Program Overview

Master of Science - Polymer and Fiber Engineering

Overview

The Master of Science in Polymer and Fiber Engineering is a graduate program that prepares students for careers in research and development, product development, process engineering, composite and polymer engineering, quality assurance engineering, technical services, and technical sales in the public and private sectors.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the program, applicants must:

• Hold a bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, materials engineering or science, polymer science, biochemistry, environmental science, industrial engineering, or equivalent from an institution of recognized standing.
• Submit transcripts as part of the application process.
• Take the GRE, or TOEFL for international applicants.
• Provide three letters of recommendation.

Program Requirements

To complete the program, students must:

• Complete a minimum of 30 credit hours of graduate (6000/7000/8000)-level coursework.
  • For the thesis option: a minimum of 21 credit hours, including PFEN 7990 Research and Thesis for 4 to 6 credit hours.
  • For the non-thesis option: a minimum of 36 credit hours, including 6 credit hours of PFEN 7980 Graduate Project. Students may take up to 12 credit hours of PFEN 7980.
• Pass a final, comprehensive written exam for the non-thesis option. Note that students enrolled in the Ph.D. program and acquiring an M.S. non-thesis may not use a portion of their Ph.D. research to satisfy this requirement.

Program Structure

Once admitted, students work with the graduate program officer to create a plan of study. The program offers both thesis and non-thesis options, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.

Research Areas

The program is supported by various research centers and institutes, including:

• Alabama Center for Paper and Bioresource Engineering
• Alabama Micro/Nano Science and Technology Center
• Auburn University Neuroimaging Center
• Center for Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Engineering
• Center for Bioenergy and Bioproducts
• Center for Microfibrous Materials
• Center for Polymers and Advanced Composites
• Highway Research Center
• Interdisciplinary Center for Advanced Manufacturing Systems
• Materials Research and Education Center (MREC)
• National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME)
• National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT)
• Human Systems Integration Center
• Thomas Walter Center
• Wireless Engineering Research Center

Institutes

The program is also affiliated with several institutes, including:

• Auburn University Applied Research Institute
• Auburn University Transportation Research Institute
• Electronics Packaging Research Institute
• McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the Master of Science in Polymer and Fiber Engineering are in high demand across a wide variety of industries, including but not limited to:

• Research and development
• Product development
• Process engineering
• Composite and polymer engineering
• Quality assurance engineering
• Technical services
• Technical sales
• Public and private sectors