Materials Science Program

The Materials Science Graduate Program addresses several areas of materials science research, including: alloy science, biomaterials, corrosion science, crystal science, dental materials, metallurgy, and polymer science. Students who find that the Materials Science & Engineering or Polymer Program do not meet their need can consider a position with the Materials Science Program.

Quick Facts


Admissions to the Materials Science Program

Support from a UConn Institute of Materials Science (IMS) faculty member is required for students seeking a position in the Materials Science Graduate Program. Written confirmation from an IMS faculty member must be submitted to the program prior to the application process.  Afterwards, an application to University of Connecticut Graduate School must be completed by the student with Materials Science listed as the intended program.

Admission to the Program requires:

  1. An undergraduate degree in the sciences.
  2. Written confirmation from your prospective advisor supporting your application. Please send directly to program.
  3. Completed Application:  https://grad.uconn.edu/admissions/apply-to-uconn/
    Please indicate Natural Sciences as your Program Area and Materials Science (M.S. or Ph.D.)  as your Field of Study
  4. Transcripts from all colleges or universities attended, regardless of whether or not a degree was received.
  5. Three recommendation letters are required. They can be submitted to Graduate Admissions or directly to the program.
  6. Applicants who are not native speakers of English must complete a proficiency exam. Details can be found at the Graduate School site.
  7. Personal statement
  8. Scientific writings
  9. CV/Résumé

     

    Materials Science M.S. and Ph.D. Degree Requirements

    M.S. Program:

    The Masters of Science degree in Materials Science program normally requires 30 credits.  While it is possible to complete the M.S. degree within a year, most students will need 3–4 semesters.  The core courses of the program cover courses concerning synthesis, characterization, and applications of materials.  The plan of study for the MS degree may be formulated with related work in almost any area, e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Business, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects done by members of the department. There are no additional formal requirements for the specific areas of concentration listed above.

    Degree Requirements:  There are no specific required courses. All students must choose an advisory committee that must approve all courses for their Materials Science degree. Typical courses are any of the 5000 series courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Business, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.  The final requirement is passing the Master’s Exam which has two parts. One is a written test concerning basic understanding of course materials. The second requirement is a final oral exam which includes course work, and any research done by the student. For a course work Master’s degree there is no thesis requirement. For a research based Master’s degree, there is a requirement of a Master’s thesis. All students are encouraged to follow the research degree route.

    Note: In order to be considered for a possible switch to the Ph.D. program or for financial support, a student with an MS degree in Materials Science or someone showing great promise during the M.S. program needs to apply to the Ph.D. Program.

    Ph.D. Program:

    The Ph.D. program emphasizes development of the ability to generate novel research results in Materials Science.  Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in any major, with an interest in Materials Science are encouraged to apply.  The course work typically consists of at least 10 graduate level courses that cover a wide range of topics, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Business, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.  After completing the necessary course work and a sequence of examinations, a Ph.D. candidate must complete a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field of Materials Science.

    Degree Requirements:

    The Ph.D. requires a minimum of 30 credits of content coursework beyond the baccalaureate, or no less than 15 credits of content coursework beyond the master’s degree. An individual plan of study is developed by the student and their Advisory Committee. Courses in the following departments are considered: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Economics, Business, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering.

    There are no specific required courses. In general, Ph.D. students must take graduate level courses that are approved by the major advisor of a student, as well as the student’s advisory committee. The materials science program has no requirement on foreign languages.

    The first formal requirement for the Ph.D. degree is passing the General Examination. The General Examination consists of a written exam which is an original proposal that is different than the dissertation, but may be related. If the student passes the written exam, they are then asked to prepare for an oral examination. The oral exam consists of any aspect of course work, the written exam questions, and the proposal, research progress, or combinations of these.

    The preparation of a dissertation then follows, where the student must present an original contribution to the general area of Material Science.  The final requirement is a defense of the Ph.D. dissertation before the Ph.D. advisory committee, students an anyone else interested in attending. The exam consists of a presentation by the student, questions of the students and audience, and then a closed session of questions from the Advisory Committee.

    Note: The Materials Science expects every Ph.D. student to strive to finish his or her study within 5 years. The Department may provide up to 5 years of financial support.

    For further questions please contact Osker Dahabsu at osker.dahabsu@uconn.edu.