All students must meet the Requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy Degree
Overview
The Materials Science Ph.D. leads to a degree in 5 years. Students must engage in research and defend a dissertation. Successful completion of a comprehensive exam within the first 2 years of the program is required.
Specific Requirements
Requirements for Admission to Graduate Studies for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
An accredited master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry, metallurgy, engineering, mathematics, or materials science.
Minimum Degree Requirements
In addition to the above, the following are required:
- A minimum of 75 graduate credits including a minimum of 20 in dissertation research. An overall grade point average in graduate courses of 3.25 or better
- Completion of at least one 3-credit course in each of the following 5 categories:
- Solid state theory
- Quantum mechanics
- Applied mathematics
- Thermodynamics and kinetics
- Materials properties of solids
- Satisfactory completion of a Ph.D. dissertation including its defense at an oral examination
Comprehensive Examination
Full-time Materials Science Ph.D. candidates are required to pass a written Comprehensive (Qualifying) Exam with a score of 50% or better, no later than 4 semesters after joining the program. Failure to pass the test will result in dismissal from the program. The deadline for part-time students is the semester they complete 24 credits. All students (full and part-time) are allowed a maximum of 2 attempts to pass the exam. Offered annually, the three-hour exam requires students to solve a minimum of 4 problems that cover the following topics: quantum mechanics, mathematical physics, mechanical behavior of materials, thermal physics, solid state physics, advanced inorganic chemistry or equivalent core course requirements.
Requirements for Advancement to Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy
Successful completion of a comprehensive examination in Materials Science.