Program Description

Materials science and engineering is a highly interdisciplinary field drawing on many fundamental disciplines to advance the design and discovery of new materials for use in virtually all areas of science, engineering, industry and society. The PhD in Materials Science and Engineering program prepares individuals to perform original, cutting-edge research in areas including nanostructured materials, advanced semiconductor materials, electronic, optical and magnetic materials, biomimetic materials, polymeric materials, MEMS (micro-electromechanical systems) materials and systems, organic electronics, theory and simulation of materials systems, and advanced processing of modern materials.

The PhD program prepares students for professional and research careers in industry, government or academia. Students develop the expertise to make independent contributions to research and development, formulate novel problems, develop creative solutions to novel and existing problems, and serve as system architects and leaders of design teams. Students successful in this program have come from undergraduate and/or MS-level study in the areas of materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, chemistry and physics.

The curriculum ensures that students develop a broad knowledge of modern materials science; that they apply their knowledge and analytical skills to create effective and novel solutions to practical problems; and that they communicate well in professional forums and publications; and that they work effectively in both collaborative and independent settings.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program seek positions such as: materials engineer/scientist, process engineer, research engineer, manufacturing engineer and postdoctoral or professor positions at universities.

Marketable Skills

Review the marketable skills for this academic program.

Application Requirements

Degree requirements: Student has met standards equivalent to those currently required for admission to the PhD or master’s degree programs in materials science, electrical engineering, chemistry, physics or biology.

GPA: A grade point average (GPA) in undergraduate-level coursework of 3.5 or better on a 4.0 point scale.

GRE Test Scores: GRE revised scores which are recommended as 154 or above, 154 or above, and 4 for the verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing components, respectively, are advisable based on our experience with student success in the program.

Letters of recommendation: 3

Deadlines: Please visit the Materials Science and Engineering Admissions Web page for more information.