University of Colorado Boulder

What you'll study

This master's route combines core chemical engineering principles with specialised electrochemical topics. Students typically take advanced courses in electrochemical engineering and electrochemistry, transport phenomena, reaction engineering, and materials for energy applications. Typical subjects and modules include:

• Electrochemical Engineering and Electrochemistry: kinetics of electrode reactions, cell design, polarization, and mass transport in electrochemical systems.
• Energy Materials and Devices: electrode and electrolyte materials for batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers; ionic and electronic conduction; degradation mechanisms.
• Transport Phenomena and Reactor Design: momentum, heat and mass transfer applied to porous electrodes and multiphase electrochemical reactors.
• Modelling and Control: continuum and porous-electrode modelling, process control and scale-up of electrochemical systems.
• Corrosion Science and Protection: thermodynamics and kinetics of corrosion and methods for mitigation and material selection.
• Laboratory and Research Experience: hands-on wet and electrochemical lab work, materials characterisation (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, microscopy) and access to pilot-scale testing when available.

Students may choose a thesis (research-focused) or non-thesis (coursework plus project) pathway. Interdisciplinary electives are available through materials science, physics and electrical engineering to tailor the programme toward batteries, fuel cells, hydrogen technologies or corrosion and surface science.

Entry requirements

Applicants should normally hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline. Successful applicants demonstrate strong preparation in core subjects such as thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction engineering and calculus-based mathematics.

• Academic record: A competitive undergraduate academic record in a relevant field.
• Supporting documents: transcripts, a statement of purpose explaining research interests in electrochemical engineering, and academic or professional references.
• Test scores: The programme may consider standardised test scores where required; check the department admissions guidance for current policy.
• English language: Proof of English proficiency is required for applicants whose first language is not English; accepted tests and minimum scores are set by the university.
• Preparation: Applicants who lack specific coursework may be admitted conditionally and asked to complete prerequisite courses.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles across the clean energy and electrochemical technology sectors. Typical career paths include:

• R&D engineer or scientist in battery, fuel-cell and electrolyser companies.
• Process or scale-up engineer in chemical and electrochemical manufacturing.
• Materials scientist working on electrode and electrolyte development.
• Corrosion engineer or consultant in oil & gas, infrastructure and marine industries.
• Positions at national laboratories, research institutes and startups focusing on energy storage and decarbonisation technologies.
• Further academic research leading to PhD study in electrochemical science, materials or chemical engineering.

Why study at University of Colorado Boulder

CU Boulder’s Chemical and Biological Engineering department offers an interdisciplinary environment that connects chemical engineering fundamentals with materials science, physics and electrical engineering—important for modern electrochemical problems. The university has active research programmes in energy storage and electrochemical systems and collaborative links with nearby research institutions and industry partners, providing opportunities for applied research, internships and technology translation.

Students benefit from experienced faculty who publish in electrochemical and energy research, access to advanced laboratory facilities and opportunities to work on both fundamental and application-driven projects. The campus location also places students within a regional clean-energy ecosystem, useful for networking and career development in electrochemical engineering.