Program Overview

PhD in Macromolecular Science and Engineering

The PhD program in Macromolecular Science and Engineering at Case Western Reserve University provides students with the opportunity to make breakthroughs in polymer synthesis, chemistry, physics, and engineering. With a deep connection to industry partners, the program offers cutting-edge research tied to real-world problems.

Program Overview

The program consists of 36 hours of coursework, including departmental core courses, and 18 credit hours of PhD thesis work. Students must also pass the research qualifying exam (oral proposal) and the written qualifying exam. For students entering the program with an MS degree, 18 credit hours of coursework are required.

Research Areas

The program focuses on various research areas, including:

• Advanced Composites
• Advanced Films and Packaging
• Biomaterials and Biomimetics
• Complex Fluids and Soft Matter
• Fire-safe Polymers
• Polymer-based Nanotechnology
• Polymer Structure and Properties
• Polymer Synthesis and Molecular Design
• REU Summer Research

Faculty and Research

Students work alongside field-leading faculty who publish a peer-reviewed paper approximately every three days. The faculty provides mentorship in research conception, methods, performance, and ethics, as well as help in building professional contacts.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the program are in demand, with the majority going on to careers at industry leaders such as IBM, Intel, Goodyear, and Procter & Gamble. Others join national laboratories and pursue careers in academia.

Degree Requirements

The program requires 36 hours of coursework, including departmental core courses, and 18 credit hours of PhD thesis work. Students must also pass the research qualifying exam (oral proposal) and the written qualifying exam. For students entering the program with an MS degree, 18 credit hours of coursework are required.

University and Department

The program is administered by the Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies. The Department of Macromolecular Science and Engineering is the nation's first stand-alone polymer department, providing a unique opportunity for students to focus on polymer science and engineering.