Graduate Program

The Master of Science programs require the completion of 16 credits of letter-graded course work with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better (30 total credits). The PhD. option requires the completion of 27 credits of letter-graded course work with an overall GPA of 3.0 or better (90 total credits).

Each student must choose a thesis adviser within three to six months of beginning the graduate program. By the end of the first semester in residence, students select a research adviser, and by the end of the first year must select an examining committee. This committee advises students and administers oral examinations.

Candidates for the M.S. program normally satisfy course requirements within one year of study. PhD. candidates typically take about two years to complete courses, leaving later years for full-time dissertation research.

At the beginning of the fifth semester of study, PhD students take a comprehensive written examination. All PhD. students are also required to defend an original written research proposal in order to be admitted to candidacy. The proposal topic must be approved by the student's advisory committee, which administers the oral exam. Following completion of dissertation research and the presentation of an acceptable written dissertation, the candidate defends before the advisory committee.

Our department is dedicated to bridging the gap between fundamental and applied research in Coatings and Polymeric Materials. Our research philosophy creates a unique atmosphere for cross-disciplinary collaboration, with active engagement in multi-disciplinary research activities alongside departments such as chemistry and engineering. Delve into advanced research with specialized training in areas such as colloidal and interfacial chemistry, polymer synthesis, adhesion, spectroscopy, rheology, nanomaterials design and synthesis, and surface chemistry. Benefit from the expertise of our Industrial Advisory Board, composed of leading industrial scientists and former graduates. Their insights provide valuable guidance and contribute to the ongoing development of our programs.