphasis combine chemical engineering fundamentals with specialised skills sought by employers in energy, materials and environmental sectors. Common career paths include:

• Battery and energy storage engineer for companies developing lithium-ion and next-generation battery systems.
• Fuel cell and hydrogen technology developer working on electrochemical energy conversion.
• Corrosion engineer or materials engineer supporting industrial assets, pipelines and infrastructure.
• Process engineer or plant engineer in chemical, petrochemical and materials manufacturing.
• R&D roles in academia, national laboratories or industry focusing on electrochemical reactors, sensors and catalysis.
• Environmental and water treatment engineer using electrochemical processes for remediation and resource recovery.
• Graduate study in chemical engineering, materials science, electrochemistry or related disciplines, leading to research or academic careers.

Why study at Virginia Commonwealth University

VCU’s chemical engineering programme is housed in a school that emphasises interdisciplinary research and strong ties to regional industry and healthcare sectors. Students benefit from hands-on laboratory instruction, project-based capstone experiences and opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research in energy storage, corrosion, and electrochemical materials.

The university’s urban Richmond location provides access to internships and partnerships with local manufacturers, energy firms and biomedical companies. VCU also offers resources such as modern materials and chemical engineering laboratories, faculty with active research programmes in electrochemistry and materials, and career services to help students transition into industry or graduate study.