materials science phd programs us

Doctoral Program

The PhD program is designed to give students a broad and deep understanding of materials science and engineering so that they will have long and fruitful careers as researchers.

Main navigation, doctor of philosophy in materials science and engineering.

Students who graduate from our program will be among the world’s leading experts in the areas of their dissertation research. They also will have the intellectual tools to move into new research areas as the field grows and develops.

During the first year of the PhD program, students are required to take five courses from our core curriculum, attend the weekly colloquium lectures to learn about cutting-edge materials science research, explore finding an advisor (which includes a weekly course hour), and enroll in some technical elective coursework.

Students are expected to find a research group to join before the start of the spring quarter in their first year. During the summer after the first academic year, students typically work intensely on research under the guidance of a professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department or a professor from another materials-related department.

In the second year, students continue to take technical elective coursework and do research. Between October and January, they take a qualifying examination, which they must pass to be formally admitted to candidacy for a PhD degree. In the first part of the exam, students give a 20-minute presentation on their proposed area of dissertation research. A committee of professors, which includes the student’s advisor, then questions the student on the proposed topic for 20 minutes. Finally, the professors ask questions for 80 minutes on topics from the core curriculum. Students are expected to demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of materials science and to show that they can think clearly on aspects that are important for their research. Students who do not pass the qualifying exam can attempt it one more time in the spring quarter. It is not uncommon to pass one part but not both parts on the first try.

Once students pass the qualifying exam, they continue to take classes and do their dissertation research. Students are required to take 44 core, technical, and seminar units (approximately 18 quarter-long classes).

The final stage of the PhD program is to write a dissertation and pass the university oral examination, which involves giving a public seminar defending the dissertation and answering questions from a private panel of four professors. Most students complete the entire program in five years and receive several employment offers as they write their dissertations.

The university’s basic requirements for a PhD are outlined in the Graduate Degrees section of the Stanford Bulletin.

The PhD degree is awarded after the completion of a minimum of 135 units of graduate work as well as satisfactory completion of any additional university requirements. Degree requirements for the department are as follows:

1 All core courses must be completed for a letter grade and to qualify for the qualifying exam a GPA in the core courses must be 3.5 or higher.

2 Eight, elective, technical courses must be in areas related directly to students’ research interests.  Five courses must be in MATSCI, including one course in Characterization*

*The characterization course may be taken out of the department with the approval of the Director of Graduate Studies.

All courses must be completed for a letter grade.

3 Materials Science and Engineering PhD students are required to take MATSCI 230 Materials Science Colloquium during each quarter of their first year. Attendance is required, roll is taken and more than two absences result in an automatic "No Pass" grade.

4 Research units will very likely equal or exceed 75, so other courses may count here.  This could include other engineering courses, MATSCI 400 , transfer units, other university courses, up to 3 units of MATSCI 299 .

5 Students must complete Materials Science Research Advising during the Autumn of their first year.  They will complete Ethics and Broader Impacts in Materials Science during the Spring of their first year.  In addition, students complete at least 10 residency units.  These course units may include  MATSCI 300  Ph.D. Research, other engineering courses,  MATSCI 400  Participation in Materials Science Teaching, or a maximum of three units  MATSCI 299  Practical Training.

• Students must consult with the PhD Advising Team or their academic adviser on PhD course selection planning. For students with a non-MATSCI research adviser, the MATSCI academic/co-adviser must also approve the list of proposed courses. Any proposed deviations from the requirements can be considered only by petition.
• PhD students are required to apply for and have conferred a MATSCI MS degree normally by the end of their third year of studies. A Graduate Program Authorization Petition (in Axess) and an MS Program Proposal  (PDF) must be submitted after taking the PhD qualifying examination.
• A departmental oral qualifying examination must be passed by the end of January of the second year. A grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 in core courses MATSCI 211-215 is required for admission to the PhD qualifying examination. Students who have passed the PhD qualifying examination are required to complete the Application for Candidacy to the PhD degree by June of the second year after passing the qualifying examination. Final changes in the Application for Candidacy form must be submitted no later than one academic quarter prior to the TGR status.
• Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in all courses taken at Stanford.
• Students must present the results of their research dissertation at the university PhD oral defense examination.
• Current students subject to either this set of requirements or a prior set must obtain the approval of their adviser before filing a revised program sheet, and should as far as possible adhere to the intent of the new requirements.
• Students may refer to the list of "Advanced Specialty Courses and Cognate Courses" provided below as guidelines for their selection of technical elective units. As noted above, academic adviser approval is required.
• At least 90 units must be taken in residence at Stanford. Students entering with an MS degree in Materials Science from another university may request to transfer up to 45 units of equivalent work toward the total of 135 PhD degree requirement units.
• Students may propose a petition for exemption from a required core course if they have taken a similar course in the past. To petition, a student must consult and obtain academic and/or research adviser approval, and consent of the instructor of the proposed core course. To assess a student’s level of knowledge, the instructor may provide an oral or written examination on the subject matter. The student must pass the examination in order to be exempt from the core course requirement. If the petition is approved, the student is required to complete the waived number of units by taking other relevant upper-level MATSCI courses.

PhD minor in Materials Science and Engineering

The university’s basic requirements for the PhD minor are outlined in the Graduate Degrees section of the Stanford Bulletin. A minor requires 20 units of graduate work of quality and depth at the 200-level or higher in the Materials Science and Engineering course offering. Courses must be taken for a letter grade. The proposed list of courses must be approved by the department’s advanced degree committee. Individual programs must be submitted to the student services manager at least one quarter prior to the quarter of the degree conferral. None of the units taken for the PhD minor may overlap with any MS degree units.

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PhD Program

Requirements and additional information on our PhD program in materials science and engineering.

1. Coursework

Successful completion of four required courses in materials science and engineering:

• 510.601: Structure of Materials
• 510.602: Thermodynamics of Materials
• Either 510.603: Phase Transformations in Materials or 510.610 Fundamentals of Biomaterials
• 510.615: Physical Properties of Materials (see waiver of required courses below)

Each of the four required courses must be passed with a letter grade of B- or higher. If a student receives a grade of C+ or lower in a required course, the student may re-take the course once to achieve a grade of B- or higher. Receipt of grades of C+ or lower in two or more required courses will ordinarily be cause for dismissal from the program without the opportunity to re-take those courses.

In addition, students must maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher in the four required courses. Courses that have been waived (see below) do not count towards calculation of the GPA. If a student’s GPA falls below 3.0, the student must re-take one or more of the required courses and earn higher grade(s). Upon doing so the prior grade(s) in those course(s) are replaced and not counted towards the GPA.

Deadline for completion: The four required courses must be successfully completed (meeting the grade and GPA requirements above) no later than the start of the student’s third year after matriculation; failure to do so will result in dismissal from the program. Exception: A student who fails to meet the requirements above due to a low grade in a single required course, and who has not had an opportunity to re-take that course during the first two years, will be permitted to re-take that one course in the third year.

Waiver of required courses: Students may submit a petition to the Doctoral Program Committee to waive one of the required courses under either of the following conditions:

• Students who have an undergraduate degree in Materials Science and Engineering may waive 510.615.
• Students who ha ve completed prior graduate-level coursework substantially similar to one of the other courses (510.601. 602, 603, or 610) may waive that course.

Students desiring a waiver of a required course must submit their petition no later than the end of the first semester after matriculation. If the petition requests a waiver on the basis of graduate-level coursework taken elsewhere, documentation of the course level, content (syllabus) and grade received must be included in the petition.

Successful completion of three advanced (600-level or higher) elective courses in materials science and engineering or a related field.

Elective courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher, but there is no cumulative GPA requirement. Any 600-level or higher regular course in materials science and engineering may be used to fulfill this requirement. Courses from other departments may also be used, but must either appear on the list of approved electives (available from the Academic Program Coordinator) or be approved by the Doctoral Program Committee. Students wishing to use a course not on the list of approved electives must submit their request to the Doctoral Program Committee no later than the end of the first week of the semester in which the course is taken.

The following courses may not be used to fulfill the PhD elective course:

• Undergraduate courses, unless cross-listed at 600-level or higher
• Graduate research (510.807-808)
• Courses in part-time graduate programs (Engineering for Professionals in WSE or Advanced Academic Programs in KSAS)
• Seminars (courses with fewer than three contact hours per week)

Independent study courses (510.805-806) may be PhD electives, with prior approval of the Doctoral Program Committee.

Waiver of elective courses: Students who have completed prior graduate-level coursework may petition the Graduate Program Committee to waive one of the elective courses. Students desiring such a waiver must submit a petition, no later than the end of the first semester after matriculation, describing the course they wish to use to fulfill this requirement. Documentation of the course level, content (syllabus), and grade received must be included in the petition.

In some cases an adviser may require a student to complete additional coursework, beyond the four required courses and three electives described above.

Coursework required by Whiting School of Engineering policy. These include the following:

a.) Responsible Conduct of Research training (AS.360.624 or AS.360.625) in accordance with Whiting School of Engineering policy. Details about this requirement, including the criteria for determining whether the online or in-person course must be taken, are provided in the description of the policy .

b.) Training on academic ethics in accordance with Whiting School of Engineering policy . This requirement can be satisfied by passing EN.500.603 (Academic Ethics).

2. Three advanced (600-level or higher) elective courses

Successful completion of three advanced (600-level or higher) elective courses in materials science and engineering or a related field .

• Elective courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher, but there is no cumulative GPA requirement. Any 600-level or higher regular course in materials science and engineering may be used to fulfill this requirement.  Courses from other departments may also be used, but must either appear on the list of approved electives (available from the Academic Program Coordinator) or be approved by the Doctoral Program Committee. Students wishing to use a course not on this list must submit a request to the Doctoral Program Committee no later than the end of the first week of the semester in which the course is taken.

The following courses may not be used to fulfill the Ph.D. elective course:

• Graduate Research (EN.510.807 or EN.510.808)
• Courses in part-time graduate programs (Engineering for Professionals in WSE or Advanced Academic Programs in KSAS), unless by rare exception by the Doctoral Program Committee with an endorsement from the student’s advisor;
• Seminars (courses with fewer than three contact hours per week

Waiver of elective courses:   Students who have completed prior graduate-level coursework may petition the Doctoral Program Committee to waive one of the elective courses. Students desiring such a waiver must submit a petition, no later than the end of the first semester after matriculation, describing the course they wish to use to fulfill this requirement.  Documentation of the course level, content (syllabus) and grade received must be included in the petition. In some cases, an advisor may require a student to complete additional coursework, beyond the four required courses and three electives described above.

3. WSE Coursework

3. Coursework required by Whiting School of Engineering policy. These include the following:

• Responsible Conduct of Research training ( AS.360.624   Responsible Conduct of Research (Online)   or   AS.360.625   Responsible Conduct of Research ) in accordance with Whiting School of Engineering policy. Details about this requirement, including the criteria for determining whether the online or in-person course must be taken, are provided in the  description of the policy .
• Training on academic ethics in accordance with Whiting School of Engineering  policy . This requirement can be satisfied by passing   EN.500.603   Graduate Orientation and Academic Ethics .
• Attendance is required at the weekly Department of Materials Science & Engineering Seminar (EN.510.803 or EN.510.804)

4. Teaching Assistant Requirement

Teaching Assistant Requirement: Students in their second year in the department will be required to act as teaching assistant for two courses .

5. Oral Exams

Successful completion of a comprehensive oral examination. The exam is offered semiannually, usually the week before the beginning of fall semester and spring semester.

The exam covers three areas of materials science and engineering:

• Structure of Materials
• Thermodynamics of Materials, and
• Either Kinetics and Phase Transformations in Materials OR Biomaterials (at the student’s choice)

Although these subject areas correspond to the four core courses, the topics covered in the exam are not strictly limited to material covered in those courses. Furthermore, each section may include questions related to the properties of materials at a level similar to that covered in EN.510.615 (Physical Properties of Materials).

Additional information about the oral exam is provided in the document Information for doctoral students regarding the oral comprehensive examination , available from the Academic Program Coordinator.

6. Research Projects and Proposals

A proposal for a research project to form the basis of the candidate’s dissertation.

Each student must write a dissertation proposal and present it orally at a public seminar no later than the end of the sixth semester following matriculation. The written dissertation proposal must be submitted to the department no later than two weeks prior to the scheduled date of the oral presentation. The public seminar will be followed by a closed session with a committee consisting of the research advisor and two other faculty members (to be selected in consultation with the advisor). During the closed session, the committee members will ask questions about and provide comments on the proposed plan of research. The thesis proposal is also an examination, with the committee testing the candidate’s depth of knowledge in his/her area of specialization (and not only on the proposed research).

Students who do not successfully complete the dissertation proposal requirement by the end of the sixth semester following matriculation will be placed on probation, with a specified time limit (ordinarily no more than six months) within which to complete this requirement and be removed from probation. Students on probation who do not complete the dissertation within the specified time limit will be dismissed from the program.

7. Dissertation and Defense

Completion of an original research project, documented in a dissertation that is defended by the candidate in a public presentation.

Candidates must write a dissertation conforming to university requirements that describes their work and results in detail. A public defense of the dissertation is required, and will be followed by a closed examination session. The committee for the closed examination shall consist of five faculty members, chosen by the Graduate Program Committee, with at least two members being from outside the department. The outcome of the closed examination will be decided by majority vote of the committee. Because the closed examination session fulfills the university Graduate Board Oral (GBO) examination requirement, all procedures pertaining to GBOs as established by the University Graduate Board must be followed.

The committee may impose certain conditions (e.g. changes to the dissertation) for the candidate to meet prior to final certification that he or she has passed the exam. For this reason, the thesis defense must be scheduled for a date at least two months prior to any personal or university deadline for graduation. A complete draft of the dissertation must be submitted to all committee members no later than two weeks prior to the defense.

The dissertation in its final form must be read and approved in writing by two members of the committee (the adviser and one other member to be chosen by the committee as a whole).

The MatSci PhD Experience

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Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative

The Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative (VTSI) is an endowed fellowship program at Johns Hopkins for PhD students in STEM fields. It provides full tuition, stipend, and benefits while also providing targeted mentoring, networking, community, and professional development opportunities. Students who have attended a historically black college and university (HBCU) or other minority serving institution (MSI) for undergraduate study are eligible to apply. To be considered for the VTSI, all application and supplementary materials must be received by December 1, 2021.

Materials Science and Engineering, PhD

• Program description
• At a glance
• Degree requirements
• Admission requirements
• Tuition information
• Application deadlines
• Career opportunities
• Contact information

Engineer, Science, approved for STEM-OPT extension, engineeringgrad, inorganic, molecules

The PhD program in materials science and engineering draws upon a fundamental base of knowledge, with underpinnings in physics, chemistry and engineering. The program extends that knowledge to address a broad range of materials-driven challenges, such as energy efficiency, sustainability, functional nanostructures, electronic materials, biomaterials and polymers.

Interdisciplinary in nature, the curriculum offers required courses in four core subjects:

• advanced thermodynamics
• kinetics and phase transformations
• physics of materials
• structure and properties of materials

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

• College/school: Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
• Location: Tempe

84 credit hours, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

Required Core (12 credit hours) MSE 523 Structural and Mechanical Properties of Materials (3) MSE 524 Advanced Thermodynamics (3) MSE 525 Fundamentals of Electrical, Optical and Magnetic Materials and Device Applications (3) MSE 561 Phase Transformations, Kinetics and Diffusion in Solids (3)

Electives (3-18 credit hours)

Research (24-39 credit hours) MSE 792 Research

Other Requirement (3 credit hours) MSE 591 Seminar (3)

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours) MSE 799 Dissertation (12)

Additional Curriculum Information Students entering with a bachelor's degree are required to complete a minimum of 18 credit hours of elective coursework. Graduate elective courses may be selected from any of the graduate courses in the materials science and engineering curriculum as well as elective courses from related disciplines (e.g., chemistry, physics, electrical engineering), subject to approval by the faculty advisor. These courses should comprise a focused plan of study with emphasis in a particular area of materials science, organized in consultation with faculty supervisory committee.

Students entering the doctoral program with a master's degree need to complete 24 credit hours of research (MSE 792). Students entering with a bachelor's degree are required to complete 39 credit hours of research (MSE 792).

MSE 591 is a one credit hour course to be taken in three semesters. The seminar course consists of a series of seminars presented by invited speakers and graduate students. Doctoral students are required to give a seminar presentation once during the academic year after they have begun their research.

When approved by the student's supervisory committee and the Graduate College, this program allows 30 credit hours from a previously awarded master's degree to be used for this degree. If students do not have a previously awarded master's degree, the 30 hours of coursework is made up of electives and research coursework as specified by the academic unit. If the master's degree has not been completed, a maximum of 12 credit hours of graduate work may be applied with program approval.

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in any field from a regionally accredited U.S. or international institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

Admission to the materials science and engineering doctoral program is highly competitive. All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• personal statement
• resume or curriculum vitae
• three letters of recommendation
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.

Once the application file is complete, the file is forwarded to the faculty admissions committee for evaluation and recommendation.

The admission process considers all aspects of the student's application. The typical successful applicant has, at minimum, a cumulative GPA of 3.25 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in engineering and science coursework in a bachelor's or master's degree program and has high TOEFL scores if applicable.

Financial aid is available to highly qualified students. The most common type of financial aid is teaching and research assistantships, which are accompanied by tuition waivers and major medical insurance benefits. Other types of financial aid include Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering fellowships and Science Foundation Arizona fellowships.

The program prepares students for professional careers in materials science and engineering and related fields in industry, government and educational institutions.

Professionals with a materials science and engineering doctoral degree have strong opportunities at all levels in material design, selection, synthesis and characterization for a wide range of applications, including electro-optical-magnetic systems, environmental systems, energy conversion and storage, manufacturing and construction. Materials jobs are available at a large number of high-tech and manufacturing companies of all sizes, as well as national laboratories (DOE, DOD, NASA) and universities. Analytical skills learned in materials engineering are also valued in other nonengineering positions.

Career examples include:

• engineering manager or director
• engineering professor
• research engineer

Materials Science and Engineering Program | ECG 202 [email protected] 480-965-2335

• University of Wisconsin-Madison

DEGREE Materials Science and Engineering, PhD

Doctoral degree in materials science and engineering

Meeting many of the most critical challenges facing modern society requires advances in the materials that underpin new technologies—and the field of materials science and engineering is in the middle of a revolution in how we design and deploy new materials. As a PhD student in materials science and engineering, you’ll leverage advances in computational materials science; materials databases, data science, and machine learning; and high throughput materials synthesis and characterization to achieve true design of materials. And because materials research at UW-Madison crosses many departments, you’ll have the opportunity to work within a robust interdisciplinary community.

At a glance

Materials science and engineering department, learn more about what information you need to apply., how to apply.

Please consult the table below for key information about this degree program’s admissions requirements. The program may have more detailed admissions requirements, which can be found below the table or on the program’s website.

Graduate admissions is a two-step process between academic programs and the Graduate School. Applicants must meet the minimum requirements of the Graduate School as well as the program(s). Once you have researched the graduate program(s) you are interested in, apply online .

Applicants normally are expected to have a BS in the physical sciences or engineering. Undergraduate studies normally would include mathematics through differential equations, at least one year each of general physics and chemistry, a course in physical chemistry or modern physics, and an elementary course in properties of materials. Applicants may be admitted with deficiencies. These must be made up as soon as possible after entering the program.

Application

Required application materials:

• Academic transcripts (unofficial)
• English proficiency scores , if applicable
• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose

A minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 is required. Admission is highly selective. Most admitted applicants have an undergraduate GPA above 3.5. However, full consideration will be given to all applicants meeting the UW–Madison Graduate School requirements. 

Use the  online application  to begin your application. To be considered for fellowships, all application materials are due by the fall deadline.

International Applicants

International degree-seeking applicants must prove English proficiency using the Graduate School’s requirements .

The Graduate School offers a limited number of application fee grants (covers of all or part of the application fee) that are available in a few specific circumstances.  Further information is available  here.

 If you have questions about the application or admissions process, contact [email protected] .

Tuition and funding

Tuition and segregated fee rates are always listed per semester (not for Fall and Spring combined).

Graduate School Resources

Resources to help you afford graduate study might include assistantships, fellowships, traineeships, and financial aid.  Further funding information is available from the Graduate School. Be sure to check with your program for individual policies and restrictions related to funding.

Program Resources

Financial assistance.

Various types of financial assistance  are available for entering graduate students, including research assistantships, teaching assistantships, fellowships, and special grants. Decisions regarding financial support are made on the basis of letters of recommendation, grades, GRE general test scores, and, for research assistantships, the matching of the interests or experience of the applicant to the research programs of individual faculty members. December 15th is the deadline for receipt of fellowship applications. International students are generally not eligible for university fellowships. Applications for other types of support are accepted until mid-February.

Research and Teaching Assistantships

Research assistantships (RAs) are available in any materials science area. These appointments are under the supervision of the major professor directing the research. Students interested in research assistantships in a particular area are encouraged to contact professors whose work is of special interest. The faculty’s research interests are given in the Department of Materials Science And Engineering faculty section. An RA permits the most rapid progress toward a degree. Research assistantships in materials science graduate students are comparable to similar stipends from other institutions. Information about stipends can be obtained from the Associate Chair of Graduate Studies, [email protected] . 

Teaching assistantships involve teaching rather than research experience. They pay approximately the same as research assistantships. Teaching experience is especially desirable for students considering an academic career. The Department of Materials Science and Engineering supports a limited number of teaching assistantships, which are allocated after admissions. 

Fellowships

Herb Fellowships in Materials Science are given out each year. The Herb Fellowship is a one-year full-ride fellowship for incoming graduate students. It is intended to provide especially strong students extra flexibility and independence in formulating their graduate research program.

Fellowships supporting graduate education are also offered on a competitive basis by organizations such as the  National Science Foundation , the  Hertz Foundation , UW-Madison  Graduate School , the U.S. Department of Defense, and a number of industries and foundations. Because some of these fellowships have fall application deadlines, early application is necessary. GRE scores for the General Test are required for fellowship applications.

Other Funding Information 

If you choose to attend UW–Madison and plan to pursue funding on your own, the following sites could be very helpful:

• Graduate School Funding Resources
• Graduate School Costs and Funding

Materials define the major technological ages of humankind and are central to overcoming challenges in areas that include energy, the environment and human health. We are developing materials’ most impactful new capabilities, including atomic and nanoscale control, 3D printing, low-dimensional and quantum properties, and predictive simulation and machine learning. Our facilities include outstanding equipment for synthesis, processing and characterization, and some of the most advanced tools in the world, from nano-calorimetry to ultrafast electron microscopy.

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Curricular Requirements

Required Courses

All course requirements are subject to modification or substitution to better serve the research needs of the student. Refer to the “ Policies ” tab for information on course substitutions. 

Before registering for the second semester, students must submit an advisor approved course plan to the graduate coordinator. Students are not restricted to this plan. Students and advisors are encouraged to update the plan. Updated versions are not required to be submitted. 

Additional Coursework and/or Research Requirement

• Before earning the master’s degree, students should register for  M S & E 790 Master’s Research or Thesis .
• After earning the master’s degree, students should register for  M S & E 890 Pre-Dissertator’s Research .
• Once in dissertator status, students should register for  M S & E 990 Research and Thesis .

Materials Elective Courses

The same course may not satisfy more than one requirement. For example, if  M S & E 530 Thermodynamics of Solids  is taken as a “Materials Core Course”, it could not be used as a “Materials Elective Course”. Only one mathematics course may fulfill a “Materials Core Course” or “Materials Elective Course”. Refer to the “Policies” tab for information on how to enroll in a course outside of the list below.

M.S. and Ph.D. Program, Admissions Inquiries [email protected] https://engineering.wisc.edu/admissions/graduate/

Don Stone, Associate Chair of Graduate Studies [email protected]

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Penn State’s Intercollege Graduate Degree Program (IGDP) in Materials Science and Engineering offers Ph.D. students one-on-one mentorship by professors from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and many other departments in the College of Engineering and Eberly College of Science. Currently, more than 80 faculty members advise more than 180 Ph.D. students.

Doctoral students hold prior degrees in materials science and engineering, metallurgy, ceramics, polymers, physics, chemistry, engineering science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or other STEM fields. Students have the opportunity to pursue core coursework offered by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering as well as many elective courses offered by various departments across campus. Students also benefit from outstanding user facilities run by the Materials Research Institute and in other specialized laboratories. 

Penn State IGDP graduates land coveted positions in industry, national laboratories, and academia.

Our doctoral program consists of a combination of courses and research that fulfills the requirements of the Graduate School, and is approved by the student’s doctoral committee. A master's degree is not a prerequisite for the doctorate; however, the first year of graduate study leading to the Ph.D. may be the same as that for the M.S. degree. Acceptance into the Ph.D. program is based on the student's performance on the Ph.D. qualifying exam, which is administered by a graduate qualifying exam committee.

Ph.D. Requirements

Igdp requirements.

Grade and Credit Requirements Minimum GPA: 3.00 The IGDP PHD requires a minimum of 30 credits Graduate Credits (includes minimum of 6 MATSE 600 research credits). The IGDP PHD Degree requires the following:

MATSE Core Courses Credit Requirements - Must have at least 30 credits prior to completing Comprehensive Exam

• Thermodynamics of Materials (MATSE 501 - 3 credits),
• Kinetics of Materials Processes (MATSE 503 - 3 credits) or approved substitute.
• Principles of Crystal Chemistry (MATSE 512/GEOSC512 - 3 credits).
• MATSE 590 Colloquium (Fall/Spring – Must be completed each semester - 1 credit per semester)

*500-Level Elective Credits:

• 500 Level courses (excluding MATSE 582 and MATSE 590 - 9 credits minimum)

Research Credits:

• MATSE 600 (6 credits mimimum)

Research and Integrity Credits:

• MATSE 582 (1 credit)
• CITI SARI on-line course

*Core Courses cannot be used to satisfy the 500-level elective requirement

• Two credits per year of MatSE 590 seminar is also required.
• Additional courses are determined by the student and the advisor, in consultation with the student’s doctoral committee. 
• A student with a M.S. degree from Penn State can use the 500-level credits earned during his or her M.S. study to (partially) fulfill the course requirement.

Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI)

The Graduate School requires that all candidates for advanced degrees complete training in Scholarship and Research Integrity (SARI). The SARI requirements for the iMatSE program include completion of an online Responsible Conduct of Research training program and a 1 credit Professional Development course (MATSE 582). Students should complete the SARI requirements by the end of their first year of study.

Comprehensive Exam, Thesis, and Defense

Upon completion of coursework, a comprehensive exam will be administered by the student’s Doctoral Committee. The comprehensive exam consists of a written progress report and thesis proposal, and its defense, to the student’s Doctoral Committee. 

Qualifying Examination

Successful completion of a qualifying examination is required for formal admission into the Intercollege MatSE Ph.D. program. The exam is scheduled each Fall and Spring semester. It is recommended that the exam be taken after at least 12 course credits have been earned beyond the B.S. degree.

What to expect

The qualifying exam committee is populated by faculty members of the graduate program, including a chair. A sub-committee of three faculty will evaluate each candidate. Members of the student’s sub-committee will be selected on the basis of relevant expertise and to avoid conflict of interest. If the exam is not passed on the first try, it must be taken again within the next year. If the student does not pass on the second try, he/she will not be permitted to enter the iMatSE Ph.D. program.

• Students will write a research proposal (maximum of 10 pages of text, including references and figures)
• Provide a one hour and thirty minute oral presentation to three members of the program qualifying committee, whose members will ask questions about the proposal and other topics related to the student’s prior coursework.
• The student will choose one of three topics for the proposal provided by the faculty committee. These topics will be chosen to reflect the interest area(s) of the individual candidate.
• Once the three topics have been provided to the student, the student may not withdraw from the qualifying exam attempt unless  illness or other unforeseen circumstances prevent the student from having a fair opportunity to complete the proposal.
• Students will be given 3 weeks to write the proposal and turn it in to the iMatSE Graduate Office in electronic form. This proposal must be prepared and written by the candidate alone.

For complete details please review the Graduate Handbook (available in our Links and Forms section here) 

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Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Research and Impact

Inventing tomorrow's materials today, our material world.

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Published Research

Reconfigurable all-dielectric metalens with diffraction-limited performance, what we did.

Proved that you don’t need mechanical movement to change the focus of a lens. Instead, a transparent “metalens” changes the way it interacts with infrared light when it undergoes heat-based phase transformation. To see objects far and near, one would simply heat the material using microheaters.

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Materials Science and Engineering Doctoral Program

Program details.

Gain the skills to develop innovative, high-performance materials in biomedicine, electronic device processing and many other areas.

The Stevens materials science and engineering Ph.D. program combines a renowned faculty and world-class facilities in a unique environment infused with an entrepreneurial ethos. Here, you’ll have the freedom and resources to pursue the research avenues that interest you most. You’ll graduate primed for success in a broad range of industries that require the design of electronics, alternative energy sources and biomedical solutions. Our alumni are highly sought-after by universities, corporations and government institutions.

The Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science offers dynamic opportunities to explore leading-edge research within a close community of faculty mentors. You'll be able to study under a faculty mentor in the area that you find most exciting:

 Self-assembly of organic semiconductors for improved solar collection efficiency

Structural and chemical surface modification for antimicrobial surfaces on biomedical devices

Nanostructured optical fibers for thermal energy harvesting and sensing in harsh environments

New battery materials and microstructures for energy storage

Hands-On Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Research

At Stevens, you have the ability to join research groups with students at a variety of levels of experience, and outstanding faculty so you can learn cutting-edge technology as a team, just like in the real-world. In our state-of-the-art research labs and facilities, you'll have the opportunity to engage in experiential learning.

The Stevens Advantage

Outside of the classroom and lab, Stevens offers unique resources to facilitate your professional success. The Chemical and Materials Student Association hosts guest lectures and provides leadership opportunities. Stevens’ location near New York City and the New Jersey pharmaceutical corridor allows students to network with potential employers at scores of organizations, corporations and universities.

More Advantages to Our Program

Application-oriented research

Highly collaborative environment

Access to leading research universities and national laboratories in the New York City metropolitan area

Collaborations with industry and medical research centers

Additional Information

Who should apply .

We welcome applicants holding a master’s degree in materials science and engineering (up to 30 credits can be transferred to Stevens’ Ph.D. program). In exceptional cases, applicants who hold a bachelor’s degree in materials science or a related field but also have a strong background in chemistry or physics may be considered. Most often, however, they will be enrolled in the master’s program first. Well-qualified candidates will demonstrate a history of scholarly specialization in a related discipline.

Program Admission Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master's degree, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, from an accredited institution

Official college transcripts

Two letters of recommendation

Resume or curriculum vitae

A statement of purpose

For international students: An excellent TOEFL/IELTS score

A competitive GRE or GMAT score (only required for full-time applicants)

Writing sample (such as journal or conference publication, thesis, or research reports)

View General Admissions Requirements >

Information about assistantships and fellowships can be found here .

Materials Science and Engineering Doctoral Program Curriculum Overview

The materials science and engineering doctoral program prepares Ph.D. students for careers in a broad range of fields that require the design of unique surface materials such as electronics, alternate energy and biomedical professions.

By the end of this program, you will be able to:

Undertake independent research

Present the results of research to professional expert audiences

Lead a research program

Degree Requirements

Eighty-four credits of graduate work in an approved program of study are required beyond the bachelor’s degree; this may include up to 30 credits obtained in a master’s degree program, if the area of the master's degree is relevant to the doctoral program. A time limit of six years is set for completion of the doctoral program. The preliminary requirements for the doctorate are regarded not as ends in themselves, but rather as preparation for the dissertation in which the student demonstrates ability.

Each Ph.D. curriculum must also adhere to the institute wide standards listed in the academic catalog.

VIEW REQUIREMENTS >

Qualifying Examination

The Ph.D. qualifying exam consists of a written and an oral exam. Students are strongly encouraged to take the qualifying exam within two semesters of enrollment in the graduate program. A minimum of 3.5 GPA must be satisfied in order to take the exam.

Doctoral Dissertation and Advisory Committee

A doctoral dissertation for a minimum of 30 credits and based on the results of the student's original research, carried out under the guidance of a faculty member and defended in a public examination, is a major component of the doctoral program.

The dissertation for the doctoral program can be completed by participating in one of the following research programs of the department:

Alternative energy

Biologically active materials

Crystallization

Electron microscopy and polymer interfaces

Heterogeneous catalysis, infrared spectroscopy, density-functional theory (DFT) calculations

Mathematical modeling and simulation of transport processes

Microchemical systems

Nanomaterial assembly, phenomena and applications

Polymer characterization and processing

Rheology, modeling, processing and microstructure of filled materials

Lab-in-fiber optofluidics, surface plasmonics for chem/bio sensing and imaging

LEARN MORE ABOUT GENERAL REQUIREMENTS >

If you have existing graduate credits or experience in this area of study, contact  [email protected]  to discuss opportunities to include it in the curriculum.

A Tech Forward Education

During my time at Stevens, I've honed my communication skills and cultivated a greater sense of compatibility with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and developed a habit of approaching challenges and situations with a mindset that values the exploration of multiple perspectives.

Materials Science Ph.D. Student

Related Programs

Chemical engineering doctoral program.

Advance independent research that addresses some of society’s biggest challenges in the entrepreneurial environment of Stevens’ chemical engineering Ph.D. program.

Interdisciplinary Programs

The challenges facing today's scientists and engineers often exist at the intersection between various disciplines–whether between engineering and science or fields within individual disciplines. At Stevens, engineering and science come together under one roof, fostering a proactive, interdisciplinary environment that encourages results-driven collaboration and unique, innovative problem solving.

Doctoral Program in Materials Science

PhD Application Deadline DECEMBER 15 View Application Steps

How to Apply

Funding & resources, usc graduate application, dissertation topics, phd alumni snapshot, research topics database.

Emily Anne Vargas

View more Doctoral Student & Alumni Profiles

Alina Garcia Taormina

David Johnson

Materials science doctoral students citizenship, materials science doctoral students age, recent department videos.

Published on June 8th, 2021

Last updated on August 18th, 2023

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Emily Anne Vargas PhD in Materials Science

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

My mom always used to say to me “No olvides tus raíces aunque estés en la cima.” Which means to never forget your roots, even when you are at the top. To never forget why you started, how you started, and to give back to the communities that made you who you are today. My second favorite quote is “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Ask questions. Find a mentor that can help answer the questions you didn’t know how to ask or knew to ask. 

What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?

Being a first-generation college graduate, the first engineer in my family, and the first person to go to graduate school. I couldn’t have done it without my family’s support and unconditional love. They immigrated from Cuba with nothing but the clothes on their backs and, in turn, provided the opportunity for me and my sister to live out the American Dream. 

What's your favorite impulse purchase from the past 12 months?

My K2 Inline Skates! My friend, Jose, has been teaching me how to rollerblade on campus (I haven’t fallen…yet). 

Please describe a little about your research and what excites you about it.

I’m currently working on how the manufacturing process affects the microstructure of oxide-oxide ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) and how the microstructure affects the overall mechanical behavior! I like to think about my research like the show “How It’s Made”. You don’t quite realize how the smallest of changes in a manufacturing process can truly impact the outcome of whatever material or product you’re making. I also like how I can see the real-world applications of my research. CMCs are used in high temperature applications ranging from car brakes to heat shields for rockets! 

If you could choose any other profession outside of engineering or computer science, what would it be? 

I would be a visual artist! In my spare time, I love to draw and paint and almost went to an art magnet school for high school.

What are some factors that helped you decide to pursue your PhD at USC?

I made a list of non-negotiables when choosing PhD programs and ultimately, they all were components that led to my happiness. Location, being near an international airport so I could visit my family, Vitamin D (sunshine makes all the difference!), my faculty advisor and the research topic, how much effort the university puts in DE&I initiatives, and the people/culture. Many people don’t realize the culture from undergrad to grad is vastly different, so surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals is super important to maintaining your health and well-being physically, mentally, and emotionally. Shout out to Andy Chen and Kevin Henry for showing me how much USC cares about their students and treats them like family!

If you were to recommend to an incoming student 3 places to go in California/Los Angeles, what would they be?

Joshua Tree National Park (and any other National Parks in the neighboring area) for stargazing, Smorgasburg if you’re a foodie, and the Huntington Library.

What is a memory you'll cherish about your time at USC?

Meeting my best friends, Jose, Joel, and Sophia, and forming a WhatsApp group called “The Pupusa Squad” one day after we had gotten lunch together at a pupuseria. Together, we played hooky one time at a conference held at UC San Diego and explored La Jolla and the beaches. 

What's one thing about you that might surprise me?

I currently serve as the Vice-Chair on the National Board of Directors for the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. I’m the youngest Vice-Chair the organization has ever had. 

What are your plans after graduation?

I’d like to work in either the aerospace, automotive, or energy/power industry as a chief composites engineer within R&D.

Hometown (city, country):

Miami, FL, USA.

Personal Website (if any):

https://composites.usc.edu/emily-vargas/

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. Steve Nutt from the USC M.C. Gill Composites Center.

Alina Garcia Taormina PhD in Materials Science

"Never forget who you are and how much you're capable of."

I love photography, so anytime I get the chance to go out and shoot photos, it is so grounding for me. I recently bought a new camera lens and was so excited to get to use it on my recent trip up to the pacific northwest.

My research focuses on the synthesis and development of metal-polymer core-shell composite micro-lattice materials through the exploration of various physical vapor deposition coating conditions and configurations. Additionally, in collaboration with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, I have investigated the mechanical behavior of stitched nano-architected lattice materials to gain further insight into fabricating macro-scale 3D printed parts that contain nanoscale features. What excites me about my research is that nano- and micro-architected lattices are an emerging class of materials and there is still so much to learn and discover about their properties and functionalities. 

I'd want to be a filmmaker! Before switching over to chemistry in undergrad, I was pursuing film production. It had always been a dream of mine to work in film, but I am grateful I also found my passion in STEM.

The three places I would recommend to go in CA/LA would be the beach for a bonfire or a day with friends, Grand Central Market for a nice variety of good food, and definitely a weekend trip to Joshua Tree.

All the times my lab-mates and I were able to spend together. I will cherish every time we were able to get together as a group and take a trip, have a game night, celebrate a birthday, go shoot some photography, go out and eat delicious food, and be there for one another. 

I have a pet turtle, and I enjoy playing tennis.

Prof. Andrea Hodge

David Johnson PhD in Materials Engineering

The best piece of advice I have ever been given is as follows: "Time spent building relationships is time best spent."

My greatest accomplishment is making it into USC for their Materials Science PhD program!

My favorite impulse purchase, even though it happens quite a bit, will always be a double scoop from Salt and Straw, an ice cream shop here in LA.

My main research goal is to better understand protein-cell membrane interactions through the use of model membranes, some biophysics, and a lot of nonlinear optics. I think it is an exciting field because much of the basic research that we do contributes directly to a greater understanding of how to combat neurodegenerative  diseases like Parkinsons or Alzheimers

If I had to choose a profession outside of my current field, I would be a confectioner working in an ice cream shop or a candy store. Everyone leaves with a smile when they are getting sweets, what better profession could you ask for?

A big factor in choosing to pursue my PhD at USC was the city of LA itself. My wife is a social worker who, because of being in an incredibly diverse city, has had many opportunities to serve the city of LA which was important for me. Additionally, I love the foods from cultures around the world that I get to eat within a 15 minute drive.

There are so many cool things to see and do in LA, but I can only give three so here they are: a show at the Hollywood Bowl, a game at Dodger Stadium (I'm a big baseball fan), and you NEED to get Korean BBQ in Koreatown. In fact, you could probably do that all in one day if you get lucky.

I haven't been at USC for long, but I have already enjoyed building relationships with my classmates in the program. I can't boil it down to one moment, but those are the memories that I will cherish most when I leave.

One thing about me that could surprise you is that I was a member of the University of Illinois Varsity Men's Glee Club in my undergrad! We were on the schedule to perform a Shostakovich piece at Carnegie Hall with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, but it was cancelled because of COVID-19. A real bummer.

After graduation, I am planning on moving closer to my immediate family in Illinois to find a job in the state. I hope to raise a family there with my wife while also pursuing a fruitful career with my PhD.

Champaign, IL, USA.

My advisor is Wade Zeno (the best).

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Materials Science & Engineering MS/PhD

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering offers three graduate degree programs: the Master of Engineering (MEng), 5th Year Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (BS/MS), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

Master of Engineering (MEng)

In collaboration with other departments in the College of Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering is offering a professional masters degree. The accelerated program is designed to develop professional engineering leaders in materials science and engineering who are seeking knowledge and leadership experience in MSE.

Prospective students will be engineers, typically with industrial experience, who aspire to substantially advance in their careers and ultimately to lead large, complex organizations, both in the public and private sectors.

You may choose to apply to either the full-time one-year program or part-time program for working professionals. You will be asked to choose which option you will be considered for during the application process. Both options employ the same standards and criteria for admissions.

5th Year Bachelor of Science and Master of Science (BS/MS)

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering offers a five-year combined BS/MS program to our undergraduate student cohort. In this program, the existing four-year undergraduate program (BS) will be augmented with a fifth year of graduate study that provides a professionally-oriented component, preparing students for careers in engineering or engineering management within the business, government, and industrial sectors. This five-year program emphasizes interdisciplinary study through an independent project coupled to coursework.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Students pursuing the PhD may also declare a designated emphasis (DE) in one of the following programs: Communication, Computation, and Statistics; Computational and Genomic Biology; Computational Science and Engineering; Energy Science and Technology; or Nanoscale Science and Engineering.

Contact Info

[email protected]

Berkeley, CA 94720

At a Glance

Department(s)

Materials Science & Engineering

Admit Term(s)

Application Deadline

December 4, 2023

Degree Type(s)

Masters / Professional

Degree Awarded

GRE Requirements

Materials Science

Why study materials science.

The Materials Science and Engineering department offers Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Science (M.S.), and Master of Engineering (MEng) degrees in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). The PhD program comprises primarily the sub-fields of metals, polymers, and ceramics, together with composites, electronic, photonic, bio and functional materials. The research focus areas of the MSE program are diverse including additive manufacturing; high temperature and lightweight alloys; shape memory alloys; functional thin films, magnetic materials, polymer structures and interfacial properties, scattering theory and experiments; conducting polymers and composites; biomaterials; nano materials and nano photonics, carbon nanotubes and graphene, smart materials; soft matter; energy materials, and nano biomedicine.

The research on metallurgical and ceramic science and engineering deals with a wide range of fundamental materials issues relating to phase transformations, microstructure evolution and mechanical properties, including fatigue, creep, fracture, and wear and how they are impacted by processing. Some examples of research areas include gas-phase alloying and sintering kinetics of 3D printed metallic materials; in-situ monitoring of sensitization and environmental cracking mechanisms of aluminum alloys; advanced mechanical surface treatment effects on mechanical properties, corrosion and stress corrosion cracking of lightweight, high temperature and nuclear alloys; design of alloys for extreme environments; and thermodynamic and computational modeling. Processing of metals and ceramics is another important emphasis of materials research such as powder metallurgy, ceramic sintering, thin film deposition, solidification and additive manufacturing processes like laser powder bed fusion.  

Polymer materials research is principally in the areas of synthesis, processing, structure and property characterization. Advanced functional polymeric materials with structural hierarchy are investigated and developed for fundamental studies and application in extreme conditions: high pressure, temperature, corrosion, and dynamic stresses. The hierarchically-organized materials typically display elemental entities of different structural dimensions, characteristic length scales, and unique properties, and consist of nanoparticle interfaces with metals/ceramics, soft matter, and biological cells. Novel processing of nanomaterials is also used to create new composite materials with improved properties.

Admission Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in the Materials Science and Engineering Program is a four to six-year program that entails two years of coursework and research and the remainder focused on a specific research project.  The PhD degree targets a career in research and development and/or teaching.  Many graduates of the program have risen to be leaders and directors of research in major international corporations, national labs and university faculty members.  Each year students generally publish one first-author peer-reviewed paper and present their work at one national conference.  A written qualifier exam is required in four topical areas associated with the student’s area of specialization.  A research proposal is also presented for qualification.  The degree culminates in a dissertation and oral defense.

The MSE program, in combination with the Advanced Materials Characterization Center and other Centers and laboratories has excellent facilities for materials processing, testing and characterization. Through their research projects and these facilities, students will have opportunities to learn the use of modern instrumental techniques including advanced processing, mechanical testing systems, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, compositional analysis, small-angle and wide-angle X-ray diffraction, Raman scattering, infrared and X-ray photoelectron infrared spectroscopy.

• Guide: 20DOC-MTSC-PHD

Contact Information

Find related programs in the following interest areas:.

• Engineering

Program Code: 20DOC-MTSC-PHD

Materials science and engineering (MS, Online MS, and PhD)

Materials research is a rapidly evolving arm of the engineering community. Using imagination, curiosity, testing and tools as fuel for discovery, materials science is helping us to understand the structure-property relationships of nanomaterials, and applications in energy, security and sustainability.

Approximately 85 faculty members from engineering, physics and chemistry backgrounds help to advise graduate students, offering a diverse look at the depth and breadth of the materials science program. Research mentors and nationally recognized thesis committee members help to guide our student’s individualized studies, and a strong alumni and professional network create a path to long-term professional opportunities. And stuff

Degrees offered

Materials science and engineering, ms.

The Master of Science degree prepares students for careers in everything from materials science to government to education. The two-year program includes:

• Two core materials courses
• Six elective courses, all chosen to follow the student’s interests

Check out our new online MS in materials science and engineering!

Materials science and engineering, phd.

Interdisciplinary in nature, the doctoral program addresses a broad range of materials-driven challenges, such as energy efficiency, sustainability, functional nanostructures, and more.

The four required courses in core subjects are:

• Structure and properties of materials
• Advanced thermodynamics
• Kinetics and phase transformations
• Electronic, Magnetic, and Optical Properties

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Program information

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Application and admission Information

Application information.

The following application materials must be submitted directly to Graduate Admission Services:

If your institution sends electronic official transcripts, we accept the following electronic transcript services: E-Scrip, Parchment, Credentials Inc., and National Student Clearinghouse. All E-Scrip, Parchment, and National Student Clearinghouse transcripts must be sent directly to [email protected] from those transcript services or from the institutions that use those services. If you can and choose to use these services, you should apply online to the ASU Graduate Admission Services application prior to having your official e-transcripts sent.

If your institution does not use one of the transcript services mentioned above, you will need to mail-in an official transcript. Your six digit application ID should be on the transcript envelope if possible.

Graduate Admission Services Tel: 480-965-6113 Web: students.asu.edu/graduate

Application for Admission

Can only be accessed online. Click here to go to Application for Admission

Application Priority   Deadline

Fall Semester – December 31 Spring Semester – August 1

A priority deadline means that applications submitted and completed before the priority deadline will receive priority consideration. Applications submitted after the priority deadlines will be reviewed in the order in which they were completed. An application is complete after all materials are received by Graduate Admissions.

Application Fee

US citizens $70 Non-US citizens $115

This is a processing fee assessed by Graduate Admission Services and cannot be waived or deferred: graduate.asu.edu/admissions/how_to_apply

Transcripts and GRE scores

Transcripts.

Only official transcripts are accepted; no photocopies. These must be mailed to Graduate Admissions Services (see address above). For international students, transcripts must be in the original language, along with an official English translation. Also see:

Graduate Admissions Services: students.asu.edu/graduate/apply

GRE scores are useful, but no longer required for MSE MS or PhD applicants.  

Official score sent by ETS only. Guideline for the GRE: verbal 146+, quantitative 159+, analytical 3.5+. Institution code for ASU: 4007; there is no department code.

Resume, personal statement and letters of recommendation

A resume is useful but not required. Upload a resume in the online application process.

Personal statement

An essay describing your background, academic achievements, research interests, career goals, and why you wish to pursue graduate study in Materials Science and Engineering at ASU. You will be asked to upload your personal statement in the online application process. .

Three (3) recommendation letters

The online application will ask you for three names and three email addresses for three recommenders; and the company/school for which they work. Your recommenders will receive an email and must submit their letter of recommendation electronically.

International applicants

Additional admission requirements for international applicants.

Admissions:  students.asu.edu/graduate/international

Visa/Immigration information 

students.asu.edu/international/immigration

English proficiency (for international graduate applicants)

A TOEFL, IELTS or PTE score is required by the graduate Chemical Engineering program, in order to be considered for admission.

• Official TOEFL sent by ETS only. Minimum scores: iBT 100; pBT 600. Institution code for ASU: 4007; for department code, applicant may enter 0000
• Official IELTS sent by issuing institution only. Minimum score: 7. No institution code is needed
• Official PTE sent by Pearson only. Minimum Score: 65
• Official TOEFL sent by ETS only. Minimum scores: iBT 90; pBT 575. Institution code for ASU: 4007; for department code, applicant may enter 0000
• Official IELTS sent by issuing institution only. Minimum score: 6.5. No institution code is needed
• Official PTE sent by Pearson only. Minimum Score: 60

You could qualify for an exemption from this requirement by one of the following two options:

• This requirement would be met if you successfully complete the highest level at the Global Launch Intensive English Program with grades of B or better; AND in addition, acquire a score of 50 or better on the Speak Test (must be taken at Arizona State University).
• You successfully complete the highest level at the Global Launch Intensive English Program with grades of B or better  OR
• Attended in person a regionally accredited college or university in the United States and earned a bachelor’s degree or higher in the U.S.,  OR
• Attended in person a regionally accredited college or university in the United States and completed at least 12 credit hours of graduate course work with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or higher (all credits must be earned in the U.S.),  OR
• Attended in person a regionally accredited college or university in the United States and completed at least 90 credit hours of undergraduate course work with a cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale or higher (all 90 hours must be earned in the U.S.)

For  more information, visit the Graduate Admission Services English Proficiency Requirement and Exemption website .

Still have a question? Contact Advising

If you still have questions regarding admission requirements and procedures, please contact the SEMTE graduate advising office:

Phone: 480.965.2335

Email:  [email protected]

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Materials Science and Engineering—MS, PhD

Ranked 42nd nationally in materials engineering graduate programs, by US News & World Report

My Michigan Tech: Mieka Clark

Mieka Clark grew up not being entirely sure what she wanted to be. She either wanted to be a veterinarian or an architect. After having a great high school physics teacher who graduated from Michigan Tech, she decided that she wanted to be an engineer. She discovered how fundamental materials are to everything that happens in the engineering world, and decided that she wanted to be an MSE major. Since then, Mieka has found her passion in MSE and has not only completed her undergraduate degree, but has decided to pursue a graduate degree in materials science.

Advanced Degrees in Materials Science and Engineering

Materials science and engineering focuses on the synthesis, processing, properties, and applications of engineering materials—from the production of primary metals to the development of microelectronic nanomaterials with novel properties. Michigan Tech granted its first PhD in Metallurgy in 1934 and remains a leader in research and graduate education, now offering PhD and MS degrees in Materials Science and Engineering.

The graduate program offered by the Department of Materials Science and Engineering provides an outstanding foundation for careers in research, academia, materials production, and manufacturing. Current Michigan Tech undergraduate students can earn a MS degree with just a single year of study beyond the BS through the Accelerated Master's Program .

Graduate students have the opportunity to study composite materials, ceramics, metals and alloys, electronic and optical materials, and polymers. Research topics include synthesis and processing of primary materials, thermodynamics and kinetics of microstructural evolution, and material properties and performance, to name a few. Current research spans the entire spectrum of materials engineering and involves more than twenty-five government and industry partners. Students interact closely with automotive and primary metals industry.

• Ranked among the best in the nation by US News & World Report
• Faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their teaching, research, and professional service. Many have received prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER Awards and are recognized by professional societies.
• The ratio of graduate students to faculty is 2.5:1.
• Excellent research facilities
• Close interaction between faculty and graduate students
• Successful alumni in industry, academia, and entrepreneurship
• This program is available as an accelerated master's degree .

Degree Options

This option requires a research thesis prepared under the supervision of the advisor. The thesis describes a research investigation and its results. The scope of the research topic for the thesis should be defined in such a way that a full-time student could complete the requirements for a master’s degree in 12 months or three semesters following the completion of coursework by regularly scheduling graduate research credits.

The minimum requirements are as follows:

Programs may have stricter requirements and may require more than the minimum number of credits listed here.

This option requires a minimum of 30 credits be earned through coursework. A limited number of research credits may be used with the approval of the advisor, department, and Graduate School. See degree requirements for more information.

A graduate program may require an oral or written examination before conferring the degree and may require more than the minimum credits listed here:

To complete a doctoral degree, students must complete the following milestones:

• Complete all coursework and research credits (see credit requirements below)
• Pass Qualifying Examination
• Pass Research Proposal Examination
• Prepare and Submit Approved Dissertation
• Pass Final Oral Defense

The minimum credit requirements are as follows:

Individual programs may have higher standards and students are expected to know their program's requirements. See the  Doctor of Philosophy Requirements  website for more information about PhD milestones and related timelines.

Online Degree Programs

MSE offers graduate online programs for non-thesis MS, thesis MS, and PhD degrees on a case-by-case basis. The online degree track is typically available to candidates who would receive tuition and research support from their employer. Online graduate degrees have the same credit requirements as the on-campus degree programs. The research component of an online MS or PhD degree is carried out at the place of the candidate's employment, involving co-advisors from the workplace and a Michigan Tech faculty member. There is no specified residency requirement for this program, although the candidate for a research degree is expected to travel to the campus of Michigan Tech for the thesis/dissertation defense and qualifying exams (PhD).

	University of Delaware
	Jun 15, 2024   2024-2025 Graduate Catalog     2024-2025 Graduate Catalog Program Educational Goals: Apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering to identify, formulate, and solve materials science and engineering problems. Use modern engineering tools and techniques to successfully practice the engineering profession in a variety of settings. Understand and critically assess published literature and research findings and apply that understanding to the generation of new knowledge and technology. Use oral and written communication to convey technical concepts to engineers and non-engineers. Carry out independent research in the area of materials science and engineering, and effectively communicate the results. Lead technical innovation and train future generations of engineers. Program Policy Document: Please see the Program Policy Document for more information.     Requirements For The Degree: The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree requires 33 total credits (24 credit hours of course work and 9 credits of doctoral dissertation work on a research topic approved by the student’s advisor). Students already holding a Masters degree from another program or university accepted to the Ph.D. program are required to complete 9 credits of doctoral dissertation and will have their previous coursework evaluated by the faculty to determine if additional courses are required. All students must pass a qualifying examination, a data defense, and a defense. The dissertation must be of publishable quality as judged by the materials faculty. All graduate students must maintain a cumulative grade-point index of 3.0. Part-time graduate education is available through the Engineering Outreach Program . Student must earn a grade of B- or higher in all courses counting towards the degree requirement. Core Courses: The following courses (9 credits) are required. Equivalent courses may be substituted when approved by the faculty advisor and Department Chairperson.  MSEG 608 - Structure and Properties Of Materials I Credit(s): 3 MSEG 803 - Equilibria in Material Systems Credit(s): 3 MSEG 804 - Kinetics in Material Systems Credit(s): 3 Restricted Electives: Students may choose two course (6 credits*) from the following. Any student taking more than the required two courses may count those additional courses as technical electives.  MSEG 640 - Applied Quantum Mechanics I Credit(s): 3 MSEG 832 - Principles of Polymerization Credit(s): 3 MSEG 835 - Principles to Polymer Physics Credit(s): 3 MSEG 841 - Solid State Materials I Credit(s): 3 *Any beyond the two chosen can count as technical electives. Technical Electives: Three courses - 9 credits total required. These courses should be chosen with a student’s advisor and will usually be related to the student’s area of research. These can be any graduate level (600-800 level) courses, except MSEG868-Research, from any of the Departments in the College of Engineering, Chemistry, or Physics.  Dissertation: A student can take 9 credits of MSEG 964 - Pre-Candidacy Study    in the semester they plan to take their Ph.D. Qualifying Exam. If they pass, and are admitted to Doctoral Candidacy, these 9 credits can be switched to 9 of the required MSEG 969   . If they do not take Pre-Candidacy credits, after admission to Doctoral Candidacy, the student must complete 9 credit hours of MSEG 969 - Doctoral Dissertation   . MSEG 969 - Doctoral Dissertation Credit(s): 1-12 Other Requirements: Pass their Ph.D. Qualifying Exam Data Defense Credits to Total a Minimum of 33 Last revised for 2021-2022 academic year. 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Read more AI Algorithm Identifies Effective Electrolytes for Batteries A new tool developed by a team with Professors Wei Chen and James Rondinelli provides a solution to an intractable problem in the chemical space. Read more Grace Wang Tells Graduates to Think Big, Value Others Wang (PhD '01), president of Worcester Polytechnic Institute, and Dean Christopher Schuh spoke at the 2024 PhD Hooding and Master’s Recognition Ceremony on June 10. Read more Sheila Gujrathi Tells her Story to Graduating Seniors Gujrathi, a biotechnology entrepreneur and executive, healthcare investor, and drug developer with more than 25 years of experience, and Dean Christopher Schuh spoke at the 2024 Undergraduate Convocation on June 10. Read more Engineering News Soil Bacteria Respire More CO2 after Eating Non-sugar Organic Matter A new study led by Professor Ludmilla Aristilde helps disentangle the role of microbes in the global carbon cycle. Celebrating 10 Years of DTR’s Self-Directed Learning Community In celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the Design, Technology, and Research program, Professor Haoqi Zhang and DTR students organized a week-long series of public events, featuring an art installation, screening of the DTR documentary, and an alumni panel. Sun’s Magnetic Field Originates Surprisingly Close to the Surface An international team of researchers including Northwestern Engineering’s Daniel Lecoanet is getting closer to solving a 400-year-old solar mystery that stumped even famed astronomer Galileo Galilei. Chad Mirkin Awarded Prestigious Kavli Prize in Nanoscience The Northwestern scientist was recognized for his discovery of spherical nucleic acids. Tue Jun 25 Research Symposium: Integrating Science and Law & Economics to Inform Energy Policy in a Decarbonized Future Wed Jun 26 Metropolitan Chicago Data-science Corps (MCDC) Annual Conference Academic Offerings Uniquely innovative and interdisciplinary Undergraduate Programs Become a whole-brain thinker by working at the intersection of careful analysis and wild creativity. Earn your bachelor's degree; supplement your Northwestern education with a certificate, minor, or key course; and conduct research alongside pioneering faculty. View undergraduate programs Full- and Part-time Master's Programs Our diverse master’s degree programs are tailored to fit the constant changes of modern workplaces and your personal career nee ds. You’ll find yourself poised to make immediate and lasting impact, both at work and in the broader world. View full-time programs View part-time programs PhD Programs Prepare yourself to innovate and perform at the highest level of academia or the private sector by studying and working alongside our world-class faculty members on advanced engineering research topics. View PhD programs Interdisciplinary Programs We offer a dynamic ecosystem of interdisciplinary programs ranging from design, entrepreneurship, leadership, and complexity. Transcend the boundaries of disciplines and learn to reframe problems to discover innovative ideas and solutions. Segal Design Institute Farley Center for Entrepreneurship Center for Leadership Departments and Institutes Biomedical Engineering Chemical and Biological Engineering Civil and Environmental Engineering Computer Science Electrical and Computer Engineering Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics Industrial Engineering and Management Sciences Materials Science and Engineering Mechanical Engineering Farley Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Transportation Center Northwestern Institute for Complex Systems (NICO) Did You Know? Featured Events Astronomy on tap, stargazing lecture, behind the book: olympian and caltech athletics director betsy mitchell discusses her book. VIEW ALL UPCOMING EVENTS Life at Caltech Jet Propulsion Laboratory Nasa's webb reveals long-studied star is actually twins link opens in a new tab. Webb’s Mid-Infrared Instrument also revealed jets of gas flowing into space from the twin stars. Centers & Institutes Students & Faculty Academic Divisions Alumna (BS '21) Nayla Abney Nayla Abney took a chance leaving New Jersey and the East Coast to come to Caltech. She helped launch the inaugural season for women's soccer at Caltech in 2017 and says the sport and the team teach lessons that help her in the classroom and on the field. The chemical engineering major is inspired by the researchers and professors on campus, and she is committed to building a legacy for other young women at Caltech. Alumnus (BS '20) David Ignacio Fager For as long as he can remember, David Ignacio Fager has adored mathematics. In high school, he lived for Mu Alpha Theta competitions and skipped ahead in math textbooks the way impatient readers sometimes peek at the last page of a mystery novel. Then came freshman year of college, and Caltech’s social science core introduced him to a new love: economics. Bren Professor of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Biology Ralph Adolphs Since his years as a Caltech graduate student, Ralph Adolphs (PhD ’93) has wanted to learn how the biological brain produces the intangible mind, what the mind’s basic elements are, and how the two influence each other. Assistant Professor of Planetary Science Katherine de Kleer Katherine de Kleer uses a diverse range of telescopes to observe planets and their moons at radio, infrared, and optical wavelengths. Her innovative approaches for studying this wide swath of frequencies have helped shed light on the seasonal evolution of planetary atmospheres. Connect With Us Stay up to date on the latest from Caltech. Get the latest news from the Caltech website delivered to your email inbox. #Caltech2024 Caltech's Commitment to an Inclusive Environment What is a PhD? Written by Mark Bennett A PhD is a doctoral research degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. The degree normally takes between three and four years of full-time work towards a thesis offering an original contribution to your subject. This page explains what a PhD is, what it involves and what you need to know if you’re considering applying for a PhD research project , or enrolling on a doctoral programme . The meaning of a PhD The PhD can take on something of a mythic status. Are they only for geniuses? Do you have to discover something incredible? Does the qualification make you an academic? And are higher research degrees just for people who want to be academics? Even the full title, ‘Doctor of Philosophy’, has a somewhat mysterious ring to it. Do you become a doctor? Yes, but not that kind of doctor. Do you have to study Philosophy? No (not unless you want to) . So, before going any further, let's explain what the term 'PhD' actually means and what defines a doctorate. What does PhD stand for? PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is one of the highest level academic degrees that can be awarded. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor. Traditionally the term ‘philosophy’ does not refer to the subject but its original Greek meaning which roughly translates to ‘lover of wisdom’. What is a doctorate? A doctorate is any qualification that awards a doctoral degree. In order to qualify for one you need to produce advanced work that makes a significant new contribution to knowledge in your field. Doing so earns you the title 'Doctor' – hence the name. So, is a PhD different to a doctorate? No. A PhD is a type of doctorate . The PhD is the most common type of doctorate and is awarded in almost all subjects at universities around the world. Other doctorates tend to be more specialised or for more practical and professional projects. Essentially, all PhDs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs. Do you need a Masters to get a PhD? Not necessarily. It's common for students in Arts and the Humanities to complete an MA (Master of Arts) before starting a PhD in order to acquire research experience and techniques. Students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) don't always need an MS/MSc (Master of Science) to do a PhD as you'll gain training in lab techniques and other skills during your undergraduate degree. Whether a Masters is a requirement for a PhD also varies by country. Australian PhDs may require a Masters as the equivalent of their own 'honours year' (where students work on research). US PhD programmes often include a Masters. We have a whole guide dedicated to helping you decide whether a PhD without a Masters is the right route for you. The origin of the PhD Despite its name, the PhD isn't actually an Ancient Greek degree. Instead it's a much more recent development. The PhD as we know it was developed in nineteenth-century Germany, alongside the modern research university. Higher education had traditionally focussed on mastery of an existing body of scholarship and the highest academic rank available was, appropriately enough, a Masters degree. As the focus shifted more onto the production of new knowledge and ideas, the PhD degree was brought in to recognise those who demonstrated the necessary skills and expertise. The PhD process – what's required to get a PhD? The typical length of a PhD is three to four years full-time, or five to six years part-time. Unlike most Masters courses (or all undergraduate programmes), a PhD is a pure research degree. But that doesn’t mean you’ll just spend years locked away in a library or laboratory. In fact, the modern PhD is a diverse and varied qualification with many different components. Whereas the second or third year of a taught degree look quite a lot like the first (with more modules and coursework at a higher level) a PhD moves through a series of stages. A typical PhD normally involves: Carrying out a literature review (a survey of current scholarship in your field). Conducting original research and collecting your results . Producing a thesis that presents your conclusions. Writing up your thesis and submitting it as a dissertation . Defending your thesis in an oral viva voce exam. These stages vary a little between subjects and universities, but they tend to fall into the same sequence over the three years of a typical full-time PhD. The first year of a PhD The beginning of a PhD is all about finding your feet as a researcher and getting a solid grounding in the current scholarship that relates to your topic. You’ll have initial meetings with your supervisor and discuss a plan of action based on your research proposal. The first step in this will almost certainly be carrying out your literature review . With the guidance of your supervisor you’ll begin surveying and evaluating existing scholarship. This will help situate your research and ensure your work is original. Your literature review will provide a logical jumping off point for the beginning of your own research and the gathering of results . This could involve designing and implementing experiments, or getting stuck into a pile of primary sources. The year may end with an MPhil upgrade . This occurs when PhD students are initially registered for an MPhil degree and then ‘upgraded’ to PhD candidates upon making sufficient progress. You’ll submit material from your literature review, or a draft of your research findings and discuss these with members of your department in an upgrade exam . All being well, you’ll then continue with your research as a PhD student. PhDs in other countries The information on the page is based on the UK. Most countries follow a similar format, but there are some differences. In the USA , for example, PhD students complete reading assignments and examinations before beginning their research. You can find out more in our guides to PhD study around the world . The second year of a PhD Your second year will probably be when you do most of your core research. The process for this will vary depending on your field, but your main focus will be on gathering results from experiments, archival research, surveys or other means. As your research develops, so will the thesis (or argument) you base upon it. You may even begin writing up chapters or other pieces that will eventually form part of your dissertation . You’ll still be having regular meetings with your supervisor. They’ll check your progress, provide feedback on your ideas and probably read any drafts your produce. The second year is also an important stage for your development as a scholar. You’ll be well versed in current research and have begun to collect some important data or develop insights of your own. But you won’t yet be faced with the demanding and time-intensive task of finalising your dissertation. So, this part of your PhD is a perfect time to think about presenting your work at academic conferences , gaining teaching experience or perhaps even selecting some material for publication in an academic journal. You can read more about these kinds of activities below. The third year of a PhD The third year of a PhD is sometimes referred to as the writing up phase. Traditionally, this is the final part of your doctorate, during which your main task will be pulling together your results and honing your thesis into a dissertation . In reality, it’s not always as simple as that. It’s not uncommon for final year PhD students to still be fine-tuning experiments, collecting results or chasing up a few extra sources. This is particularly likely if you spend part of your second year focussing on professional development. In fact, some students actually take all or part of a fourth year to finalise their dissertation. Whether you are able to do this will depend on the terms of your enrolment – and perhaps your PhD funding . Eventually though, you are going to be faced with writing up your thesis and submitting your dissertation. Your supervisor will be very involved in this process. They’ll read through your final draft and let you know when they think your PhD is ready for submission. All that’s left then is your final viva voce oral exam. This is a formal discussion and defence of your thesis involving at least one internal and external examiner. It’s normally the only assessment procedure for a PhD. Once you’ve passed, you’ve done it! Looking for more information about the stages of a PhD? How do you go about completing a literature review? What's it like to do PhD research? And what actually happens at an MPhil upgrade? You can find out more in our detailed guide to the PhD journey . Doing a PhD – what's it actually like? You can think of the ‘stages’ outlined above as the basic ‘roadmap’ for a PhD, but the actual ‘journey’ you’ll take as a research student involves a lot of other sights, a few optional destinations and at least one very important fellow passenger. Carrying out research Unsurprisingly, you’ll spend most of your time as a PhD researcher… researching your PhD. But this can involve a surprisingly wide range of activities. The classic image of a student working away in the lab, or sitting with a pile of books in the library is true some of the time – particularly when you’re monitoring experiments or conducting your literature review. Your PhD can take you much further afield though. You may find yourself visiting archives or facilities to examine their data or look at rare source materials. You could even have the opportunity to spend an extended period ‘in residence’ at a research centre or other institution beyond your university. Research is also far from being a solitary activity. You’ll have regular discussions with your supervisor (see below) but you may also work with other students from time to time. This is particularly likely if you’re part of a larger laboratory or workshop group studying the same broad area. But it’s also common to collaborate with students whose projects are more individual. You might work on shorter projects of joint interest, or be part of teams organising events and presentations. Many universities also run regular internal presentation and discussion groups – a perfect way to get to know other PhD students in your department and offer feedback on each other’s work in progress. Working with your supervisor All PhD projects are completed with the guidance of at least one academic supervisor . They will be your main point of contact and support throughout the PhD. Your supervisor will be an expert in your general area of research, but they won’t have researched on your exact topic before (if they had, your project wouldn’t be original enough for a PhD). As such, it’s better to think of your supervisor as a mentor, rather than a teacher. As a PhD student you’re now an independent and original scholar, pushing the boundaries of your field beyond what is currently known (and taught) about it. You’re doing all of this for the first time, of course. But your supervisor isn’t. They’ll know what’s involved in managing an advanced research project over three years (or more). They’ll know how best to succeed, but they’ll also know what can go wrong and how to spot the warning signs before it does. Perhaps most importantly, they’ll be someone with the time and expertise to listen to your ideas and help provide feedback and encouragement as you develop your thesis. Exact supervision arrangements vary between universities and between projects: In Science and Technology projects it’s common for a supervisor to be the lead investigator on a wider research project, with responsibility for a laboratory or workshop that includes several PhD students and other researchers. In Arts and Humanities subjects, a supervisor’s research is more separate from their students’. They may supervise more than one PhD at a time, but each project is essentially separate. It’s also becoming increasingly common for PhD students to have two (or more) supervisors. The first is usually responsible for guiding your academic research whilst the second is more concerned with the administration of your PhD – ensuring you complete any necessary training and stay on track with your project’s timetable. However you’re supervised, you’ll have regular meetings to discuss work and check your progress. Your supervisor will also provide feedback on work during your PhD and will play an important role as you near completion: reading your final dissertation draft, helping you select an external examiner and (hopefully) taking you out for a celebratory drink afterwards! Professional development, networking and communication Traditionally, the PhD has been viewed as a training process, preparing students for careers in academic research. As such, it often includes opportunities to pick up additional skills and experiences that are an important part of a scholarly CV. Academics don’t just do research after all. They also teach students, administrate departments – and supervise PhDs. The modern PhD is also viewed as a more flexible qualification. Not all doctoral graduates end up working in higher education. Many follow alternative careers that are either related to their subject of specialism or draw upon the advanced research skills their PhD has developed. PhD programmes have begun to reflect this. Many now emphasise transferrable skills or include specific training units designed to help students communicate and apply their research beyond the university. What all of this means is that very few PhD experiences are just about researching and writing up a thesis. The likelihood is that you’ll also do some (or all) of the following during your PhD: The work is usually paid and is increasingly accompanied by formal training and evaluation. Conference presentation As a PhD student you’ll be at the cutting edge of your field, doing original research and producing new results. This means that your work will be interest to other scholars and that your results could be worth presenting at academic conferences . Doing this is very worthwhile, whatever your career plans. You’ll develop transferrable skills in public speaking and presenting, gain feedback on your results and begin to be recognised as an expert in your area. Conferences are also great places to network with other students and academics. Publication As well as presenting your research, you may also have the opportunity to publish work in academic journals, books, or other media. This can be a challenging process. Your work will be judged according to the same high standards as any other scholar’s and will normally go through extensive peer review processes. But it’s also highly rewarding. Seeing your work ‘in print’ is an incredible validation of your PhD research and a definite boost to your academic CV. Public engagement and communication Academic work may be associated with the myth of the ‘ivory tower’ – an insular community of experts focussing on obscure topics of little interest outside the university. But this is far from the case. More and more emphasis is being placed on the ‘impact’ of research and its wider benefits to the public – with funding decisions being made accordingly. Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at public engagement as a PhD student. Universities are often involved in local events and initiatives to communicate the benefits of their research, ranging from workshops in local schools to public lectures and presentations. Some PhD programmes include structured training in order to help students with activities such as the above. Your supervisor may also be able to help by identifying suitable conferences and public engagement opportunities, or by involving you in appropriate university events and public engagement initiatives. These experiences will be an important part of your development as a researchers - and will enhance the value of your PhD regardless of your career plans. What is a PhD for – and who should study one? So, you know what a PhD actually is, what’s involved in completing one and what you might get up to whilst you do. That just leaves one final question: should you do a PhD? Unfortunately, it’s not a question we can answer for you. A PhD is difficult and uniquely challenging. It requires at least three years of hard work and dedication after you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree (and probably a Masters degree too). You’ll need to support yourself during those years and, whilst you will be building up an impressive set of skills, you won’t be directly progressing in a career. But a PhD is also immensely rewarding. It’s your chance to make a genuine contribution to the sum of human knowledge and produce work that other researchers can (and will) build on in future. However obscure your topic feels, there’s really no such thing as a useless PhD. A PhD is also something to be incredibly proud of. A proportionately tiny number of people go on to do academic work at this level. Whatever you end up doing after your doctorate you’ll have an impressive qualification – and a title to match. What’s more, non-academic careers and professions are increasingly recognising the unique skills and experience a PhD brings. Other PhDs - do degree titles matter? The PhD is the oldest and most common form of higher research degree, but a few alternatives are available. Some, such as the DPhil are essentially identical to a PhD. Others, such as the Professional Doctorate or DBA are slightly different. You can find out more in our guide to types of PhD . Is a PhD for me? There’s more advice on the value of a PhD – and good reasons for studying one – elsewhere in this section. But the following are some quick tips if you’re just beginning to consider a PhD. Speak to your lecturers / tutors The best people to ask about PhD study are people who’ve earned one. Ask staff at your current or previous university about their experience of doctoral research – what they enjoyed, what they didn’t and what their tips might be. If you’re considering a PhD for an academic career, ask about that too. Are job prospects good in your field? And what’s it really like to work at a university? Speak to current PhD students Want to know what it’s like studying a PhD right now? Or what it’s like doing research at a particular university? Ask someone who knows. Current PhD students were just like you a year or two ago and most will be happy to answer questions. If you can’t get in touch with any students ‘face to face’, pop over to the Postgraduate Forum – you’ll find plenty of students there who are happy to chat about postgraduate research. Take a look at advertised projects and programmes This may seem like a strange suggestion. After all, you’re only going to study one PhD, so what’s the point of reading about lots of others? Well, looking at the details of different PhD projects is a great way to get a general sense of what PhD research is like. You’ll see what different PhDs tend to have in common and what kinds of unique opportunity might be available to you. And, with thousands of PhDs in our database , you’re already in a great place to start. Read our other advice articles Finally, you can also check out some of the other advice on the FindAPhD website. We’ve looked at some good (and bad) reasons for studying a PhD as well as the value of a doctorate to different career paths. More generally, you can read our in-depth look at a typical PhD journey , or find out more about specific aspects of doctoral study such as working with a supervisor or writing your dissertation . We add new articles all the time – the best way to stay up to date is by signing up for our free PhD opportunity newsletter . Ready to find your PhD? Head on over to our PhD search listings to learn what opportunities are on offer within your discipline. Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice You may also like.... What happens during a typical PhD, and when? We've summarised the main milestones of a doctoral research journey. The PhD thesis is the most important part of a doctoral degree. This page will introduce you to what you need to know about the PhD dissertation. This page will give you an idea of what to expect from your routine as a PhD student, explaining how your daily life will look at you progress through a doctoral degree. Our guide tells you everything about the application process for studying a PhD in the USA. FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved. Unknown    ( change ) Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study? Select your nearest city You haven’t completed your profile yet. 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Create your FindAPhD account and sign up to our newsletter: Find out about funding opportunities and application tips Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest PhD news Hear about our upcoming study fairs Save your favourite projects, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates Create your account Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here . Accessibility Options: Skip to Content Skip to Search Skip to footer Office of Disability Services Request Assistance 305-284-2374 High Contrast School of Architecture College of Arts and Sciences Miami Herbert Business School School of Communication School of Education and Human Development College of Engineering School of Law Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science Miller School of Medicine Frost School of Music School of Nursing and Health Studies The Graduate School Division of Continuing and International Education People Search Class Search IT Help and Support Privacy Statement Student Life Main College College News Biomedical Engineering Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering Civil and Architectural Engineering Electrical and Computing Engineering Industrial Engineering Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department Clusters PhD Students Advisory Board Undergraduate One Year Master of Science in Software Engineering Software Engineering is concerned primarily with the systematic and disciplined approach to developing software systems. It requires the application of both computer engineering and computer science principles and practices to the creation, operation, and maintenance of software systems and applications. Software systems are becoming increasingly complex, and emerging technologies are pushing the boundaries of reusable components and software quality assurance. The growth of software use in all areas and aspects of everyday life has increased over the past decades and has now become an integral part of society. The reliance on software in critical areas including infrastructure, transportation, utilities, national security, and defense has resulted in the need for properly trained and motivated individuals. ACM along with IEEE, has also indicated in their Computing Curricula 2020 (Dec 31st. 2020), that there has also been a shift away from knowledge-based learning to competency-based learning. They define competency as a combination of Knowledge (know-what) + Skills (know-how) + Disposition (know-why). Apply Today    Contact Us The mission of the Software Engineering Masters Program is to produce graduates who have advanced competency in the design of reliable, trustworthy, secure, and usable software systems. – Nigel John Featured Links Program Overview Educational Objectives Student Learning Outcomes 1251 Memorial Drive McArthur Engineering Building Coral Gables , FL 33146 (305) 284-2404 (305) 284-2404 Academic Calendar Alumni & Friends Medical Center Hurricane Sports Parking & Transportation social-facebook social-twitter social-youtube social-instagram Copyright: 2024 University of Miami. All Rights Reserved. Emergency Information Privacy Statement & Legal Notices Individuals with disabilities who experience any technology-based barriers accessing the University’s websites or services can visit the Office of Workplace Equity and Inclusion . Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biostatistics Environmental Health and Engineering Epidemiology Health Policy and Management Health, Behavior and Society International Health Mental Health Molecular Microbiology and Immunology Population, Family and Reproductive Health Program Finder Admissions Services Course Directory Academic Calendar Hybrid Campus Lecture Series Convocation Strategy and Development Implementation and Impact Integrity and Oversight In the School In the Field In Baltimore Resources for Practitioners Articles & News Releases In The News Statements & Announcements At a Glance Student Life Strategic Priorities Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE) What is Public Health? Upcoming Application Deadline: July 1 The July 1 application deadline includes the online/part-time MPH program (November 2024 start in Barcelona or January 2025 start) and the Master of Applied Science (MAS) programs. Our MAS programs prepare students to enter emergent industry sectors in need of public health experts. Apply today and join us at the #1 school of public health. All supporting documents must be submitted by July 15. VIEW APPLICATION DEADLINES APPLY CONTACT ADMISSIONS The Rise of Colorectal Cancers Among Younger People Colorectal cancer diagnoses are rising in people under age 50. What’s behind this increase? Bloomberg American Health Initiative Announces Eighth Cohort of Bloomberg Fellows The Bloomberg American Health Initiative awards sixty individuals full scholarships to the Bloomberg School to address pressing public health challenges in the U.S. The Threat to Abortion Rights You Haven’t Heard Of A century-old “zombie law” could usher in a nationwide abortion ban. What to Know About COVID FLiRT Variants A new family of COVID variants are becoming dominant in the U.S. at a crucial time for vaccine decision-making. A Bold New Goal: Reduce Gun Violence 30% by 2030 The Center for Gun Violence Solutions has a new goal to reduce gun violence 30% by 2030. Understanding Sleep, Activity, and Circadian Rhythms in Major Depressive Disorder A new study shows the importance of looking at a person’s 24-hour behaviors comprehensively, and what that could mean for the prevention and treatment of depression. Subscribe to Stay Informed Connect with us, our academic program offerings. Our programs welcome those from within and outside the traditional boundaries of public health. Whether you're a future college graduate, a midcareer public health leader, or someone looking to make a career change, we have a program for you. Registration Now Open for the 2024 Summer Institutes Designed for busy working professionals and students, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Summer Institutes allow you to complete credit or non-credit courses in a short period of time. With over 100 courses available, there is sure to be a course for everyone. LEARN MORE REGISTER   Master of Public Health (MPH) The Master of Public Health (MPH) is our most flexible degree. With 12 concentrations to choose from, students can tailor their degree to their unique goals while completing classes at their own pace on campus, fully online, or a mix of the two. We are accepting applications for the online/part-time format starting in November 2024 or January 2025. Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) The Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) is a professional degree alternative to the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree for students who want more focused skills in a specific field of public health or who lack two years of health-related work experience to begin or advance a career as a public health professional. MSPH programs generally require one academic year of coursework, followed by a field placement. The field placement duration and location vary by department/concentration. Why Choose the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health? Ranked by U.S. News & World Report since 1994 and Largest School of Public Health Courses Offered Research Centers and Institutes Alumni Living in over 160 Countries Degree Programs Certificate Programs Student-to-Primary-Faculty Ratio Our Departments Meet our faculty. Our faculty are world-renowned experts, and trusted advisers to our students, public health leaders, and the public. Kellogg J. Schwab Kellogg Schwab, PhD, integrates engineering, public health, and human behavior by researching water and wastewater contaminants of public health concern. Maria Deloria Knoll Maria Deloria Knoll, PhD ’00, is an epidemiologist who conducts policy-driven studies and evidence synthesis evaluating vaccine performace and vaccine-preventable diseases. Amrita Rao, PhD ’22, ScM '16, works to understand and address the HIV prevention and treatment needs of historically marginalized populations, including sexual and gender minorities and female sex workers. Subhra Chakraborty Subhra Chakraborty, PhD, MPH ’13, MSc, leads research to eliminate mortality and reduce morbidity due to infectious diseases by using improved diagnostics, epidemiology, and vaccines. Join Us in Baltimore Pursue a degree at the #1 school of public health in one of America's best cities. With 50+ museums, a bustling restaurant scene, gorgeous parks, and more, Baltimore is a great place to study and live. LEARN ABOUT BALTIMORE   Support Our Work Our work is made possible in part by contributions from Bloomberg School donors. 298 IMAGES Materials Science Ph.D. Materials Science, PhD Materials Science and Engineering, PhD best material science phd programs materials science phd programs ranking Sample SOP for PHD in Material Sciences, USA VIDEO 【留美理工科博士都在哪就业】盘点身边100位各专业PhD的去向 MS/PhD Admissions and Scholarships in US Meet Marta: Our Materials Science PhD Student Specialty "132 Materials Science and Engineering Meet our Materials Science PhD Students: Marta COMMENTS Materials Science in United States: 2024 PhD's Guide The doctoral Materials Science and Engineering degree at Carnegie Mellon University emphasizes the... Carnegie Mellon University. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Materials Science. At the University of Alabama Huntsville, we offer our graduate students a phd degree in Materials... University of Alabama Huntsville. Top Materials Science Universities in United States France. Germany. India. Italy. Japan. Netherlands. See the US News rankings for Materials Science among the top universities in United States. Compare the academic programs at the world's best ... Doctoral Program 3 Materials Science and Engineering PhD students are required to take MATSCI 230 Materials Science Colloquium during each quarter of their first year. Attendance is required, roll is taken and more than two absences result in an automatic "No Pass" grade. 4 Research units will very likely equal or exceed 75, so other courses may count here. Best Materials Engineering Programs Here are the Best Materials Engineering Programs. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Northwestern University (McCormick) Stanford University. University of California, Berkeley. University of ... Graduate Program Interdisciplinary Graduate Programs. DMSE doctoral students can pursue three interdepartmental doctoral programs involving academic training and requirements outside the department, in archaeology, polymers and soft matter, and computational science and engineering. There's also a master's program in technology and policy. Doctoral Degree and Requirements Doctoral Degree and Requirements. The doctoral program in DMSE provides an advanced educational experience that is versatile, intellectually challenging, and of enduring value for high-level careers in materials science and engineering. It develops students' ability, confidence, and originality to grasp and solve challenging problems ... Materials Science and Engineering (PhD) The PhD program in materials science and engineering was the first in the world and is internationally renowned for the excellence of its graduates. To pursue a broad range of research, we actively seek students with diverse backgrounds and undergraduate training, including physicists, chemists, and engineers from other disciplines. PhD Program Requirements and additional information on our PhD program in materials science and engineering. 1. Coursework. 2. Three advanced (600-level or higher) elective courses. 3. WSE Coursework. 4. Teaching Assistant Requirement. Materials Science and Engineering, PhD The PhD program in materials science and engineering draws upon a fundamental base of knowledge, with underpinnings in physics, chemistry and engineering. The program extends that knowledge to address a broad range of materials-driven challenges, such as energy efficiency, sustainability, functional nanostructures, electronic materials ... PhD in Materials Science and Engineering Both in research and in curriculum, the Drexel material science and engineering PhD program emphasizes a combination of fundamentals with topical specialization and interdisciplinary training. At least 90 credits are required for the PhD degree. You will choose a doctoral thesis topic after consultation with the faculty early in the program. DEGREE Materials Science and Engineering, PhD As a PhD student in materials science and engineering, you'll leverage advances in computational materials science; materials databases, data science, and machine learning; and high throughput materials synthesis and characterization to achieve true design of materials. And because materials research at UW-Madison crosses many departments ... Doctoral Degree (Ph.D.) Penn State's Intercollege Graduate Degree Program (IGDP) in Materials Science and Engineering offers Ph.D. students one-on-one mentorship by professors from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and many other departments in the College of Engineering and Eberly College of Science. Currently, more than 80 faculty members advise more than 180 Ph.D. students. Doctoral Program in Materials Science and Engineering Students who have already earned an MS degree should apply to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or the Doctor of Engineering Science (EngScD or DES) degree programs. Financial aid is available for students pursuing a doctorate. Fellowships, scholarships, teaching assistantships, and graduate research assistantships are awarded on a competitive basis. MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering The DMSE faculty is a group of accomplished researchers and educators who drive innovation. With expertise spanning areas such as nanotechnology, computational materials design, and microscopy, they are shaping the future of materials science and engineering. See All Faculty and Teaching Staff. Christopher Schuh. Materials Science & Engineering Graduate Programs Graduate Program Overview. Materials science and engineering is concerned with synthesis, processing, structure, and properties of metals, ceramics, polymers, and other materials, with emphasis on understanding and exploiting relationships among structure, properties, and applications requirements. Our graduate research programs encompass ... Materials Science and Engineering Doctoral Program We welcome applicants holding a master's degree in materials science and engineering (up to 30 credits can be transferred to Stevens' Ph.D. program). In exceptional cases, applicants who hold a bachelor's degree in materials science or a related field but also have a strong background in chemistry or physics may be considered. Doctoral Program in Materials Science The Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, which includes Petroleum Engineering, covers subject areas ranging from the study of advanced semiconductor materials and nanostructures, advanced ceramics and metal composites, biotechnology, advanced computation, membrane separations, reactor design, and oil and gas exploration. PhD programmes in Materials Science in United States This program at Washington State University offers a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering. Join us! Ph.D. / Full-time / On Campus. Washington State UniversityPullman, Washington, United States. Ranked top 2%. ... The PhD program in Materials Science at the University of Cincinnati comprises primarily the sub-fields of metals, polymers, and ... Materials Science & Engineering MS/PhD The Department of Materials Science and Engineering offers a five-year combined BS/MS program to our undergraduate student cohort. In this program, the existing four-year undergraduate program (BS) will be augmented with a fifth year of graduate study that provides a professionally-oriented component, preparing students for careers in ... Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering Degree The Materials Science and Engineering department offers Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Master of Science (M.S.), and Master of Engineering (MEng) degrees in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). The PhD program comprises primarily the sub-fields of metals, polymers, and ceramics, together with composites, electronic, photonic, bio and ... Materials science and engineering (MS, Online MS, and PhD) Materials science and engineering, PhD. Interdisciplinary in nature, the doctoral program addresses a broad range of materials-driven challenges, such as energy efficiency, sustainability, functional nanostructures, and more. The four required courses in core subjects are: Structure and properties of materials. Advanced thermodynamics. Materials Science and Engineering—MS, PhD Materials science and engineering focuses on the synthesis, processing, properties, and applications of engineering materials—from the production of primary metals to the development of microelectronic nanomaterials with novel properties. Michigan Tech granted its first PhD in Metallurgy in 1934 and remains a leader in research and graduate ... Top Materials Science Schools in the World France. Germany. India. Italy. Japan. Netherlands. See the US News rankings for the world's top universities in Materials Science. Compare the academic programs at the world's best universities. Program: Materials Science and Engineering (PhD) The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree requires 33 total credits (24 credit hours of course work and 9 credits of doctoral dissertation work on a research topic approved by the student's advisor). Students already holding a Masters degree from another program or university accepted to the Ph.D. program are required to complete 9 credits of doctoral dissertation and will have their previous ... Northwestern's McCormick School of Engineering Academics Overview Explore our degrees, programs, courses, and other enrichment opportunities.; All Areas of Study View a chart of all study areas cross-categorized by degree type.; Undergraduate Study Explore majors, minors, student groups, research, enrichment, and support opportunities. Plan your visit to campus and start your application. Graduate Study Explore our full-time and part-time ... Materials Today Materials Today is the flagship journal of the Materials Today family and is dedicated to covering the most innovative, cutting edge and influential work of broad interest to the materials science community.. Having established the journal as one of the most highly respected sources of news and reviews in materials science over the last two decades, Materials Today has expanded its scope to ... Home Then came freshman year of college, and Caltech's social science core introduced him to a new love: economics. Read more Bren Professor of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Biology Ralph Adolphs. Since his years as a Caltech graduate student, Ralph Adolphs (PhD '93) has wanted to learn how the biological brain produces the intangible mind, what ... Explained: What Is a PhD Degree? The second year of a PhD. Your second year will probably be when you do most of your core research. The process for this will vary depending on your field, but your main focus will be on gathering results from experiments, archival research, surveys or other means.. As your research develops, so will the thesis (or argument) you base upon it. You may even begin writing up chapters or other ... One Year Master of Science in Software Engineering Graduate ; One Year Master of Science in Software Engineering ; A A A. ... The mission of the Software Engineering Masters Program is to produce graduates who have advanced competency in the design of reliable, trustworthy, secure, and usable software systems. ... FL 33124 305-284-2211. Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering. 1251 ... Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health The July 1 application deadline includes the online/part-time MPH program (November 2024 start in Barcelona or January 2025 start) and the Master of Applied Science (MAS) programs. Our MAS programs prepare students to enter emergent industry sectors in need of public health experts. Apply today and join us at the #1 school of public health. essay homework paper phd project resume review speech study thesis