Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Science and Engineering

The graduate program in Materials Science and Engineering is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of phenomena occurring in materials and their associated chemical, electrical, mechanical, and physical properties. The master's program prepares students for professional careers in materials science and engineering or for additional studies at the doctoral level. Candidates for a master's or doctoral degree may elect programs emphasizing metals, polymers, ceramics, composite materials, or electronic materials, as well as a number of other areas. Although the program is administered through the College of Engineering, it is broadly interdisciplinary, actively involving faculty in both the College of Science and the College of Engineering. In addition to materials science and engineering courses, applicable courses are in the disciplines of aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, computer science engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics.

The Ph.D. degree program involves an interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approach which requires students to complete a set of Materials Science and Engineering core courses augmented by elective offerings in aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, chemistry, civil engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering and physics. The degree is a research degree which requires the candidate successfully to carry out independent research in an area acceptable to the Committee on Graduate Studies for Materials Science and Engineering. A student's research is directed by a faculty member from any of the departments or programs participating in the Materials Science and Engineering Program.

Applicants for the doctoral degrees must have either a baccalaureate or master's degree in engineering or science. Applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree and wish to pursue a doctoral degree without completing a master's degree may apply for admission into the B.S. to Ph.D. Track. The minimum admission requirements to this highly competitive track are the same as those for all doctoral applicants.

Applicants are expected to submit a score of at least 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, a score of at least 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, a minimum score of 6.5 on the IELTS, or a minimum TOEFL iBT total score of 79. Further, when the TOEFL iBT is taken, sectional scores of at least 22 on the writing section, 21 on the speaking section, 20 on the reading section, and 16 on the listening section are preferred.

Graduate Application Priority Dates - Fall: March 15; Spring: August 15; Summer: February 15.