University of Virginia

What you'll study

The programme builds core chemical engineering knowledge while allowing focused coursework and research in electrochemical engineering. Typical taught topics include electrochemical thermodynamics and kinetics, electrode and electrolyte materials, transport phenomena in porous media, reaction engineering for electrochemical systems, modelling and simulation of electrochemical cells, corrosion science, and characterization techniques for electrochemical materials.

Students follow a combination of advanced coursework and hands-on laboratory or computational research. Common module types and activities are:

• Advanced Transport Phenomena and Reactor Design with emphasis on coupled mass, charge and heat transport
• Electrochemical Methods and Instrumentation, including cyclic voltammetry, impedance spectroscopy and in‑situ characterisation
• Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion, covering battery electrodes, solid electrolytes and electrocatalysts
• Corrosion Science and Prevention, surface analysis and protection strategies
• Modelling and Simulation of Electrochemical Systems, continuum and multiscale approaches
• Research project or thesis supervised by faculty working on electrochemical energy, materials and systems
• Seminars and group meetings to present research and engage with visiting researchers and industry partners

The degree is offered with options to pursue a thesis-based research track or a course-based project track, enabling students to tailor their experience toward industrial roles or further academic research.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, mechanical engineering, or a closely related discipline. Successful candidates demonstrate strong preparation in calculus, differential equations, undergraduate thermodynamics, transport phenomena and basic physical chemistry or electrochemistry.

Typical application components include academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose describing research or career goals (with emphasis on electrochemical interests), and a CV. International applicants must meet university English language proficiency standards. Admissions are competitive and take into account prior coursework, research experience, and fit with available faculty supervision.

Career prospects

Graduates with an MS in Chemical Engineering specialising in electrochemical engineering find roles across diverse sectors. Common career pathways include:

• Battery and energy storage industry: cell design, materials development, testing and scale-up
• Fuel cell and hydrogen technologies: catalyst development, system engineering and durability testing
• Corrosion engineering and asset protection in utilities, pipelines and manufacturing
• Electrochemical manufacturing and process development for chemicals and sensors
• Research and development roles in chemical, materials and energy companies
• National laboratories and government research organisations focused on energy and materials
• Continued academic research toward a PhD and careers in university research or teaching

The programme’s combination of laboratory skills, modelling capability and domain-specific knowledge prepares graduates for both industrial R&D and applied engineering positions.

Why study at University of Virginia

The University of Virginia’s engineering school offers a collaborative environment where chemical engineering students can work with faculty engaged in electrochemical energy research and advanced materials. Students benefit from interdisciplinary connections across materials science, mechanical engineering and chemistry, as well as access to modern laboratories for electrochemical testing, materials characterisation and computational resources.

The university’s strong links with regional industry, national research laboratories and technology‑transfer resources support internships and partnerships that help translate research into real-world applications. Additionally, the Charlottesville campus provides a focused academic community and professional development opportunities, including entrepreneurship and innovation programmes, to support students as they move into careers in industry or further research.