Program Overview

Materials Science - Ph.D.

Overview

The Materials Science Ph.D. program offers advanced coursework and research opportunities in materials science, preparing you for a career in academia or industry. With experienced faculty and access to state-of-the-art facilities, you will be equipped with the skills needed to make an impact in the field.

Admissions

• Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 2.750 GPA on a 4.000-point scale
• Official transcript(s)
• Goal statement
• Résumé or curriculum vitae
• Two letters of recommendation
• English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:
  • Minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score
  • Minimum 6.0 IELTS score
  • Minimum 50 PTE score
  • Minimum 100 DET score

GRE scores (general and subject test in physics or chemistry) are not required, but strongly recommended. Admission will be granted by examination of the student's background on an individual basis. Students from a variety of undergraduate majors—such as physics, chemistry, engineering and materials science—are invited to apply.

Coursework

• Major Requirements:
  • MTSC 72242: CHARACTERIZATION OF SOFT MATTER (3 credits)
  • MTSC 73000: PHYSICS OF SOFT MATTER (3 credits)
  • MTSC 73015: CHEMISTRY OF SOFT MATTER (3 credits)
  • MTSC 73020: APPLICATIONS OF SOFT MATTER (3 credits)
  • Approved Electives (18-48 credits)
• Culminating Requirement:
  • MTSC 80199: DISSERTATION I (30 credits)

Graduation Requirements

• Minimum Major GPA: 3.000
• Minimum Overall GPA: 3.000
• Candidacy Requirement: Pass the materials science candidacy examination, which includes a written exam and an oral exam.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Develop an advanced understanding of the fundamental science of liquid crystals and related advanced materials and ability to apply acquired knowledge of physical and chemical properties of soft materials and devices such as liquid crystals, polymers, colloids and active matter.
2. Gain experience in presenting scientific data in research publications, articles, posters and oral presentations.
3. Apply acquired knowledge to the discovery of new advanced materials and development of advanced materials-based devices and applications.

Full Description

The Ph.D. degree in Materials Science provides students with extensive scientific training, cutting-edge research opportunities and engineering skills necessary for a variety of careers in academy and industry. Program faculty and students conduct research through Kent State's participating departments and the Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute. Such research includes liquid crystal synthesis and molecular design; properties of liquid crystals and related advanced materials; lyotropic liquid crystals and bio-related materials, opto-electronics; and nanoscience and nanotechnologies. These important research foci are inherently interdisciplinary.