Rice University

What you'll study

The programme is built on core chemical engineering topics—thermodynamics, transport phenomena, reaction engineering, process design and kinetics—while offering elective and laboratory coursework that focuses on electrochemical phenomena and devices. Typical modules include:

• Foundations: calculus-based physics, general and physical chemistry, differential equations and materials science.
• Core ChE subjects: chemical thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat and mass transfer, chemical reaction engineering, process control and plant design.
• Electrochemical specialism: electrochemistry, electrode kinetics, ion transport, corrosion science, electrochemical energy conversion (batteries, fuel cells), and electrolytic processes.
• Laboratory and design work: hands-on lab courses, instrumental analysis, unit operations labs and a capstone process design project that can be oriented to electrochemical systems.
• Computational and analytical skills: modelling and simulation of electrochemical systems, data analysis, and courses in control and instrumentation.
• Interdisciplinary options: electives from materials science, nanoengineering, environmental engineering and chemistry for students interested in advanced materials, catalysis or energy systems.

Undergraduates are encouraged to participate in faculty-led research projects, independent study, and collaborative teams that address energy storage, electrochemical synthesis and corrosion mitigation.

Entry requirements

Admission to Rice University is competitive and considers academic achievement, rigor of high‑school preparation, recommendation letters and personal essays. Prospective students for the chemical engineering programme should demonstrate strong performance in mathematics (including calculus), chemistry and physics. Successful applicants typically have completed advanced coursework where available (advanced maths and sciences) and show evidence of problem‑solving ability and laboratory experience.

Transfer applicants should have completed university‑level STEM coursework with strong grades. International applicants must meet Rice’s general admissions and English language requirements. Consult Rice’s admissions office for the current application process and documentation guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates with a chemical engineering degree and electrochemical specialism are well positioned for roles in industry, national laboratories and academia. Common career paths include:

• Battery and energy storage companies (cell development, pack integration, testing and scale‑up).
• Fuel cell and electrolyser manufacturers, and organisations developing hydrogen production and utilisation technologies.
• Corrosion engineering and surface protection for oil and gas, maritime and infrastructure sectors.
• Electrochemical process development for chemical manufacture and waste treatment.
• Materials development and characterization for electrodes, membranes and catalysts.
• Instrumentation, sensor development and analytical services related to electrochemical measurement.
• Further study: many graduates pursue graduate degrees (MS/PhD) in chemical engineering, materials science or electrochemistry, or professional degrees in related fields.

Why study at Rice University

Rice offers a hands‑on, research‑rich undergraduate experience with small class sizes and close access to faculty. The chemical and biomolecular engineering programme is housed within an engineering school that emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration across materials science, chemistry and environmental engineering—an advantage for students focused on electrochemical challenges.

Students benefit from state‑of‑the‑art laboratory facilities, opportunities for early involvement in research groups working on energy and electrochemical technologies, and connections to Houston’s broad industrial ecosystem, which includes energy companies, start‑ups and national research labs. Rice’s supportive undergraduate research culture, advising and project‑based capstone design give students practical skills needed to transition to industry or graduate study.