Kettering University

What you'll study

The programme builds a firm foundation in chemical engineering fundamentals and then layers focused electrochemical topics. First- and second-year modules cover material and energy balances, transport phenomena, thermodynamics, process calculations, fluid mechanics and reaction engineering. Core chemical engineering laboratory work develops quantitative experimental skills and data analysis.

Specialist electrochemical content includes courses in electrochemistry, corrosion science, electrode kinetics, electrochemical materials, battery technology and fuel cell systems. Students study electrode and electrolyte materials, cell design, charge transfer, mass transport in porous electrodes, and diagnostics and testing methods used in battery and fuel-cell development. Courses in separations, process control and chemical plant safety ensure graduates understand how electrochemical units integrate into larger processes.

The curriculum emphasises project work and applied laboratory experience. Typical elements include:

• Hands-on electrochemical laboratory modules and instrumentation training (potentiostats, impedance spectroscopy, galvanostatic cycling).
• Unit operations and process design classes with electrochemical reactor considerations.
• Senior capstone design project addressing a real-world electrochemical engineering problem, often sponsored by an industry partner.
• Kettering’s cooperative education (co-op) placements alternating academic terms with paid industry placements to build practical experience in battery manufacturing, corrosion testing labs or process plants.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high-school diploma or equivalent with strong achievement in mathematics and science. Typical preparation includes advanced mathematics (calculus or pre-calculus), chemistry and physics. Successful candidates demonstrate problem-solving ability, laboratory interest and readiness for an engineering curriculum.

Admissions review considers academic transcripts, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. Standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) may be considered where submitted, and international applicants are normally required to demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or prior study in English. Transfer applicants should provide college transcripts and descriptions of completed STEM coursework for credit evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates with an electrochemical engineering specialism find roles across the energy, automotive, aerospace, chemical manufacturing and corrosion-control sectors. Common entry roles include process engineer, battery development engineer, fuel cell engineer, materials engineer, corrosion engineer, quality and test engineer, and production engineer in electrochemical manufacturing facilities.

Longer-term career paths can lead to technical leadership in research and development, operations management in plants producing batteries or electrochemical products, engineering consultancy, or further study at the graduate level in electrochemical science, materials, or chemical engineering. The co-op experience and industry ties at Kettering help graduates build networks and secure early-career positions in commercial and start-up environments focused on energy storage and sustainable technologies.

Why study at Kettering University

Kettering University is known for its experiential learning model and strong cooperative education programme, which gives electrochemical engineering students repeated, paid placements with industrial partners to apply classroom theory to practical problems. The university maintains close links with automotive and energy companies in Michigan and beyond, providing project sponsorships, internships and recruitment pipelines relevant to batteries, fuel cells and corrosion mitigation.

Students benefit from small class sizes, laboratory facilities tailored to electrochemical testing and materials characterisation, and an applied curriculum designed for employability. The engineering programmes are professionally accredited, preparing graduates for immediate technical roles and for future professional registration where applicable.