University of Massachusetts Amherst

What you'll study

This four‑year chemical engineering curriculum combines core transport, thermodynamics and reaction engineering with specialised study in electrochemical science and technology. Early years focus on mathematics, physics, general chemistry and foundational chemical engineering principles such as material and energy balances. Progressing years introduce transport phenomena, chemical reaction engineering, process control, separations and chemical engineering laboratory courses.

• Core chemical engineering topics: material & energy balances, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, thermodynamics, reaction engineering, process design and control, separations and unit operations.
• Electrochemical electives and specialised subjects: fundamental electrochemistry, electrode kinetics, corrosion science, battery chemistry and design, fuel cell engineering, electrochemical reactors and sensors, surface and materials characterisation for electrodes.
• Laboratory and practical work: hands‑on lab courses that develop experimental skills in transport and reaction measurements, electrochemical characterisation (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry), materials processing and cell testing.
• Capstone and design: a senior capstone design project that typically involves process design, system optimisation or an applied electrochemical engineering challenge, often completed in teams and with industry or research mentorship.
• Research and electives: opportunities to join faculty research groups working on energy storage, corrosion, electrochemical synthesis and materials; electives allow cross‑training in materials science, polymer science, environmental engineering or computer modelling.

Entry requirements

Admission to the undergraduate Chemical Engineering programme is based on completion of a recognised secondary school qualification with strong preparation in mathematics and sciences. Typical applicants will have completed advanced mathematics (calculus where available), high‑level chemistry and physics. The department looks for evidence of strong quantitative ability, problem solving and commitment to STEM.

Additional considerations include performance in advanced courses (AP, IB or other national equivalents), letters of recommendation, personal statement and any relevant laboratory or project experience. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through accepted tests or prior education in English where applicable. Prospective transfer students should expect evaluation of prior collegiate coursework for equivalency with core maths, chemistry and engineering prerequisites.

Career prospects

Graduates with a chemical engineering degree focused on electrochemical engineering have a broad range of career paths in industry, government and academia. Typical roles include:

• Battery and energy storage engineer developing cell chemistries, manufacturing processes and testing protocols.
• Fuel cell technologist working on system integration, materials selection and performance optimisation.
• Corrosion engineer and materials specialist in oil & gas, infrastructure or marine environments.
• Process engineer in electrochemical manufacturing, fine chemicals or electroplating operations.
• Research and development roles in national labs, start‑ups and established companies focused on sustainable energy and advanced materials.
• Pathways to graduate study (MS/PhD) in chemical engineering, materials science, electrochemistry or related disciplines, and to careers in consulting, patent law or regulatory agencies with additional training.

Why study at University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers a chemical engineering programme with strong ties to interdisciplinary research in energy and materials. Undergraduates benefit from access to research groups working on electrochemical energy storage, fuel cells and corrosion, and can participate in lab‑based projects alongside faculty and graduate students.

Students will find experiential learning through senior design, undergraduate research opportunities, internships with regional industry and career services support. The campus environment encourages collaboration across departments — such as materials science, polymer science and environmental engineering — which is valuable for students specialising in electrochemical engineering. These resources make UMass Amherst a practical choice for students aiming to enter the growing fields of energy storage and electrochemical technologies or to continue to advanced study.