Polymer Science and Engineering PhD

Overview

The goal of the graduate program is to educate students on the theory and practice of polymer science and engineering. Our program teaches students how to approach and execute research projects in order to develop skills needed to conduct independent studies. This approach ensures you will receive valuable training for future careers in academia, commerce, or industry, especially in areas concerning the manufacture, process, develop, and use of polymeric materials.

The thrust of our program is to educate by active participation. Students engage in research under the guidance and supervision of a faculty member. In addition, students develop knowledge of the current state of polymer science and engineering through formal courses, seminars, colloquia, and formal presentations at national and international meetings.

Admission Requirements

The School of Polymer Science and Engineering does require the prospective student to submit a brief statement of purpose that details his or her reasons for pursing this degree, including ultimate career ambitions.

• Statement of Purpose-include research interests, experience, publications, and awards.
• Three Letters of Recommendation

See Academic Requirements and Procedures  for other requirements. 

Program Requirements and Academic Policies

In addition to the General Degree Requirements  and General Academic Information , the School of Polymer Science and Engineering

• Doctoral students may receive the M.S. in Polymer Science and Engineering en route to the Ph.D. on completion of all requirements for the Ph.D. The School of Polymer Science and Engineering does not support a non-thesis terminal M.S. degree. 
• All Ph.D. students must complete the safety course (PSE 510) in their first three semesters of enrollment. All graduate students must register for Polymer Science Seminar (PSE 789) after their first year of coursework for one credit hour each semester they are enrolled, or as advised by the Graduate Coordinator.
• The first 26 hours of graduate core courses in the regular PSE curriculum (PSE 701-702-703; 710-711-712; 720-721; 730-745) must be completed with no more than 2 grades lower than a B. Only one graduate level course may be retaken for GPA improvement, and students must indicate in writing which course is being retaken.
• Ph.D. students must complete 58 hours (including core courses, electives including at least two 800 level courses, research courses, and dissertation hours) with an overall graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher. For research credits, students should register for appropriate research hours in PSE 691 until they have been completed their oral comprehensive examination. Beyond this point, students should register for PSE 791.

Additional program requirements for graduation:

• Satisfactory development and presentation of an original Dissertation Research Prospectus in written and oral formats*
• Satisfactory completion of a written and oral Comprehensive Exams*
• Satisfactory completion and defense of a Dissertation*

*Satisfactory completion of these additional requirements is determined and approved by the student’s advisory committee. For details of these milestones please refer to the Graduate Student Handbook of the School of Polymer Science and Engineering.

Course Requirements (58 hours)

Course substitutions are considered on a case-by-case basis by the student’s committee chair, graduate coordinator, and School Director.

• PSE 510 - Safety Principles and Procedures in the Chemical Sciences 1 hr. *
• PSE 701 - Organic Polymer Chemistry I 3 hrs.
• PSE 702 - Organic Polymer Chemistry II 3 hrs.
• PSE 703 - Organic Polymer Chemistry III 3 hrs.
• PSE 710 - Polymer Physical Chemistry I: Solution Properties 3 hrs.
• PSE 711 - Polymer Physical Chemistry II: Characterization 3 hrs.
• PSE 712 - Polymer Physical Chemistry III: Solid State 3 hrs.
• PSE 720 - Polymer Techniques I 2 hrs.
• PSE 721 - Polymer Techniques II 2 hrs.
• PSE 730 - Polymer Rheology 2 hrs.
• PSE 745 - Introduction to Continuum Mechanics 2 hrs.
• PSE 789 - Polymer Science Seminar 1 hr. enrollment required each semester for full time students
• Electives (8 hrs. minimum); Electives are approved by the Committee Chair and Graduate Coordinator; at least two courses must be at the 800 level
• PSE 791 - Research Hrs. arr. 1-16 hrs. (14 hrs. minimum)
• PSE 898 - Dissertation 1-12 hrs.

• *Course required to safely work in a laboratory environment; not required for students who have prior credit for PSC or CHE 410/510.