Program Overview

Introduction to the Graduate Program in Materials Science

The graduate program in materials science at the California Institute of Technology is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the synthesis-structure-property relationships in various materials. The program aims to equip students with a detailed understanding of phenomena for at least one broad class of materials, including physical materials science, mechanical materials science, soft materials, or oxide materials science.

Aims and Scope of the Graduate Program

The graduate program in materials science is designed to give students an understanding of general phenomena in synthesis-structure-property relationships in all materials, plus a detailed understanding of phenomena for at least one broad class of materials. After completing the Ph.D. program, students have pursued careers in teaching and research at colleges and universities, in research for government and industry, in the operation and control of manufacturing processes, and in management and development positions in the materials industry.

Admission Criteria

Students may enter the graduate program in materials science with undergraduate preparation in physics, chemistry, engineering, or materials science. Students interested in terminating their graduate study at the master's level are not normally admitted. The qualifications of each applicant will be considered individually, and, after being enrolled, the student will arrange their course of study and research in consultation with members of the faculty and the materials science option representative.

Master's Degree

The degree of Master of Science in materials science is only awarded to students who do not already have an M.S. degree in Materials Science. The degree will be awarded upon request by students who have fulfilled the requirements. Only in exceptional cases is there admission to the M.S. program as the final degree objective.

Graduate Coursework

The graduate coursework for the Master's degree in materials science includes:

• Materials Science Core – 27 units
  1. MS 131, MS 132, MS 133
• Thermodynamics – 27 units
  1. APh/MS/ME 105 abc or (ChE/Ch 164, ChE/Ch 165 + APh/MS/ME 105 c)
• General Electives – 36 units
  • Students are required to take at least 9 units on a) Specific Materials and at least 9 units on b) Fundamentals of Materials Behavior.
    1. Specific Materials
    2. Choose from: APh 114 abc, Ch 120, Ch 121 ab, Ch/ChE 147, ChE/Ch/MS 113, ChE/Ch 148, Ge 114 ab, ME/MS/Ae/AM 224, MS/APh 162
    3. Fundamentals of Materials Behavior
    4. Choose from: Ae/Ge/ME 160 ab, Ae/AM/MS/ME 213, APh/Ph/MS 152, APh/Ph/Ae/MS 153, Ch 117, Ch 125 ab, GE 214, ME/MS/AM 221, MS/ME/MedE 116, MS 121, MS/APh 122, MS 125, MS 142, MS/APh 141, MS/APh 171, MS/APh 256, MS/ME 161, MS/ME 166, Ph 125 ab
• Mathematics – 18 units
  1. Choose from: ACM/IDS 104, ACM 100 ab, ACM/IDS 101 ab, ACM/EE 106 ab, CMS/ACM/IDS 107, MS/APh 141, Ph 129 ab
• Materials Research Lecture Seminar Series – 3 units
  1. MS 110 abc

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The doctoral program in materials science consists of a series of preparatory classes, followed by an oral candidacy exam, a written thesis, and a final oral thesis defense. The goals of this program are to develop excellence in a chosen field of specialization; to develop tools with which to assess problems outside the student's field of specialization; to develop sufficient strength in the physical sciences for self-education beyond formal training; and to cultivate the motivation and foresight to become a productive and influential leader.

Residency

A minimum of three academic years in residence as a graduate student are required by the Institute, and two or more additional years are usually needed for preparation of the thesis.

Language Requirement

There is no language requirement for the Ph.D. degree.

Minor

No minor is required for the Ph.D. degree. Students are, however, encouraged to take advanced courses appropriate to their particular interests.

Advising and Thesis Supervision

An interim adviser is appointed for each student upon admission to a graduate degree in materials science. The interim adviser will serve as the primary mentor until the student finds a research adviser. In the first year, each student must choose a research adviser who will have primary responsibility for supervising the student's course program and research.

Requirements for Candidacy for the Ph.D. Degree

To be recommended for candidacy for the Ph.D. degree in Materials Science, the student must:

1. Maintain a B– average for each term.
2. Complete the program listed under "Core Courses" above.
3. Pass an oral candidacy examination.
4. Complete a thesis describing original research in materials science or a related field.
5. Publicly defend their thesis work.

Ph.D. Thesis Requirements

The candidate is to provide a draft copy of the completed thesis to the members of the examining committee at least two weeks before the final oral examination.

Ph.D. Final Examination

The candidate is required to take a final oral examination covering the doctoral thesis and its significance in and relation to materials science.

MS Subject Minor

Graduate students majoring in another option at the Institute may elect a subject minor in materials science. They must obtain approval from the materials science option representative for a course of study containing at least 45 units of advanced courses with a grade of C or higher. Normally, a member of the materials science faculty will participate in the candidacy examination in the student's major department.

• Students cannot use courses required by their major option in fulfillment of this requirement.
• Students interested in a minor must receive prior approval from the option representative in materials science, who will review and approve the proposed course of study.
• It is recommended that this course of study include advanced courses spanning different subfields of materials science.