Doctoral Degree Requirements

The doctoral program in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering provides an advanced educational experience that is versatile, intellectually challenging, and of enduring value for high-level careers relating to the generation and application of knowledge concerning materials. The program develops ability, confidence, and originality to grasp and solve challenging problems involving materials.

The degree requirements include:

For students entering in Fall 2021 or later

  1. A four subject core curriculum
  2. Two seminar classes provided as an introduction to the department and research skills
  3. Three post-core restricted electives within materials science and engineering
  4. Minor subjects surrounding a topic based on a student’s interest outside materials science or related to the student’s thesis research
  5. A qualifying procedure to enroll as a doctoral candidate requiring a two-step process:
    1. A general examination consisting of a core curriculum assessment and review of research progress within the first year of the graduate program.
    2. A thesis area examination (TAE) that includes submission of a thesis proposal and an oral examination
  6. A PhD thesis including a public defense and submission of the dissertation

For students entering prior to Fall 2021

  1. A four subject core curriculum (based on versions of the subjects prior to Fall 2021)
  2. Three post-core restricted electives within materials science and engineering
  3. Minor subjects surrounding a topic based on a student’s interest outside materials science or related to the student’s thesis research
  4. A qualifying procedure to enroll as a doctoral candidate requiring a two-step process:
    1. A general examination consisting of a general written examination (GWE) that tested and integrated knowledge from the core subjects and a core curriculum assessment and review of research progress within the first year of the graduate program.
    2. A thesis area examination (TAE) that includes submission of a thesis proposal and an oral examination
  5. A PhD thesis including a public defense and submission of the dissertation