Program Overview

Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization (Ph.D.)

The Graduate College at Texas State University offers a Ph.D. program in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization. This program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in materials science and engineering, as well as the skills necessary for commercialization and entrepreneurial success.

Program Overview

The Ph.D. program in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization is a 51-credit-hour program that focuses on applied research, industrial outreach, and entrepreneurial training. The program is designed to provide students with a unique combination of skills, including a strong science and engineering background, as well as business and commercialization skills.

Course Work

The program requires 33 hours of coursework, 18 hours of dissertation, and a total of 51 hours. Students can also obtain a master's in business administration with an additional small amount of coursework. The curriculum includes:

• 33 hours of coursework
• 18 hours of dissertation
• Total of 51 hours
• Location: San Marcos

Alternatively, for applicants with a bachelor's degree only, the program requires:

• 36 hours of coursework
• 36 hours of dissertation
• Total of 72 hours
• Location: San Marcos

Program Details

Current students in the program are recognized with scholarships and fellowships, and have been successful in research and entrepreneurial competitions. Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue industrial positions and start their own companies.

Program Mission

The mission of the Ph.D. program in Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization is to train graduate scientists and engineers to perform interdisciplinary research while equipping them to emerge as effective entrepreneurial leaders in the advancement of 21st-century global discovery and innovation.

Career Options

Graduates of the program have gone on to pursue a variety of career options, including:

• Private sector science and technology positions
• Post-doctoral fellowships
• Faculty positions in academia
• Starting their own businesses based on technology developed during their studies

Program Faculty

The program faculty includes nationally funded and internationally known researchers who utilize unique state-of-the-art facilities. Many faculty members have industrial and commercialization experience, including management roles at large or small technology companies or defense laboratories.

Admission Requirements

The admission requirements for the program include:

• A completed online application
• A nonrefundable application fee of $55 (or $90 for international applicants)
• Official transcripts from all institutions where course credit was granted
• A minimum GPA of 3.3 (on a 4.0 scale) in all completed graduate coursework (or undergraduate coursework for applicants with a bachelor's degree only)
• GRE scores (general test only) are required for applicants with a GPA below 3.5
• Approved English proficiency exam scores (TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, Duolingo, or TOEFL Essentials) for international applicants
• Interviews with core doctoral faculty
• A resume/CV
• A statement of purpose outlining personal history and life goals relevant to obtaining a doctoral degree
• Three letters of recommendation evaluating skill and potential to be successful in the program

Application Deadlines

The application deadlines for the program are:

• Priority deadline: February 1 (for U.S. citizens and international applicants)
• Standard deadline: August 1 (for U.S. citizens) and June 1 (for international applicants)